Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading university in Canada with a worldwide reputation for academic excellence. Its innovative teaching style combines practical in-class learning with experiential learning opportunities and real-world experience outside the classroom. International students are central to the university's community, with more than 1,000 international students from over 80 countries enrolling each year.

The university offers over 80 undergraduate programs (both full-time and part-time) across 10 faculties at multiple campuses and locations, as well as online learning options. Prospective students who don't meet the English language proficiency requirements of their program can also attend the Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) Program. In the LEAF Program, students will strengthen their English-language skills as well as build the academic skills needed for success in university.

Due to its learning and community focuses, Laurier has been consistently ranked top in the country for student satisfaction, student life, extracurricular activities and residence living. As a result, Laurier graduates leave with the vital skills and experience they need for career success.

Laurier has vibrant, student-focused campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, and is developing a new campus in Milton. All of Laurier's campuses are located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, are within an hour's drive of each other, and are close to major Canadian cities as well as the United States. Additionally, students across all faculties can go on exchange trips to 24 countries worldwide.

With over student-led clubs and associations across Laurier's campuses, there are a variety of options for students to get involved based on programs, faculties, skills and interests.

Join us for Virtual Open House from Feb. 22 until the end of April. We're offering a ton of virtual events and on-demand content. Your faculty has a specific open house week, and then you can join in on other sessions during the other weeks. Bonus – our ''April Break Break'' features fun and interactive activities from April 12-17. Virtual Open House concludes with an international open house from April 19-23.

Laurier has recently announced its approach to the fall 2021 term, which includes plans for a return to campus and having all student residences operational. The health and safety of the Laurier community remains our top priority, and our planning will align with public health regulations.

• Read the full announcement about fall 2021
• Read the frequently asked questions about fall 2021

Laurier is continuing to host regular webinars just for international students, as well as regular virtual tours of our campuses in Waterloo and Brantford. If you miss any of the webinars, you can also watch the recordings. Laurier has also created a video playlist focusing on important information for international students, like student life, residence, learning at Laurier, admissions, finances, and more!

You can also download digital copies of Laurier's international student viewbook in English, Chinese and Spanish.

In the print version of the English international student viewbook, there is an error in the international admissions requirement section. On pages 24 to 26, the IB requirements column states that we do not accept SL Analysis and Approaches unless otherwise stated. The correct information is that we do not accept SL Applications and Interpretation unless otherwise stated. The university apologizes for this error. All versions of the digital international student viewbook have the correct international admissions requirement.

Laurier Scholars Program

Laurier has recently launched the prestigious Laurier Scholars Program, which offers high-achieving students a CAD$40,000 entrance scholarship as well as opportunities to engage in independent and collaborative projects that focus on experiential learning in academic development, career and leadership development, and community engagement. Successful students will also receive faculty mentorship throughout their degree studies, attend the Scholars' Colloquim, showcase their work at the annual Scholars' Conference, and, in their fourth year, provide mentorship to first-year scholars.

The scholarship is renewable for each year of undergraduate studies, provided students meet the renewal requirements.

International academic pathway partnership

The university has recently partnered with Navitas to develop Wilfrid Laurier International College (WLIC), which provides international students with a customized academic pathway into undergraduate studies at Laurier.

WLIC is located in Laurier's Brantford campus and offers pathways into undergraduate programs on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses.

New facilities

The One Market building on Brantford campus is currently being expanded. The new 8,000-square-foot space will include a student lounge, games area, large table games (ping-pong and pool), group workspaces, lockers, and a kitchenette.

New digital media qualification

From September 2021, students who study digital media and journalism will also take additional courses to earn a certificate in digital media production. Studied alongside the degree, this skills-based certificate will compromise of eight courses taken over four years. It will provide practical training that complement the theoretical elements of the course.

