There are three 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 three intakes per year:
- Fall term (September start)
- Winter term (January start)
- Spring term (May start)
EFAS level descriptions
- GOALS for EFAS level 200 (low-intermediate, CEFR B1)
- GOALS for EFAS is designed for students 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 GOALS for EFAS 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.
- 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
A0 – A1 |
Not available (N/A) |
N/A |
|
A2 |
Not available (N/A) |
N/A |
|
B1 |
GOALS for EFAS Level 200 |
3 terms needed to complete EFAS |
|
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 300 |
Students who successfully complete 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. |
Students interested in completing EFAS to satisfy the English language requirement for graduate studies at the University of Waterloo are invited to learn more, visit:
- Arts: https://uwaterloo.ca/arts/graduate
- Engineering: https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering/graduate-students
- Environment: https://uwaterloo.ca/environment/graduate
- Health: https://uwaterloo.ca/health/future-graduate-students
- Math: https://uwaterloo.ca/math/future-graduate-students
- Science: https://uwaterloo.ca/science/graduate/graduate-programs