If you meet Waterloo's academic admission requirements, but don’t meet the English language requirement, you may be admitted to the Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program or the Intensive Bridge to Academic Success in English (iBASE) program.
The BASE program is intended for full-time, first-year students who are beginning university or college for the first time. If you are not a first-year undergraduate student, you can visit the English Language Institute for more program options to improve your English.
What will you do in BASE?
- Improve your reading, writing, and speaking skills with a focus on using English in a university setting.
- Take a credit course and begin earning your Waterloo degree right away.
- Have access to Waterloo workshops on research skills, career development, time management, and more.
- Use university support services, recreational facilities, and a public transit bus pass.
Hear what the BASE program is like for BASE students, the courses studied, the language and academic supports that are available, and the experiences students will have both inside and outside the classroom. If you cannot view the video on YouTube, you can also watch the video at this alternative link.
How long does it take to complete the BASE program?
BASE is offered in 3 formats:
- 1-term session, offered September to December.
- 2-term session, offered September to December and January to April.
- A 7-week Intensive Bridge to Academic Success in English (iBASE) beginning in mid-July.
What determines your BASE session?
The English language test you submitted to Waterloo and your academic program admission requirements will determine which BASE session you are eligible for. The session you qualify for will be on your offer of admission.
Once you have successfully completed BASE, you can begin studying full-time towards your degree. The undergraduate credit course(s) you take during BASE count toward your degree.
What are the benefits of BASE?
- Learn to succeed in a North American university environment.
- Get academic and social support to excel in your studies.
- Earn credit toward a Waterloo degree.
- Begin to build your professional and career skills.
- Make friends and experience Canadian culture.
Nick and Daria describe how BASE prepared them for their full-time degree studies and co-op work terms.