Fall Virtual Open House

Discover more about what Laurier has to offer with Virtual Open House events. The Brantford campus is hosting a day of virtual events on Saturday, Nov. 6, starting with an International Student Information Session. Then, on Saturday, Nov. 13, the Waterloo campus is hosting a day of virtual events, starting with an International Student Information Session. Other events on both days will focus on residence, admissions, financial aid and more.

Live and on-demand events will continue throughout November to give students more information on Laurier's programs and campuses. View the full schedule, including how to register.

Laurier's professors and course instructors are experts in their fields and were ranked #1 in the 2020 Maclean's University Rankings. All faculty and teaching staff at Laurier are also friendly and approachable to help ensure students always feel supported in their studies.

Laurier's excellence in teaching is evident in its approach to purposeful learning and providing students with the education and experience they need to succeed in all aspects of live. All programs at Laurier are designed to offer students opportunities for hands-on, real world experience, and to prioritise student engagement inside and outside of the classroom. Students will also have extensive research options with leading academics as well as a huge range of experiential learning opportunities.

Laurier stands out as a premier university due to its unique co-operative education platform, which offers paid, work-integrated learning coordinated by a dedicated co-op office, which provides support for students during this exciting process. Through co-op, students will alternate academic terms with on-the-job experiences at leading employers relevant to their field of study. Employers will assess student performance and offer guidance alongside the co-op co-ordinators, allowing students to develop career opportunities, excellent professional skills, and valuable networks and contacts. Graduates from Laurier are well-placed to become industry leaders and global academics.

One of the fastest-growing universities in Canada, and frequently rated one of its best, Laurier teaches a variety of subjects and has a range of learning opportunities.

Its teaching approach blends traditional education with innovative programs, mixing detailed classroom theory and real-world experience. There are also significant opportunities for students to conduct research alongside leading academics.

The university prioritizes student engagement both inside and outside the classroom, and Laurier is consistently highly ranked for student services and instructor quality (Maclean's University Rankings). The faculty are experts in their field, and many have been recognized nationally and internationally for their work and dedication. The expert professors are also incredibly supportive, and with a teacher to student ratio at 1:25, are easy to approach and seek guidance from.

Students can take on paid work during their studies through Laurier's extensive co-operative education program, which includes the largest business co-op program in Canada. Providing work-integrated learning opportunities, the program provides employment-related development opportunities, professional skills, and valuable networking opportunities. During their time in the program, students are further supported by the university's dedicated co-op office, as well as by the employers linked with the program.

The high teaching quality, accessible support and innovative learning all help students launch successful careers and become industry leaders upon graduation.

Further education

Laurier has recently launched a new section of their website that highlights further education through the university. The site allows users to sign up for non-credit courses, workshops and certificates that can be attained through the university.

In order to study at Laurier, students must demonstrate excellent English language proficiency, as all of the university's courses are taught in English. If English is not the student's first language, they will be required to provide sufficient evidence of their English language proficiency to the Recruitment and Admissions office. Proof of English proficiency is provided by submitting a minimum score on a test of English proficiency or completing the Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) Program. The LEAF Program is Laurier's academic English program for future students.

Students who don't meet Laurier's English proficiency requirements, but do meet the academic requirements, will receive a conditional offer of admission and the opportunity to complete the Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) Program. The student's English proficiency test score will determine the level of the LEAF Program in which they will start, and successfully completing the LEAF Program means the student has met Laurier's English proficiency requirements and can begin their undergraduate studies.

Undergraduate programs at Laurier have a range of academic entry requirements that are specific to the courses offered and the faculty through which it is delivered. Prospective students should check the relevant program pages on the Laurier website for further details on how to apply.

Laurier's individual undergraduate programs have specific academic entry requirements for its applicants. Prospective students need to check their specific discipline choice on the university's website for further details on how to apply. If international applicants require advice on their application, they can contact Laurier's international admissions office for support. Students can also request a one-on-one appointment with an international recruitment and admissions coordinator, who can answer questions and provide more information on admissions processes and requirements.

