Pathway programs are preparatory courses that help international students meet the requirements for their main study program in Canada. These programs often take the form of language courses, allowing students to meet language requirements without taking a recognized language test. Pathway programs typically consist of two stages: the initial preparatory stage (pathway program) and the subsequent main study program (e.g., a college diploma or bachelor’s degree).
Types of Pathway Programs #
When an international student receives a conditional Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), they may need to complete a pathway program to meet language or academic requirements before starting their main study program. There are two main types of pathway programs for language courses:
- Standard Pathway Program:
- Students complete a language course to prepare for a recognized language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- These programs often include test preparation sessions.
- Seamless Pathway Program:
- Some institutions have agreements with language schools to accept students who have completed the language course without requiring recognized test results.
- This type of program allows for direct entry into the main study program upon completion of the language course.
Additionally, students may need to complete academic upgrading courses if their previous education does not meet Canadian standards or if they lack prerequisite courses for their main program. Universities and colleges often have agreements with language schools and other institutions to ensure a smooth transition between the pathway program and the main study program. While pathway programs are usually taken at different institutions, some DLIs offer both the pathway and main study programs.
Pathway Programs and Study Permits #
- Programs Over Six Months:
- Students must apply for a Canadian study permit.
- Programs Under Six Months:
- A study permit is not required, but students still need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
After successfully completing the pathway program, students must apply for a new study permit for the main study program, regardless of the pathway program’s length.
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