English for Academic Success (EFAS)

There are four levels in the EFAS program ranging from low-intermediate (level 100) to advanced (level 400). Students will be placed in a level based on the results of their placement test on the first day of the program. You can check your level using our guide.

Courses are focused on listening, speaking, reading and writing at the academic level. EFAS is offered full-time and part-time to better suit your needs. To ensure high standards, students may take levels 100, 200, and 300 for no more than two terms, but may take level 400 up to three terms.

EFAS offers many unique features:

• satisfies English language requirements at University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University
• small classes, with a maximum of 20 students per class

• professional instruction and individual attention from experienced TESL-certified instructors
• optional organized excursions and recreational activities in Ontario
• final assessment and achievement report
• a certificate from Renison English Language Institute at the University of Waterloo

The EFAS program satisfies the University of Waterloo's English Language Requirement for undergraduate programs if students' successfully complete the 400 level with an overall average of 75% (minimum of 75% in each EFAS course) and attend at least 80% of their classes.

The EFAS program satisfies the University of Waterloo's English Language Requirement for graduate programs if students successfully complete the 400 level with an overall average of 75% (minimum of 75% in each EFAS course). Certain departments accept alternative minimum scores and levels of EFAS.

Students who complete level 400 with a pass (overall average of 75%) and attend at least 80% of their classes satisfy the English Proficiency Requirement for Wilfrid Laurier University.

All students must start on the first day of classes. New students must be present for placement testing and orientation.
 

Term	Placement testing & orientation	Course dates	Important dates
Spring 2021 Offered online Registration closed - if you have any questions, please email eli@uwaterloo.ca	April 5 - 6, 2021	April 7 - June 30, 2021	May 24: Victoria Day holiday
Summer 2021 - intensive EFAS program (iEFAS) Offered online Registration open	July 13 - 16, 2021	July 19 - August 27, 2021
Fall 2021 Registration open	September 7 - 10, 2021	September 13 - December 10, 2021	October 11: Thanksgiving holiday October 12 - 15: Fall Reading Week (no classes)
Winter 2022 Registration open	January 5, 2022	January 6 - April 1, 2022	February 21: Family Day holiday  February 22 - 25: Winter Reading Week (no classes)
Spring 2022 Registration open	April 5 - 6, 2022	April 7 - June 30, 2022	April 15: Good Friday holiday May 23: Victoria Day holiday

Online EFAS program

In our fall/winter/spring online EFAS program, EFAS students receive approximately 10 hours of synchronous sessions (live classes) per week and approximately 10 hours of asynchronous sessions (independent work periods with instructors available for support). Students attend three academic courses that focus on academic listening, speaking, reading, and writing instruction. 

Sample schedule of a student in our online EFAS program

Sample Schedule	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
8:30-9:00	Class 1 Synchronous	Class 1 Synchronous	Class 2 Synchronous	Class 1 Asynchronous
9:00-9:30					Class 1 Synchronous
9:30-10:00	Class 1 Asynchronous	Class 1 Asynchronous
10:00-10:30
10:30-11:00
11:00-11:30
11:30-12:00		Class 2 Asynchronous			Class 3 Synchronous
12:00-12:30	Class 2 Synchronous		Class 3 Synchronous	Class 3 Asynchronous
12:30-13:00
13:00-13:30			Class 3 Asynchronous		Class 2 Synchronous
13:30-14:00
14:00-14:30		Class 3 Synchronous
14:30-15:00
15:00-15:30		Class 3 Asynchronous
15:30-16:00
16:00-16:30

Please note, there are many possible EFAS schedules. 

In-class EFAS program

In our in-class EFAS program, EFAS students receive 20+ hours of classes per week in three academic courses that focus on academic listening, speaking, reading, and writing instruction. 

Sample schedule of EFAS student

Sample Schedule	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10:00-11:50	Class 1	Class 1	Class 1	Class 1	--
12:00-13:00	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	--	--
13:10-14:20	Class 2	Class 2	Class 2	--	Class 1
14:30-15:50	Class 3	Class 3	Class 3	--
15:50-16:30

Sample schedule of EFAS student

Sample Schedule	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10:00-11:50	--	Class 1	Class 1	Class 1	--
12:00-13:00	--	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	--
13:10-14:20	Class 2	Class 2	Class 2	Class 2	Class 1
14:30-15:50	Class 3	Class 3	Class 3	--
15:50-16:30

Please note, there are many possible EFAS schedules. Classes are scheduled between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday.

EFAS students have the option of taking an evening in-class IELTS preparation course as a supplement to the EFAS program. The course is normally offered twice a week in the evenings during the Fall, Winter and Spring terms. For more information, visit IELTS preparation course.

Undergraduate programs at Waterloo

Completion of the EFAS program does not guarantee admission to University of Waterloo undergraduate programs. Admission decisions are made based on competitive academic admission requirements.

• Students who complete EFAS level 400 and achieve an overall average of at least 75% (minimum of 75% in each EFAS course) and attend at least 80% of their classes are eligible to apply for direct admission to the University of Waterloo. 
• Students who complete EFAS level 300 and achieve an overall average of at least 70% and attend at least 80% of their classes may be eligible for conditional admission to the University of Waterloo through the Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program.
• Students who complete EFAS level 200 and achieve an overall average of at least 80% may also be eligible for conditional admission to the University of Waterloo through the BASE program.

Graduate programs at Waterloo

Completion of the EFAS program does not guarantee admission to University of Waterloo graduate programs. All admission decisions are made based on competitive academic admission requirements. Decisions are made by the department/program applied to.

The University of Waterloo may offer conditional admission (for a future term) through EFAS to academically admissible applicants who are:

• applying under a Government Scholarship program that includes financial coverage for English language studies. 

• applying to a Master's course-based program.

• research master's or doctoral program will be considered on a case by case basis with the support of the program.

Visit the Conditional English language proficiency admission page to see if conditional admission to Graduate programs at Waterloo is possible for you.

1. Review program tuition fees and payment procedures.
2. Understand the cancellation and deferral policy.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Pay all necessary application fees and tuition deposits.
5. Await confirmation through email and your letter of admission from Renison ELI.

Renison ELI prides itself in preparing students for academic studies at one of the world's top 200 universities, the University of Waterloo. Our friendly staff provide advice and support to you in making applications to universities and colleges across Canada and around the world to universities where English is the language of instruction.