As all the courses are taught in English, all applicants must demonstrate excellent English language proficiency to study at Laurier. If English is not a student's first language, they will need to provide sufficient evidence of their English language proficiency to the university's Recruitment and Admission office.

Students who meet the academic requirements for their chosen program but not the English proficiency requirements will receive a conditional offer of admission. One way for students to provide proof of English proficiency and clear this condition on their offer is to study in the Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) Program. To register in the LEAF Program, students must submit their most recent score from an eligible test of English proficiency, which will determine the level they'll start in. In level 5 of the LEAF Program, students will complete a university-level course and receive credits towards their degree when they successfully complete the course.

Laurier offers both incoming and current students a variety of opportunities for funding, scholarships and awards. All students are encouraged to complete the online student profile, which gathers information related to the student's academic achievement, financial need and interests, which allows students to be considered for competitive scholarships, awards and bursaries. These funding opportunities are available in all years of study. Students receive access to online student profiles after they confirm their offer of admission.

New applicants to Laurier are also automatically assessed for entrance scholarships, which are based on students' final grades and are available to students in all programs. No additional application is required to be considered for entrance scholarships. Entrance scholarships are between $1,000 CAD and $4,000 CAD, depending on the program, faculty and campus of study. The $4,000 scholarships are renewable provided that the eligibility requirements are met annually by students. Upper-year students are automatically considered for in-course scholarships, which are based on the student's grade point average (GPA) and are valued between $500 CAD and $1,500 CAD annually.

Beginning in fall 2021, multiple $10,000 awards will be available to first-year undergraduate students. The scholarship is renewable, meaning recipients who maintain the eligibility requirements will receive $10,000 in each of their upper years of study. Laurier will invite students who meet the requirements to submit supplemental information to be considered for the scholarship. No separate application is required. Students are eligible to receive an entrance scholarship, as outlined in the entrance scholarship grid, as well as the $10,000 scholarship.

More information on the eligibility requirements will be available soon at Laurier's website.

International students who are eligible to work in Canada can also participate in the International Student Work Experience Program (ISWEP). Through ISWEP, students will work in part-time on-campus positions for a maximum of 50 hours each semester and earn money while also gaining valuable work experience. ISWEP positions are available on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses.

There are a variety of funding opportunities for both incoming and current students at the university. Further details on scholarships and bursaries including amount, application requirements and other conditions are all available on Laurier's website.

Laurier automatically assesses students for in-course scholarships across the upper years of the program of study. These are academically assessed, with student's grade point average (GPA) being considered. Those who receive this scholarship can be awarded between CAD 500 and CAD 1,500 annually. The university also offers entrance scholarships, which are also based on a student's grades and require no formal application either.

Students can also apply for competitive scholarships or awards at every year of study. To be considered for this type of financial aid, applicants need to complete an online profile which requires information on their academic achievements, financial needs, interests, and involvement in university activities.

There are also several scholarships and awards for international students specifically. This includes the annual Inspiring Lives Scholarship, which is given to international students who have demonstrated leadership and inspiration in their communities.

Studying at university can be a big challenge, so Laurier has put in place supports and services for international students to help them succeed in all aspects of university life. Laurier has dedicated staff to help international students with specific needs such as immigration and government regulations, career development and planning, well-being support and academic transition services. Students consistently highly rate the university for the quality of services they receive. In the 2020 Maclean's University Rankings, Laurier was rated the #1 Canadian university for student life staff.

Laurier is committed to making things as easy, enjoyable and stress-free as possible for all students who choose to study there. For international students, Laurier International is a dedicated resource on campus, with staff and volunteers who are specially trained to support students who are coming into a new and different learning environment. Laurier International offers the following services and support to all international students at Laurier:

• Pre-arrival communications and information
• Information on study permits, work permits and visas
• New student orientation
• Support understanding the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and how it applies to international students
• English-language and academic transition support
• International clubs, societies and associations
• Free access to culturally relevant well-being support, available in multiple languages
• General advising around health, wellbeing, culture and personal issues

Laurier's wider student support services also offer advice on health, safety and academic matters. The university's student services are available to help students during their entire time at Laurier, from application to graduation and beyond into their working lives.

