English for Academic Success (EFAS) with Graduate Studies Preparation

Students interested in applying to Graduate Studies, or who have been given a conditional offer from the University of Waterloo, are able to enroll in English for Academic Success (EFAS) program with an enrichment component in Graduate Studies Preparation. Designed for graduate students whose first language is not English, this program supports students as they improve their language and advance their knowledge of research skills. Students will acquire the academic competencies and confidence needed to fully participate and thrive in their graduate studies. At the end of the term, students will receive a transcript and a certificate of participation. The transcript will consist of final grades from the core EFAS courses and the final exam. Successful completion of EFAS level 400 (CEFR C1) satisfies the English language requirement for graduate studies at the University of Waterloo.

Students who participate in this program will:

focus on skills needed to improve their writing at the graduate level
sharpen their research skills
improve their oral fluency to communicate effectively with peers and supervisors
confidently deliver presentations on research material and/or topics related to their field of study
enhance their academic vocabulary
improve their overall English language proficiency
become familiar with the norms and expectations of Canadian academic culture

Additional program features

Review and proofread graduate admission applications
Support with adapting to academic life in Canada
Targeted support for writing and presenting at the graduate level
Mature student coffee chats
Individual check-in meetings
Social events and activities
Informative workshops in the areas of, but not limited to:
- developing self-directed learning strategies
- using the University of Waterloo library resources for research
- creating an effective LinkedIn social networking profile
- prioritizing and goal setting
- wellness
- life in Canada

If you’re a prospective graduate student, we can provide individual support in researching graduate programs and offer assistance in searching for a graduate supervisor at the University of Waterloo and other institutions.

Program levels and duration

The EFAS graduate studies enrichment component is available to students at EFAS level 300 and 400 or IELTS 6.0. Each level requires one term to complete. Students can register for one or multiple terms of EFAS.

Intakes

There are four intakes per year:

Fall term (September – December)
Winter term (January – April)
Spring term (May – June)
Summer intensive term (July – August)

EFAS level descriptions

Level 300 (high-intermediate, CEFR B2)

EFAS level 300 is for students who have successfully completed level 200, or whose language proficiency is at IELTS 6.0. This level is designed to support students as they improve their accuracy and fluency in English. Students will expand their language competence in the areas of vocabulary, critical thinking and research skills. Students in this level are able to select an enrichment component in either Graduate Studies Preparation or Vocabulary and Communication.

Level 400 (advanced, CEFR C1)

EFAS level 400 is designed for students who have successfully completed level 300, or whose language proficiency is at IELTS 6.5. Through active engagement with course readings and lecture material, students will sharpen their language and research skills, and develop an awareness of academic expectations at a Canadian university. Enrichment in either Graduate Studies Preparation or Vocabulary and Communication is available to students in this level. Students who successfully complete EFAS level 400 satisfy the English language requirement for the University of Waterloo.

Placement/diagnostic test

At the beginning of the term, new students will write a diagnostic placement to determine which level of EFAS is appropriate. For an idea of your level, you can complete the following free online test: https://www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/english-level-test.

Results of this test are simply to provide you with an indication of where you may place in EFAS. Your level will be determined by your results on the official placement test.

The chart below indicates the number of terms a student will need to complete the EFAS program at Level 400 (CEFR C1).

CEFR	EFAS Level	Number of terms needed to complete the EFAS program
B2	EFAS Level 300	2 terms needed to complete EFAS
C1	EFAS Level 400	1 term needed to complete EFAS

Meeting the University of Waterloo language requirements

EFAS Level	Language Requirement Satisfied
Level 200 or 300	Students who successfully complete EFAS level 200 or EFAS level 300 may be eligible for conditional admission to undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo through the Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program.
Level 300	Successful completion of EFAS level 300 satisfies the English language requirement for certain graduate studies programs. For more information, please visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.
Level 400	Students who successfully complete level 400 meet the language requirement for the University of Waterloo for both undergraduate and graduate studies. Students may also submit their EFAS transcript as proof of English language proficiency when applying for undergraduate studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and Ontario Tech University.

Sample class schedule

	*Monday*	*Tuesday*	*Wednesday*	*Thursday*	*Friday*
9:00 – 10:00 AM	Academic Reading and Listening	Academic Reading and Listening
10:00 – 11:00	Academic Reading and Listening	Academic Reading and Listening	Effective Writing and Research	Oral Communication Skills	Graduate Studies Preparation
11:00 – 12:00	Oral Communication Skills	Effective Writing and Research	Effective Writing and Research	Oral Communication Skills	Graduate Studies Preparation
12:00 – 1:00 PM	Lunch break
1:00 – 2:00	Effective Writing and Research	Oral Communication Skills	Graduate Studies Preparation	Academic Reading and Listening
2:00 – 3:00	Effective Writing and Research	Oral Communication Skills	Graduate Studies Preparation	Academic Reading and Listening

How to apply

To register in the EFAS program with the Graduate Studies Preparation enrichment component, students must follow the EFAS application process. Information on program dates, fees and application process can be found here.