University of Lethbridge International College

ULethbridge International College Calgary (UICC) is a highly successful pathway college which offers many routes to enrolment at the University of Lethbridge.

International students may complete a pre-university foundation program, as well as the first year of their degree (International Year One) at UICC. Upon successful completion of the International Year One program, students can progress to the second year of one of the many undergraduate degrees offered at the University of Lethbridge, one of the top research universities in Alberta, Canada.

UICC gives international students a ‘soft landing' in Canada with many resources and services to ensure their academic and personal success. UICC offers small class sizes for additional instructor contact time, extensive peer-to-peer support, and academic programming, as well as social activities, leadership and development opportunities, and much more.

UICC students enjoy the benefits of studying at the University of Lethbridge Calgary campus, in Downtown Calgary. It is nestled in the foothills of the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains, offering visitors alternating views of rugged mountain peaks and golden, rolling prairies.

Calgary and the University of Lethbridge have an incredible number of benefits for students and citizens, including:

• Named the #1 friendliest city in the world (Conde Nast 2023 Readers' Choice Awards)
• Among the world's top 5 most liveable cities. (Economist Intelligence 2024)
• The sunniest city in Canada with 333 days of sunshine per year, on average
• 3rd most diverse city in Canada with affordable cost of living (Calgary Economic Development)
• Strong job market with lowest tax rate in Canada
• ULethbridge graduate employment rate is 95 percent
• Calgary has the 2nd most affordable housing market among all major Canadian cities
• Highest personal income per capita of Canada's major cities (Calgary Economic Development)

UICC offers undergraduate pathway programs to the University of Lethbridge. Pathway programs prepare international students for university-level study in Canada.

Foundation (UTP Stage 1)

Foundation program– this bridges the gap between secondary school and university. Students prepare for university-level programs through eight academic courses designed to be completed in two semesters (8 months). They then progress to UTP Stage II.

Undergraduate (International Year One)

International Year One – this is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree at ULethbridge. International Year One programs consist of 10 courses and are designed to be completed in three semesters (12 months). After successfully completing the one-year program, students can transfer directly to the second year of a degree program at the university based on a guaranteed GPA requirement.

Currently, UICC offers an International Year One pathway to the Dhillon School of Business. Upon their successful transfer, students will complete a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree at the University of Lethbridge.

This degree has many exciting major options:

• Accounting
• Finance
• General Management
• Human Resource Management and Labour Relations
• Marketing
• Indigenous Governance and Business*
• Computer Science* 
• Economics*
• Management*
• International Management*
• Political Science*

*Only available in Lethbridge Campus, students may need to relocate to attend at the Lethbridge campus after UTP Stage 2.

Students from a wide range of academic and international backgrounds are encouraged to apply at UICC. UICC offers extensive academic support and flexible entry requirements to international students. There are different academic and English language entry requirements for the Foundation and International Year One programs, which prospective students must meet in order to gain admission into the respective program.

For Foundation, the standard pre-requisite is successful completing of year 10 with the required grades. This includes, for example, 3 passes at General Certificate of Education (GCE) O-Level, with a grade of D or better, or completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Year One Diploma with at least 16 points.

For International Year One, the standard pre-requisite to entry is successful completion of year 12 or equivalent. This may include passes from two GCE A-Level subjects with a minimum of D grades, though two AS-Level subjects may be combined for one pass. For those using the IB, the pre-requisite is 21 points.

UICC understands that students may have completed high school under different curriculums or qualification systems. International students can visit the UICC website to search for country specific entry requirements.

Several English language proficiency requirements are also published on UICC's website.

Students need to achieve IELTS Overall 5.5 for entry into UICC's programs. UICC also accepts wide range of other English language qualifications. Students coming from English speaking countries may be exempt from providing an English language test.

UICC works hard to provide superb opportunities for international student to gain a top Canadian undergraduate education, with a vibrant and horizon-expanding experience to match. This means making sure that its programs remain financially accessible to students from every kind of background. The college has developed a generous program of funding opportunities for newly enrolled students, to ease their transition to life in Canada.

UICC offers a total guaranteed scholarship of CAD 3,500, including a CAD 2,000 UICC Entrance Scholarship for International Year One and a CAD 1,500 progression scholarship disbursed by the ULethbridge. The progression scholarship award is disbursed at CAD 500 each year, starting from 2nd year.

Scholarships are guaranteed for September 2025 intake students. Students must enrol and continue in September 2025 intake at UICC. More information about scholarship and funding opportunities is available on the UICC website.

UICC students benefit from expansive facilities nestled within the vibrant campus of the University of Lethbridge in downtown Calgary. Situated mere minutes away from the Calgary Central Library, offering an expansive 240,000 square feet of functional space, students find themselves immersed in a dynamic learning environment.

UICC's aim is to support international students in achieving their educational goals by transferring to and graduating from the University of Lethbridge. A comprehensive array of support services ensures a smooth transition to the university and successful completion of their degrees. Studying in a new country and different educational systems can be daunting. But not at UICC. The college's programs and approach are specifically designed for international student success in Canada.

UICC students enjoy access to many of the University of Lethbridge resources and services, both on-site and remote, and additional tailored resources to support their unique transition as international students. Instructors, student advisors, peer programming, leadership and volunteer opportunities, and other support services will be available to provide holistic support and meaningful opportunities for UICC students.

On campus facilities that UICC students have access to include, but are not limited to, dining area/cafeteria, Academic Writing Centre, student lounge, student hub, Central library, rooftop terrace, Multi-Faith Spaces and Centres, Imagine Health Centre.

A wide range of safe and affordable off-campus accommodation is available to UICC students, including homestay, private rentals, and shared accommodation.

The University of Lethbridge's graduate employment rate is an impressively high 95 percent.

ULethbidge also offers co-operative education for all majors under Dhillon School of Business. Students may reduce the cost of education by earning competitive wages (between CAD 2,500 and CAD 5,400 per month). Students may also obtain a co-operative education designation on their degree and transcript, signaling to future employers that they have working experience and increasing their chances of getting a job.

More than 90% of ULethbridge graduates report as being extremely satisfied with the quality of their educational experience. As an AACSB accredited business school, the Dhillon School of Business has met very rigorous quality standards proven to provide students with the very best in business education worldwide.

International students can trust that enrolling in a UICC education will give them a distinct advantage in the real world, including more competitive salaries, employer interest after graduation, better long-term career progression, and much more. Calgary has the highest personal income per capita of Canada's major cities, and UICC graduates are in a great position to capitalise on this.

UICC is committed to maintaining the highest quality of instruction with teaching staff that are carefully chosen experts, who are passionate about teaching international students and adapt their teaching to support development, wellness, and success. Instructors are excellent communicators and are able to pass on their knowledge and expertise to students of all nationalities and backgrounds. They provide individualised attention in the small and extended classes at UICC and encourage questions and conversation.

Students also receive additional support in the form of weekly drop-in academic tutorials and workshops, facilitated by UICC instructors, on selected topics determined by academic need. Instructors will also hold weekly office hours to provide one-on-one personalised support, where students can ask questions and receive clarification, guidance, and additional resources to ensure success in their class.