English for Academic Success (EFAS)

EFAS is designed for:

• Prospective undergraduate or graduate students interested in meeting the language requirements for admission to the University of Waterloo, or

• Students that have been conditionally admitted to a graduate studies program at the University of Waterloo, but have not met the language requirements, or

• Students interested in studying English in Canada at one of the nation’s most innovative universities, or

• Students looking to develop test-taking skills and strategies to prepare for a standardized English exam

The EFAS program includes:

• 20 plus hours of English language programming a week
• multiple levels from low intermediate to advanced (class availability is dependent on enrolment)
• language placement/diagnostic test on first day of the program to determine a student’s language level
• orientation session and campus tour on the first day of the program
• final English language assessment and final achievement report (transcript)
• a certificate from Renison English Language Institute at the University of Waterloo
• an opportunity to meet with instructors during office hours
• individual feedback sessions with instructors during regularly scheduled sessions

There are four levels in the EFAS program. 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 100 (low-intermediate, CEFR A2)

EFAS level 100 focuses on developing the languages skills required to advance in your English language studies. Level 100 is designed for students whose language level is typically between an IELTS score of 4.5 – 5.0. Students who successfully complete level 100 will progress to level 200 in the next term.

Level 200 (intermediate, CEFR B1)

EFAS level 200 is designed for students who have successfully completed level 100, or whose language proficiency is at IELTS 5.5. Building on skills previously acquired, students in this level will focus on developing a solid foundation of English language proficiency in the areas of vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

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).

Meeting the University of Waterloo language requirements

All students in level 300 and 400 are able to select an enrichment component in either Vocabulary and communication or Graduate studies preparation*. Enrichment components are designed to augment students' language development by providing additional support and targeted practice.

*EFAS students who are prospective grad students will be automatically placed in the Graduate studies preparation component. 

Vocab and Communication

Students in level 300 and 400 are able to enroll in the Vocabulary and Communication enrichment component and will benefit from additional vocabulary development and communication practice. Through engaging, student-centred activities, students will apply strategies and knowledge learned to improve their pronunciation, enhance their vocabulary, and build their confidence in order to communicate clearly and confidently with others in any situation. 

Graduate studies preparation

Students interested in applying to Graduate Studies, or who have been given a conditional offer from the University of Waterloo, will be able to enroll in the EFAS + Graduate Studies Preparation enrichment component. This enrichment component 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. Find out more about EFAS graduate studies preparation.

Dates and fees

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

Program fees include registration, tuition, student services and mandatory helath insurance coverage. Additional textbook fees may apply. For fees details, please download our full program fees breakdown.

*Optional EFAS plus course audit fees, please download our full EFASplus 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 enrollment.

The Student services fee includes a student ID card, on campus activities, academic excursions, and social events organized by Renison ELI Peer Leaders.

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

Cancellation and deferral policy

The $200 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 term 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. Western Union 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 Western Union
• Track your payment 
• How to make a payment video
• When you pay via WU^® 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

Accommodation options include on campus university residence and homestay. You may indicate your accommodation preference in your ELI program application form. Based on the information you submit in your application form, our team will look into accommodation availability for you.

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

On campus university residence

Double room, shared washroom facilities, on-site laundry facilities, lounge space, full meal plan, Internet access, linens included

One term residence fees: $4865 - $7660 CAD

Homestay

In order to provide an opportunity to experience Canadian culture and community living in the cities of Waterloo and Kitchener, students may stay with a local, homestay family. Homestay is provided by a third party provider, Homestay Plus, and includes a private bedroom, Internet access, and 3 meals per day. Homestay families are generally located within a 20 to 50-minute bus ride from the University of Waterloo campus. 

One term homestay fees

Homestay fees can be paid through Renison. Prices listed are based on homestay registration assistance provided by Renison, a single room in homestay, and 3 meals per day. Additional fees apply for additional days, if available, and for special dietary requirements in homestay (example: Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).