Pathway to College in Canada

by Genevieve Carlton

Updated April 18, 2023 • 6 min read

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Whether you plan to study in English or French, a Canadian pathway program can help you acquire the language and study skills you need to succeed at university.

Pathway programs in Canada offer a route to permanent residency (PR) status and make it easier than ever to attend college as an international student.

Canadian pathway programs offer both English and French-language options to help students strengthen their English or French skills. These programs are ideal for international students who are considering pursuing a college degree in Canada, even if they're considering universities in Quebec and other Francophone parts of Canada.

In this guide, we'll look at the admission requirements, coursework, and program experience required for Canada's student pathway programs.

What Is a Canadian Pathway Program?

Canadian pathway programs are accelerated language programs that provide focused training for future Canadian college students. Pathway programs typically admit students from around the world who want to attend Canadian colleges and universities but need to improve their language skills.

Completing a pathway program typically takes 4-12 months, depending on the program. During that time, pathway students strengthen their language abilities and prepare to take college-level courses in their pathway language.

When a student completes a pathway program, they can either apply to other Canadian colleges or transfer into a degree-granting program at the same institution where they completed the pathway program. Completing a pathway program usually meets language proficiency requirements, so graduates do not need to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores or other language test scores to apply to Canadian colleges.

Are French- and English-Language Skills Required for Canadian Pathway Programs?

An incoming student typically needs at least intermediate language skills in English or French to join a pathway program. For example, students must have intermediate reading and writing skills in the chosen language in order to interact with the basic curriculum.

Pathway programs then build on this intermediate knowledge to prepare students for academic-level language requirements. English pathway programs prepare enrollees for English-language Canadian schools, while French pathway programs lead to French-language college study.

What Are Pathway Programs in Canada Like?

Student pathway programs in Canada build the language skills necessary for bachelor's-level coursework at Canadian colleges and universities. They target non-native speakers, providing focused, intensive language study to help them gain the skills they need to attend a Canadian school. By studying English or French in a pathway program, incoming students can demonstrate the language skills required for college.

This section details the Canadian pathway program experience, including common coursework requirements.

Canadian Pathway Program Experience

A pathway program operates like any language school, immersing students in the relevant language. For English-speaking parts of Canada, pathway programs focus on English for Academic Purposes (EAP), strengthening academic language skills. Programs in Quebec focus on French in a similar way.

Students complete coursework on an accelerated or regular schedule, with some programs offering a four-month pathway to college in Canada and others requiring one year. Depending on the program, students may live on campus or attend classes virtually.

Students who complete pathway programs can enroll as undergraduates at their pathway institutions or partner schools. Pathway graduates typically do not need English-language test scores to join bachelor's programs, as the program fulfills that need.

Canadian Pathway Program Coursework

Pathway program coursework focuses heavily on language skills. Learners strengthen their written, reading, and speaking skills by attending live sessions, participating in one-on-one coaching, and completing reading and writing assignments.

Some pathway programs also incorporate college preparatory coursework, including study skills courses or orientation classes for the associated college or university. For example, enrollees may learn about the library system, research support resources, and writing centers in their pathway programs.

What Does a Graduate Pathway Program in Canada Look Like?

Graduate-level pathway programs in Canada prepare incoming master's and doctoral students. Like undergraduate programs, they are designed for international students and help build language skills.

Also like an undergraduate pathway program, graduate-level students must meet minimum language requirements for admission to a graduate pathway program. Some programs offer seamless transfer into Canadian graduate programs, while others require additional applications.

Graduate Pathway Program Experience

International students who join graduate pathway programs in Canada may attend courses in the country or complete online courses from a distance. Most programs admit students from many different countries, creating a truly international experience.

Compared to an undergraduate pathway program, graduate pathway programs often feature more intensive curriculums. Students can complete these programs in as little as four months. Programs like the University of Montreal graduate pathway program build language skills through virtual and distance learning options, meeting language requirements for entry to master's programs at the university.

Graduate Pathway Program Coursework

During an intensive graduate pathway program, learners complete live lessons, self-directed exercises, and coaching sessions to strengthen their language skills. Coursework emphasizes key skills like academic reading, conducting research in English, and writing graduate-level research papers in English.

In addition to English language courses, programs may offer study skills courses or introductory courses for incoming students. For example, a university's graduate pathway program may explore the Canadian system of higher education and immigration rules. Some programs may even incorporate graduate courses, allowing enrollees to earn graduate credits while in their pathway programs.

What Are the General Admission Requirements for a Canadian Pathway Program?

Prospective pathway program students typically need to meet common admission requirements for postsecondary study. For example, they must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with courses in math, science, language arts, and social studies. Applicants may need to submit translated copies of their high school transcripts to meet prerequisite requirements.

Most pathway programs also require a minimum level of language proficiency, which they assess using test scores. After completing language courses, students either take a standardized English language exam or transfer into the college's program. Completing a pathway program demonstrates college-level language abilities.

What Does the Student Pathway Journey Look Like?

There are a few steps to the pathway program journey in Canada. First, applicants need to identify potential programs and submit their applications.

During the admissions process, prospective pathway students may also need to submit TOEFL or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. French-language pathway programs may require Test D'évaluation de Français (TEF) scores. Applicants must meet minimum language proficiency requirements to gain admission to these programs.

During a one-year pathway program, students strengthen their reading, comprehension, writing, and speaking skills in the relevant language. In some programs, enrollees complete the TOEFL, IELTS, or TEF at the end of their studies. In other programs, learners can transfer directly into colleges and universities without providing TOEFL, IELTS, or TEF scores, as the pathway program meets language requirements for college-level study.

Other English-Language Pathway Programs

There are a few steps to the pathway program journey in Canada. First, applicants need to identify potential programs and submit their applications.

In addition to student pathway options in Canada, English language-learners can also consider pathway programs in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. These programs build college-level English skills for international learners. Learn more about pathway programs offered in English-speaking countries around the world.

Pathway Programs Around the World

Frequently Asked Questions

Pathway programs in Canada offer language training and college preparatory coursework for international students considering colleges and universities in Canada. They are typically offered in English or French.

Canada offers a study-permit-to-permanent-resident (PR) pathway for international students. While studying in Canada, students can apply simultaneously for a Canada study permit and Canadian PR status, which is called "dual intent." For example, learners with Canadian work experience in a skilled occupation can receive PR through the Canadian Experience Class pathway.

A student who completes a one-year study program can apply for a postgraduate work permit and eventually receive permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class immigration pathway.

Header Image Credit: FatCamera | Getty Images

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