Wilfrid Laurier University

English Proficiency Requirements

Laurier has added two additional ways for students to provide proof of English proficiency.

Duolingo is now an accepted test for proof of English proficiency for all upcoming terms at Laurier. The minimum score required is 115.

Laurier has also partnered with Kaplan International English School. Students who successfully complete Kaplan's Advanced Level (C1) will meet Laurier's English proficiency 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' Colloquium, 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.

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. And with 23 research centres and institutes at Laurier, 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.

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

Laurier's individual undergraduate programs have specific academic entry requirements for its applicants. Prospective students need to check their specific program 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.

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 1,500 annually. The university also offers entrance scholarships, which are 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 specifically for international students. This includes the annual Inspiring Lives Scholarship, which is given to international students who have demonstrated leadership and inspiration in their communities.

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's International Student Support (ISS) team 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. ISS 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.

Laurier has an extensive network of successful graduates, with over 105,000 alumni living in more than 100 countries around the world. Laurier's graduates find success in their careers as well as further education, with 93.3 per cent of 2021 international graduates securing employment or going to on postgraduate studies.

Preparing students for career success

To help international students gain valuable Canadian work experience, Laurier offers co-op in more than 50 undergraduate programs, and has the largest business degree co-op program in Canada. Students in co-op will get paid while working full time for 12 to 16 weeks during the co-op work term, which is alternated with academic terms. More than 1,000 employers recruit annually for more than 5,700 co-op jobs, providing students with a variety of opportunities.

Students can also work part-time during their studies, gaining practical experience while maximizing their employability and earning potential. Laurier's Career Centre provides specialized support just for international students to help them find part-time jobs while in school and full-time careers after graduation. And Laurier alumni have lifetime access to the services and support offered by the Career Centre.

International students can also participate in Laurier's International Student Work Experience Program (ISWEP), which finds and creates paid on-campus work opportunities for international students. This program is exclusive to international students.

All Laurier students can also attend the Parterns4Employment career fairs, which are held each term and are the largest of their kind in Canada.

Working in Canada after graduation

Laurier graduates who meet the eligibility requirements may be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit to work in Canada. Laurier's team of International Student Advisors can assist students and provide guidance with applying for the permit.