Wilfrid Laurier International College

Wilfrid Laurier International College (WLIC) provides international students with a unique opportunity to start their higher education journey in Canada with tailored programs such as the Foundation Year and International Year One. It offers pathways to over 70 programs across five faculties: Business and Economics, Human and Social Sciences, Liberal Arts, Science, and Arts.

The International Year One is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree, and after successfully completing it, students directly progress into the second year of their chosen program at Wilfrid Laurier University (Laurier).

The college provides a supportive environment with small class sizes, accessible admission requirements, and additional support for international students, including options for students who do not have a Grade 12 math background.

International students choose WLIC for its:

Long-standing reputation: Laurier is one of Canada's oldest and most reputable universities, ranking in the top six percent of institutions globally.

Graduate success: Laurier boasts an impressive 96 percent graduate employment/placement rate.

Location: Situated in Waterloo, Canada's tech and start-up capital, Waterloo is alive with over 70,000 post-secondary students and a vibrant innovative business culture, providing an ideal location for international students to settle in the country and gain meaningful work experience while they study.

Flexible entry: Students can begin their studies in September, January, or May, with the option of starting online through a Hyflex learning model before arriving on campus.

Students starting between September 2025 and May 2026 can benefit from comprehensive scholarships (up to CAD 20,000 over four years). Those who apply on time are guaranteed a place in university residence accommodation.

Wilfrid Laurier University is made up of five diverse faculties, each offering a range of programs for students to progress into upon successful completion of their foundation and UTP Stage 2 qualification. With a total of 70 programs available, students have a wide variety of study options across disciplines.

Laurier's faculties offer the following programmes:

Faculty of Science

Key programs: data science, computer science, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and other science-related degrees.

This faculty provides a solid foundation for students looking to pursue careers in technology, research, or scientific innovation.

Faculty of Business & Economics

Key programs: business technology management, economics, accounting, and financial management.

Students in this faculty are prepared for leadership roles in the dynamic world of business, finance, and technology.

Faculty of Arts

Key programs: film studies, communications, languages, political science, sociology, and more.

This faculty offers students the opportunity to explore the humanities and social sciences while developing critical thinking and communication skills.

Faculty of Liberal Arts

Key programs: English, law and society, human rights, user experience design, and others.

Focused on interdisciplinary learning, this faculty equips students with the ability to think critically and creatively, perfect for those interested in the arts, social justice, and user-centred design.

Faculty of Human and Social Sciences

Key programs: health studies, criminology, health management, psychology, game design and development.

This faculty is ideal for students passionate about understanding human behavior, health, and social systems, with a growing emphasis on technology and innovation in areas like game design.

The entry requirements for study at Wilfrid Laurier International College are determined by the student's prior education and chosen program.

Foundation Program:

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Minimum 18 points required.
• GCE (General Certificate of Education): Minimum of three D grades required.

International Year One (UTP Stage II):

Requirements vary slightly based on the program. Arts, liberal arts, and human and social sciences programs have different requirements to business, economics, and science programs. Broadly speaking, academic requirements are as follows:

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Equivalent of 22 points required.
• Canadian Grade 12: Successful completion with a 65% average in four subjects.
• GCE A-Level: At least two A-Levels, with a minimum of one grade C and one grade D.
• For business and economics or science programs, a mathematics qualification is required. Students without math can still apply, but they will need to take math as an additional subject during their program.

Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted. A full list of is available on WLIC's admission page. Each program has specific details, and students should check the admissions page for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

Program fees

All students who attend Wilfrid Laurier International College must pay program fees, which start at CAD 26,142 for the foundation program for the academic year 2025/26. This program is made up of eight separate courses.

Additional support fees might also apply, and there are other compulsory fees that students need to be aware of, including student services fees and medical insurance fees which must be paid each term. International Year One fees start at CAD 33,595.

Students are also advised to budget CAD 70 to CAD 150 per course to pay for books and other essential supplies.

International scholarships

WLIC offers comprehensive scholarships of up to CAD 20,000 over four years for students starting between September 2025 and May 2026. Other scholarships are available for current students, which celebrate academic, social and community success.

Campus

WLIC is located on Wilfrid Laurier University's Waterloo campus, which is home to 16,000 students. A vibrant, bustling campus, it boasts a gym, library, outdoor sports and performance centres. Prospective students can watch a campus video to get a feel of the campus size and amenities offered.

Accommodation

All WLIC students have the option of staying in guaranteed residence accommodation in the student dorms apartment style residences. This accommodation offers a comfortable and safe space with all essential amenities.

Learning facilities

Every campus building offers a modern study learning area, furnished with the necessary resources to give students everything they need to succeed. Classes are equipped with the latest Hyflex technology allowing students to study online if their visa is delayed and they need to start studying from their home country.

Laurier's employment rate for international students is 94.5 percent, which compares highly against the average rate of 85 percent in Canada as a whole. Most programs offer paid co-ops, enabling students to obtain valuable exposure to their industry fields and have meaningful work experience opportunities during their degree.

All courses at Laurier are designed to prepare students for their careers, with the understanding that workplaces and industries are constantly changing, adapting and being refined. Students are taught not just the core academic content, but how to be adaptable to change, resilience, and other skills to make them a valuable future employee. All aspects of the experience at Laurier are therefore tailored to employability.

Laurier's job fairs are the largest in Canada and happen on campus twice a year. Furthermore, Waterloo is Canada's tech capital and is located only an hour and a half from Toronto. As such, there is an abundance of opportunities for students to pursue employment in their field of study, and the location is perfect for finding work quickly and locally upon graduation.

At Wilfrid Laurier International College, classes are taught by Wilfrid Laurier University professors, ensuring that students are learning the same material as their peers at the university.

Professors are not only passionate about their subjects but also bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom, enriching the learning experience. This direct connection to Laurier's faculty makes the transition to the second year of a bachelor's degree seamless for students who complete the International Year One program.

Wilfrid Laurier University provides quality teaching across all departments, and professors are approachable, supportive, and deeply committed to student success. This nurturing environment encourages students to feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in the material, which is vital for their academic development.

Both Laurier and WLIC share a strong dedication to academic achievement and excellence in teaching. The culture at Laurier fosters an environment that supports and celebrates teaching excellence, ensuring that students are receiving an education that prepares them for success in their future careers.

Student experience

Students often highlight the approachable nature of the professors, which plays a critical role in making them feel supported. Furthermore, the deep commitment to student achievement ensures that students are well-prepared for the academic challenges ahead.

With this high standard of education and support, WLIC offers students a strong foundation for their continued success at Laurier.