Academic Transition Pathway Program

Overview

The Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) program at Wilfrid Laurier International College is designed to provide you with the skills and support needed to excel in your chosen degree program at Wilfrid Laurier University.

ATP is for prospective students conditionally admitted to WLIC with a language proficiency requirement between the equivalents of IELTS 5.0 and IELTS 6.0.

This program serves as your bridge to academic success, helping you meet your language and academic goals. Operated by WLIC in Brantford, Ont., it offers a comprehensive pathway to ensure your readiness for the academic challenges ahead.

Program details

Duration

Two-Semester Pathway (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent): Students in this category will participate in a comprehensive two-semester program. Upon successful completion, they will be able to transfer 2.5 credits toward their degree program.
One-Semester Pathway (IELTS 5.5 – 6.0 or equivalent): Students with an IELTS score in this range will be part of a one-semester pathway. Upon completion, they can transfer 1.0 credit towards their degree program.

Start and end dates

ATP Fall Semester: Starts on Sept. 11, 2023, and ends on Dec. 8, 2023.
ATP Winter Semester: Begins on Jan. 8, 2024, and concludes on April 6, 2024.

Program costs

Two-Semester ATP (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent): The total cost for this pathway is $27,231.33 CAD, which includes tuition, student services fees, student card, and medical insurance.
One-Semester ATP (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent): The cost for this pathway is $13,541.50 CAD, covering tuition, student services fees, student card, and medical insurance.
One-Semester ATP (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent): For students in this category, the cost is $10,399.37 CAD, including tuition, student services fees, student card, and medical insurance.

The registration deadline for your first semester is Sept. 8, 2023. To register, please contact benjamin.collins@laurieric.ca, and we will provide you with registration and payment instructions.

Next steps

Visa and LOA Updates

Since your academic program start date will be delayed until after your successful completion of the ATP, you will be removed from any courses you’ve registered for the first semester. Please contact an academic advisor in your department during the first couple of weeks of your program to discuss creating your first-year course schedule for your Laurier start date.

Housing

If you were planning to study at Laurier’s Waterloo campus in the fall, you will need to make arrangements to study in Brantford for your ATP term. For relocation and housing support, please email laurierinternational@wlu.ca.

ATP Program Structure

WLIC offers a one-semester ATP Program with wrap-around support for academically admissible students with an IELTS score between 5.0 and 6.0 or the equivalent.

Upon completion, you can transfer up to 1.0 credits to Laurier or WLIC upon progression. The list of available courses will be reviewed and updated by WLIC before each academic year/each intake.

The ATP Program is delivered in a hybrid-flexible (“HyFlex”) format, combining in-person and online delivery, with three intakes per academic year (September, January, May) synchronized with both institutions’ intakes.

Course requirements

Students will have different course requirements based on their language proficiency:

Academically Admissible Students with a 5.0 IELTS

Semester 1:

ILS 101 – Integrated Learning Skills
ARWST – Academic Writing Skills Tutorial
STSKS – Study Skills
ILC – Introduction to Our Learning Community
2 x UTPII courses* (from WLIC calendar)

Semester 2:

ARWST – Academic Writing Skills Tutorial
STSKS – Study Skills
IUW 100 – Introduction to University Writing
3 x UTPII courses* (from WLIC calendar)
Academically Admissible Students with a 5.5 IELTS

Semester 1:

ILS 101 – Integrated Learning Skills
ARWST – Academic Writing Skills Tutorial
STSKS – Study Skills
ILC – Introduction to Our Learning Community
IUW 100 – Introduction to University Writing
2 x UTPII courses* (from WLIC calendar)
Academically Admissible Students with a 6.0 IELTS

Semester 1:

ILS 101 – Integrated Learning Skills
ARWST – Academic Writing Skills Tutorial
STSKS – Study Skills
IUW 100 – Introduction to University Writing
2 x UTPII courses* (from WLIC calendar)
UTPI courses may be preferred for certain students.

Should you have any further questions, please contact benjamin.collins@laurieric.ca.

Successful completion of the ATP Program meets the language proficiency condition stated in your Laurier letter of offer. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your designated program at Laurier without the need to retake an English proficiency test.

We look forward to helping you succeed on your academic journey at Wilfrid Laurier International College!