Programs and Pathways

The following programs and pathways are designed to help English language learners succeed in their development and meet English proficiency requirements for entry to degree programs at the University of Guelph.

Browse through this selection of programs and pathways to find the English language learning opportunity that best meets your academic goals. Students who complete any of the programs listed below will receive a Certificate of English Proficiency.*

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English Language Certificate Program

For students who do not meet the English proficiency requirements and want to focus on their English language skills.

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ELCP Advanced Short Program

For students who do not meet the English proficiency requirements and want to complete the certificate in 8 weeks.

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Integrated Admission Pathway

For students who have conditional admission to undergraduate studies and who do not meet the English proficiency requirements.

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Guaranteed Admission Pathway

For students who do not meet the University’s undergraduate admission requirements or the English proficiency requirements.

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Graduate Preparation Program

For students interested in graduate studies who do not meet the English proficiency requirements.

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Business English Program

For students who would like to develop their general English language skills for use in the Canadian business environment.

*Please note that the Business English Program does not lead to the Certificate of English Proficiency.


Certificate of English Proficiency

What is it?

The Certificate of English Proficiency meets the English language proficiency requirements for admission to undergraduate, graduate, and diploma programs at the University of Guelph and University of Guelph Humber.

The Certificate has been an accepted measure of English proficiency for more than 15 years. More than a thousand students have been awarded the Certificate. Many of these students have entered degree programs at the University of Guelph. Our research has shown that Certificate earners have a very high retention rate and degree completion rate at the University of Guelph.

What are the benefits of completing the Certificate?

Successful completion of the Certificate demonstrates an Advanced level of English proficiency. Students who complete the Certificate are able to:

  • Communicate effectively in the Canadian post-secondary environment, including academic and social contexts
  • Identify, summarize, paraphrase and synthesize information to produce academic essays and presentations
  • Apply academic integrity practices in assignments
  • Collaborate with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds
  • Organize and prioritize tasks to manage academic workloads

How can you achieve the Certificate?

The Certificate is offered in the above programs. Students who achieve an overall average of 75% with no course average below 70% in the Advanced Level in these programs will earn the Certificate of English Proficiency.