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 is an effective, affordable, and flexible English upgrading program that ladders directly into undergraduate studies at KPU.
We will assess your documents or assessment scores and place you directly in the level you need to start - creating the right path for you to complete your English upgrading and transition to undergraduate studies in a snap.
Why Enrol in KPU’s Pathway?
It's flexible. Students eligible for the Pathway to UG Studies can choose from a wide selection of undergraduate classes to enrol in alongside English upgrading courses. This means you can get a head start on your future degree, even before you finish your English upgrading.
It's student focused. With a maximum of only 17 students per English upgrading class, you get the attentive coaching you need to improve your English skills rapidly.
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. At only 56% of the cost of regular undergraduate courses, you save over $300.
Pathway Program Details
You can start at Pathway Level 1, 2, or even 3, depending on your current level of English proficiency, and not all levels are required to be taken. This flexible program structure supports you in learning as much as possible—without spending more time or money than you need.
We have two Pathway options at KPU, each with a different focus on either native or non-native English speakers.
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 upgrading, and another 12 credits while transitioning to undergraduate studies. 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.
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Pathway 1
Your Pathway Placement Requirements
One of:
- BC Communications 12 (C+)
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 65
- IELTS: With a minimum of 4.0 in each band
- KPU English test
- TOEFL: iBT 32 or higher, with 12 in Writing and Speaking, and 6 in Listening and Reading
For more options on Pathway to Undergraduate Studies Entry Requirements please refer to the University Calendar
Your Upgrading Options
Required Courses:
- ENGQ 1079 or
- ELST 0041 and ELST 0043 or
- ELST 0181 and ELST 0183* (*course not required with placement testing of ELST 0283 or higher)
Additional course options:
- ELST 0043
- ELST 0061
- ELST 0162
Your Undergraduate Options
None available at this time.
Duration
1 semester
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Pathway 2
Your Pathway Placement Requirements
One of:
- BC English Studies 12 (C-)
- Communications 12 (B)
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 85
- IELTS: With a minimum of 5.5 in each band
- KPU English test
- TOEFL: iBT 61 or higher, with no sub score less than 18
For more options on Pathway to Undergraduate Studies Entry Requirements please refer to the University Calendar
Your Upgrading Options
Required Courses:
- ENGQ 1089 or
- ELST 0281 and ELST 0283* (*course not required with placement testing of ELST 0383 or higher)
Additional course options:
- ELST 0261
- ELST 0262
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.
Duration
1 semester
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Pathway 3
Your Pathway Placement Requirements
One of:
- BC English Studies 12 (C)
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 95
- IELTS: With a minimum of 6.0 in each band
- KPU English test
- TOEFL: iBT 80 or higher, with no sub score less than 19
For more options on Pathway to Undergraduate Studies Entry Requirements please refer to the University Calendar
Your Upgrading Options
Required Courses:
One of:
- ENGQ 1091
- ENGQ 1092
- ENGQ 1099
or:
ELST 0381 and ELST 0383* (*course not required with placement testing higher than ELST 0383)
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.
Duration
1 semester
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Pathway 4
Your English proficiency upgrading is now complete!
Continue to take up to 12 credits (3-4 courses) from the Pathway's expanded undergraduate options list. Remember to see an Academic Advisor before the start of registration for the next semester in order to transition from your Pathway into undergraduate studies.
Duration: 1 semester
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 and Horticulture or Melville School of Business. That’s over 80 certificate, diploma, associate and bachelor’s degree programs for you to choose from.