English for Success (EFS) Under-18

EFS Under-18 is designed for individuals who are:

• at a high-beginner to advanced English language level with an interest in developing cross-cultural communication skills
• interested in exploring popular Canadian tourist destinations while developing their English skills
• 15 - 17 years of age

The EFS Under-18 program includes:

• 25 hours of English language instruction per week
• multiple levels from high-beginner to advanced (class availability is dependent on enrolment)
• placement test on the first day of the program to determine a student’s language level
• conversation practice and cross-cultural activities with University of Waterloo students
• accommodation in an on-campus university residence
• trips to local attractions, including Toronto and Niagara Falls
• final achievement report (transcript)
• certificate from Renison English Language Institute at the University of Waterloo

The EFS program is recommended for students with a CEFR level ranging from A1 to B2+ (beginner to high-intermediate). EFS is recommended for up to two consecutive sessions.

As an EFS student, you will have the opportunity to visit some of Canada’s most popular attractions. This means you will get the opportunity to use your English outside of the classroom.  

You will be invited to events planned and attended by your peer leaders; a fantastic opportunity to practice your English, gain invaluable social skills, and have fun!

The EFS under-18 program is a short-term program with a 2-week and a 4-week option.

Class levels may be offered from high-beginner to advanced should student numbers permit. If student numbers permit, students will participate in a placement test at the beginning of the program to determine the class level that is best for building their English language skills.

NOTE: the schedule above is provided as a sample and is subject to change.

Our residences are centrally located on the University of Waterloo campus and fill up quickly. The campus is home to Canadian students 12 months of the year. Renison is known for its small, family-like community of students and faculty, making it an ideal place for international students to learn English.

On-campus residence

• Two-minute walk to the major student hubs on campus (e.g. Student Life Centre and Physical Activities Complex)
• Upper-year student leaders on each floor to help international students learn about life in Canada
• Organized activities available
• Wellness programming available exclusively to students living or studying at Renison

Food in residence

• Fill your plate up to six times per day at our cafeteria (your meal plan is included if you live in residence)
• Acknowledging the diverse student population at Renison, our food services team prides itself in offering a wide variety of cuisine from around the world, accommodating a host of dietary restrictions and allergies, and ensuring students have food options that feel like home
• “My Pantry” is a separate kitchen for residents who want to create their own culinary masterpieces. Ingredients are fully stocked by our cafeteria

Facilities

Stay active in our two major sports facilities

• Physical Activities Complex (PAC)
• Columbia Icefield (CIF)

With the purchase of a membership, you’ll have access to on campus sport facilities including gyms and a pool (subject to availability).

The University of Waterloo has a health care clinic on campus just two minutes from Renison. Health Services provides convenient, confidential and comprehensive medical care that is included as part of your fees.

Dates and fees

NOTE: Fees are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) and are subject to change at any time.

Program fees include the non-refundable application fee, tuition and incidental fees, mandatory health insurance, residence accommodation (including meal plan), social activities, and excursions. 

For more information about the 4-week fees, please download the 4-week program fees breakdown.

For more information about the 2-week fees, please download the 2-week program fees breakdown.

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) coverage must be purchased regardless of medical coverage from your home country. Dependents (spouse and/or children) must also be enrolled in UHIP upon arrival in Canada for an additional cost. UHIP fees are subject to change September 1 each year. Renison ELI staff will assist with your enrolment.

Not included in program fees: travel costs and airport transfers. If you require assistance, please e-mail us at eli@uwaterloo.ca.

Cancellation and deferral policy

The $75 application fee is non-refundable. Tuition deposits are non-transferable and refundable only for students whose visa or study permit application has been denied. If this happens to you, we will refund your tuition deposit if you send official proof by the first day of the program that your visa or study permit application has been denied. If you have not yet arrived in Canada, you can defer your studies one time without penalty if we receive your deferral request by the first day of the program. Normally, deferral requests will not be granted for students who have already arrived in Canada. Official proof of visa/study permit refusal and/or a deferral request must be received by the first day of the program or your tuition deposit is forfeited. Once a program has begun, you can withdraw in writing from a course or courses up until the Friday of the first week of classes, and be refunded 90% of your remaining tuition (less the deposit). All other fees are non-refundable. After this date, refunds will not be issued. The English Language Institute reserves the right to cancel any program because of insufficient registration. You will be refunded any fees paid for a cancelled program.

Application process

Step 1: Please complete the online application form.

Step 2: Receive an email confirmation of your application from Renison ELI staff.

Step 3: Pay the application fee and tuition deposit(s) to secure your registration.

Step 4: Receive your Letter of Acceptance within 3 business days of payment receipt.

Step 5: Pay your remaining fees two weeks before the start of the program.

Payment Options

You may pay your fees through one of the following options:

1. Convera GlobalPay for Students

• Pay in the international currency of your choice without any fees
• Your full payment amount is received by Renison University College – no hidden fees
• Live chat with 24/7 support provided by Convera
• How to make a payment video
• When you pay via Convera GlobalPay for Students choose from a wide range of local online payment options including Alipay, UnionPay, ChinaPay, INR Bank, and many more.
  • You will need an Application ID number (this will be emailed to you by Renison ELI after you apply).
  • Allow 2 – 4 business days for your payment to reach Renison University College.

2. Pay online by credit card through Shopify

• Online credit card payments are accepted for application fees and tuition deposits.
• A 2.5% convenience charge applies to credit card payments for remaining program fees.
• If you would like to use this method of payment, please email eli@uwaterloo.ca to request an invoice. Renison ELI staff will then email you a Shopify invoice allowing you to pay online by credit card.

3. Online banking (only available from a Canadian bank account) 

• You will need your Student ID number (please email eli@uwaterloo.ca if you do not have a student ID).
• In your online bank account, add Renison University College as a bill payment “payee”.
• Use your Student ID number as the “account number” to complete your payment.
• Allow 2 – 4 business days for your payment to reach Renison University College.

4. Payment in person at Renison

• Students already in the Waterloo area may choose to pay their fees in person at Renison University College using cash or an Interac-branded debit card.
• Visa and Mastercard payments are also accepted, but a 2.5% convenience charge on remaining fees applies to credit card transactions (including Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit).
• Payments can be made in-person at the Renison English Language Institute Office (Room 1930), between 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Renison closes at 3:00 PM on a Friday preceding a holiday weekend.

If you have any questions about your application or payment options, please contact eli@uwaterloo.ca