What is 'Pathway to Undergraduate Studies'?
Interested in coming to KPU but don’t meet the English Proficiency Requirement for Undergraduate Admission? You can still attend KPU through our unique Pathway!
KPU's Pathway to Undergraduate Studies allows students to complete qualifying English courses that ladder directly into undergraduate studies at KPU.
You will be placed at one of three Pathway levels based on your documents or assessment scores. Select undergraduate courses are available at Pathway 2 and Pathway 3 levels.
Why Enrol in KPU’s Pathway?
It's flexible. Students on the Pathway can choose from a selection of undergraduate classes alongside qualifying English courses. This means you can get a head start on your future degree while you finish your English courses.
It's student focused. With a maximum of only 19 students per English class, you get the attentive coaching you need to improve your English skills.
It's affordable. Check out our tuition calculator for sample costs.
Domestic students: English Upgrading and English Language Studies are tuition free (student fees apply).
International students: KPU is proud to offer international students an affordable tuition rate for courses in English Upgrading and English Language Studies. International students taking these classes pay only 56% of the cost of regular undergraduate courses.
Pathway Program Details
You can start at Pathway Level 1, 2, or even 3, depending on your current level of English proficiency. This flexible program structure supports you in learning as much as possible—without spending more time or money than you need.
Students in the Pathway to UG Studies also have the option of taking a limited number of undergraduate courses at KPU. This means you can get a head start on your university studies, and earn up to 12 undergraduate level credits while in the Pathway. Visit the University Calendar for more information on available undergraduate course options.
Check out our Pathway Course placement tool to find out what level you might start based on your assessment score or high school grade.
We have two Pathway options at KPU, each with a different focus on either native or non-native English speakers. Students can progress along the Pathway through either:
English Upgrading (ENGQ)
Designed for students who have enough fluency in English but who need to improve reading and writing skills.
English Language Studies (ELST)
Designed for students who have had most of their education in another language and who need to develop English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Pathway 1
Your Pathway Placement Requirements
One of:
- BC Communications 12 (C+)
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 65
- IELTS: Overall band of 4.5 or higher, with a minimum 4.0 in each band
- KPU English testing: Placement at Pathway 1
- TOEFL: iBT 32 or higher, with 12 in Writing and Speaking, and 6 in Listening and Reading
- Accuplacer: Reading score of 230, Writing score of 220, and WritePlacer Essay score of 3
Tests must be completed within two years from the term of admission. For complete information and more options on Pathway to Undergraduate Studies Entry Requirements, please refer to the University Calendar
Your Upgrading Options
Required Courses:
- ENGQ 1079 or
- ELST:
- ELST 0181 and ELST 0183* (*course not required with placement testing of ELST 0283 or higher); or
- If placed in ELST 0041 and ELST 0043, then both ELST 0041/0043 and ELST 0181/0183 would be part of Pathway 1 (2 terms to complete)
Your Undergraduate Options
None available at this time.
Duration
1-2 terms
Pathway 2
Your Pathway Placement Requirements
One of:
- BC English Studies 12 (C-)
- English First Peoples 12 (C-)
- Communications 12 (B)
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 85
- IELTS: Overall band of 5.5 or higher, with a minimum of 5.5 in each band
- KPU English testing: Placement at Pathway 2
- TOEFL: iBT 61 or higher, with no sub score less than 18
- Accuplacer: Reading score of 240, Writing score of 230, and WritePlacer Essay score of 4.
Tests must be completed within two years from the term of admission. For complete information and more options on Pathway to Undergraduate Studies Entry Requirements please refer to the University Calendar
Your Upgrading Options
Required Courses:
- English Qualifying: ENGQ 1089 or
- English Language Studies: ELST 0281 and ELST 0283* (*course not required with placement testing of ELST 0383 or higher)
Additional course options:
Your Undergraduate Options
Up to 4 credits (1 course) from the list of select undergraduate options.
Note: Registration in an ENGQ or ELST upgrading course is a requirement of registration in any of the Pathway undergraduate options.
For advice on your undergraduate course
selection, book an appointment with an
Academic Advisor before registration
begins.Duration
1 term
Pathway 3
Your Pathway Placement Requirements
One of:
- BC English Studies 12 (C)
- English First Peoples 12 (C)
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 95
- IELTS: With a minimum of 6.0 in each band
- KPU English testing: Placement at Pathway 3
- TOEFL: iBT 80 or higher, with no sub score less than 19
- Accuplacer: Reading score of 250, Writing score of 240, and WritePlacer Essay score of 5
Tests must be completed within two years from the term of admission. For complete information and more options on Pathway to Undergraduate Studies Entry Requirements please refer to the University Calendar
Your Upgrading Options
Required Courses:
- English Qualifying: One of ENGQ 1091, 1092, or 1099; or
- English Language Studies: ELST 0381 and ELST 0383* (*course not required with placement testing of ELST 0383 or higher)
Your Undergraduate Options
Up to 8 credits (2 courses) from the list of expanded undergraduate options.
Note: Registration in an ENGQ or ELST upgrading course is a requirement of registration in any of the Pathway undergraduate options.
For advice on your undergraduate course
selection, book an appointment with an
Academic Advisor before registration
begins.Duration
1 term
Your English proficiency upgrading is now complete!
After the Grade Submission Deadline of
your Pathway 3 semester, if you have
successfully completed your English
proficiency upgrading, you will begin your
undergraduate program. You may register
for additional undergraduate courses, if
seats are available
Please refer to the University Calendar for current information.
Where Can the Pathway Take You?
Undergraduate Studies
Completing the Pathway lets you ladder directly into undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science or Melville School of Business. That’s over 80 certificate, diploma, associate and bachelor’s degree programs for you to choose from.