Students have consistently rated the university highly for the quality of support services, which begins at their initial application and goes right into their careers as Laurier alumni.

Support is provided by a team of staff and student volunteers who been specially trained to support students who are coming into different learning environments than their own.

For international students, Laurier International can help on a variety of issues, including work permits, visas, preparation for arrival, getting used to life in Canada and adapting to the Canadian university experience. Laurier International also matches all first-year students with an upper-year student mentor, called an International Student Leader, who can provide information and advice from a student perspective.

To make things as simple, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible, Laurier's wider student support services also offer advice on health, safety and academic issues. This includes personalized and confidential mental wellness support, and online support in multiple languages. There are also licensed health care professionals on campus, including doctors nurses chiropractors physiotherapists and counsellors. The university also provides specialist programming to help improve aspects of health, including nutrition, exercise, and sleep.

The Career Centre provides students with expert career consultants who help them get started with their career, develop employable skills, and find tailored work experience. Students can also connect with a career consultant who specializes in supporting international students with their specific work and career development needs.

The university also hosts careers fairs, employer sessions and panel events to help students' network and establish what they want to do upon graduation. Laurier students can also attend for free the Partners 4 Employment career fair, which connects students with dozens of employers and is the largest career fair of its kind in Canada.

Laurier offers unparalleled career prospects and graduate outcomes to its students. In 2019, 94.5 percent of its international students were employed or pursuing further education within 12 months of study. To help students develop their career path, Laurier has career consultants who specialize in supporting international students, and all services offered through the Career Development Centre are available to students throughout their time at Laurier as well as after they graduate.

The university provides excellent opportunities to develop skills in entrepreneurship and social innovation through innovative courses, outstanding support services, vibrant student societies and high-impact curricular programs delivered through leading industry partners. The university was named an AshokaU Changemaker Campus in 2016, recognising its position as a world leader in training tomorrow's entrepreneurs and change-making professionals. The award also recognises the university's proud participation in a global network of institutions, which work together in making new discoveries and improving people's lives.

International students who study at Laurier are able to take on part-time work during their studies, enabling them to gain practical experience during their time at the university and maximise their employability and earning potential. This benefit isn't limited to the duration of study, as Laurier graduates are able to work in Canada for three years following graduation and are eligible to apply for citizenship following that. Better still, the International Student Work Experience Program helps international students find part-time on-campus work during their time at Laurier.

Student employment initiatives recognized

In 2021, Laurier was recognized as one of the top employers for young people in the nation (Canada's Top 100 Employers) for a second year in a row. Awarded for its recruitment and retainment success using mentorship and training, as well as flexible working and tuition support, Laurier is only one of two higher education institutions to have received this accolade.

In 2020, 94.9 percent of Laurier's international students were employed or pursuing further education within 12 months of graduation.

To provide beneficial student exchange programs, Laurier is partnered with 70 other institutions around the world. The university also holds over 800 events and workshops every year at its Career Centre to provide work opportunities for students.

Students can take on part-time work during their studies, adding practical experience and maximizing their employability and earning potential. This benefit isn't limited to the duration of study, as Laurier graduates are able to work in Canada for three years following graduation and are eligible to apply for citizenship following that. International Student Advisors can assist students and provide guidance with applying for a post-graduation work permit.

In addition to this, Laurier's International Student Work Experience Program finds and creates opportunities for international students, both on campus and online.

Helping graduates become successful leaders, the university provides opportunities for students to develop their skills and entrepreneurship. This is achieved through ground-breaking courses, outstanding support services, vibrant student societies and high-impact curricular programs delivered through leading industry partners.

The university has a strong reputation for being experts in training future entrepreneurs and change-making professionals and Laurier was named an AshokaU Changemaker Campus in 2016.