Pathway Programs

Students looking to study in Canada might consider enrolling in a pathway program. These preparatory programs are designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their main study program.

Overview
Types of Pathway Program
Pathway Programs and Study Permits
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Overview

Pathway programs typically include language courses that help students fulfill the language requirements for their main study program without needing to take a formal language test. These programs generally consist of two stages: the first stage, often the language course, is known as the “pathway program,” while the second stage, such as a college diploma or bachelor’s degree, is referred to as the “main study program.”

Types of Pathway Program

When an international student receives a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), the offer may sometimes be conditional on demonstrating language proficiency in English or French. In such cases, the student might first enroll in a language course as a pathway program, progressing to their main study program after completing the language course.

There are two types of language pathway programs:

1. Standard Pathway Program: This involves taking a language course aimed at preparing for recognized language tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL. The program often includes specific preparation sessions for these tests.

2. Seamless Pathway Program: In this arrangement, certain institutions have agreements with language schools that allow students to transition directly into their main study program after completing the language course, without needing recognized test scores.

Additionally, a student’s Letter of Acceptance may be contingent upon completing an academic upgrading course. This situation may arise if the student hasn’t fulfilled the prerequisite courses for their intended program or if their secondary education is not considered equivalent to Canadian standards. In such instances, the student would complete the upgrading course before moving on to the main study program.

Many colleges and universities maintain partnerships with language schools and other institutions to facilitate a smooth transition from the pathway program to the main program. Typically, the pathway program is taken at a different institution, although there are cases where both programs are offered at the same DLI.

Pathway Programs and Study Permits

If a pathway program exceeds six months, international students must apply for a Canadian study permit. Conversely, if the program is shorter than six months, a study permit is not needed. However, in both cases, students typically still require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. To determine if you need a TRV or eTA, you can check here.

Once the student has successfully completed the pathway program, they must apply for a new study permit to enroll in the main study program. This requirement applies to all students, regardless of the duration of the initial pathway program.

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Do you need help studying in Canada? THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION can assist you. With over 11 years of expertise in Canadian immigration, we’re here to support your journey.