Learn English at USask! information sessions
Join one of our upcoming webinars to learn about the features, entry requirements and application process of USask's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.
Thurs. Mar. 23, 6-7 pm CST-Saskatchewan
Español (Spanish)
Fri. Mar. 24, 8-9 am CST-Saskatchewan
English
Fri. Mar. 24, 9-10 pm CST-Saskatchewan
普通话 (Mandarin)
Fri. Mar. 31, 8-9 pm CST-Saskatchewan
English
About
The English for Academic Purposes program is designed for student success. You will develop language, cultural and academic skills that will give you an advantage in your university studies, your career and your life.
The English for Academic Purposes program has four levels. Each level is designed to build on existing skills and teach new language specifically to help you prepare for university.
The upper levels of the English for Academic Purposes program are designed to give you an academic advantage when you begin your university degree. This program is about more than learning English. It will prepare you linguistically, academically and culturally to succeed.
Are you looking for information about our program for non-USask students or for graduate students?
Levels
The EAP program has four levels, each designed to build on existing skills and teach new language.
Level 1: Intro and Level 2: Intermediate
In these levels, you will build a strong foundation based on the English skills you already have.
Level 3: Academic Preparation
In Level 3, you will learn key language skills important for any student:
- how to read and understand academic articles
- how to listen to lectures and take notes efficiently
- how to write essays and exams
- how to give presentations effectively
Level 4: Academic Success or University Bridging
The final level of the program offers you all the English language skills development you need to transition into any post-secondary pathway you choose. You have the option to focus on your English studies in Academic Success classes, or you can practice your skills in a real university class in University Bridging.
Academic Success
In Academic Success classes, you will engage in a variety of projects that simulate the expectations of independent study in regular academic classes. You will use authentic academic material to practice and improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
University Bridging
In University Bridging, you will continue to develop your language skills through English classes and take a real university class at the same time to practice what you have learned in a real academic setting.
Some of the advantages of University Bridging include:
- You will have continual support from your University Bridging instructor who attends your university class with you.
- The lectures, textbooks and assignments from your university class are the basis of your English class instruction.
- You can experience one university class while mastering important academic English skills.
- You will earn credit that can be used toward your University of Saskatchewan degree.
Credit toward direct-entry degree programs
6 credit units toward your degree:
- 3 credit units for your ESL class
+ - 3-credit-unit university class
- Anthropology 111.3
- Sociology 112.3
University class offerings may vary
6 credit units toward your degree:
- 3 credit units for your ESL class
+ - 3-credit-unit university class
Example university classes:
- Commerce 101.3
- Sociology 112.3
University class offerings may vary
3-credit-unit elective may be used toward some degree programs
Example university class:
- Anthropology 111.3
- Sociology 112.3
University class offerings may vary. Elective credit units may not apply to all degree programs in these colleges.
"University Bridging reaches out a hand to guide you through the challenges of starting university and reveal the student you can become."
L. Krol, M.Ed.
University Bridging Coordinator and Instructor
Program delivery
The English for Academic Purposes program is offered both in-person and online. Some of our classes are blended, meaning you will study with a mix of students studying at our campus here in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada and students joining the class online from around the world.
Classes are always offered in the morning, Monday to Friday. This consistency gives students the opportunity to plan their schedules to learn together with your instructor and classmates.
Whether you prefer to study from your home or here on campus, our program gives students like you flexibility to arrange your studies and travel plans in a way that works for you.
If you need to switch from online to in-person or from in-person to online, you don't need to worry about delaying your studies. We are here to support you if your circumstances change. Contact us if you would like to talk with us about your plans.
Program features
Our program features unique learning supports designed to support both face-to-face and online learners.
Student Experience Team
Our team is available to support you when you need it. Our Student Advisor will help you with questions about studies and life at the university.
Connected tutorials
Join your teacher and classmates in scheduled tutorials each week to continue your learning and build connections.
Learning resources
You can access a library of additional resources to guide and support you to learn both online and in-person.
Events
Socialize and engage with interesting people in our community, participate in Friday Student Lounges with students in all levels and join community outreach programs to learn about Canadian culture, campus and city events.
Intakes and deadlines
There are three terms and three intakes to the English for Academic Purposes program each year. Each term is 13 weeks long, and each level can be completed in one 13-week term.
- Spring term
May to August, 2023
Apply by March 15, 2023 - Fall term
September to December, 2023
Apply by July 15, 2023 - Winter term
January to April, 2024
Apply by November 15, 2023
Entry requirements
The requirements to enter each level are as follows:
| IELTS (Academic) International English Language Testing System |
TOEFL iBT |
Duolingo | Other | |
| Level 1 Intro |
4.5 |
60 (minimum 10 in all areas) |
65-75 | |
| Level 2 Intermediate |
5.0 (minimum 4.5 in all areas) |
65 (minimum 12 in all areas) |
80-90 | Successful completion of Level 1 |
| Level 3 Academic Preparation |
5.5 (minimum 5.0 in all areas) |
70 (minimum 15 in all areas) |
95-100 | Successful completion of Level 2 |
| Level 4 Academic Success or University Bridging |
6.0 (minimum 5.5 in all areas) |
75 (minimum 17 in all areas) |
105 | Successful completion of Level 3 |
Effective for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Please note: Level 1 is not a beginner class. There is an expectation of basic English for placement.
About test scores
Please send or share all of your test scores, regardless of whether you think you will qualify for placement. We will review all test scores for possible placement.
In the event you display English language performance that is significantly different from the test scores you submit, you will be assigned to the course level that aligns with your in-class performance.
Starting March 15, 2022, all applications to the English for Academic Purposes program will require language test scores to be considered complete.
Tuition
The following tuition and fees estimates show a typical amount an international student could expect to pay per term if enrolled in the English for Academic Purposes program. Students in face-to-face classes will be assessed additional student fees, which are used to fund specific student benefits available to on-campus students.
| Tuition | Student fees | Total cost | |
| Level 1 Intro |
$5,400.00 CAD | $277-381 CAD | $5,677-$5,781 CAD |
| Level 2 Intermediate |
$5,400.00 CAD | $277-381 CAD | $5,677-$5,781 CAD |
| Level 3 Academic Preparation |
$5,400.00 CAD | $277-381 CAD | $5,677-$5,781 CAD |
| Level 4 Academic Success |
$5,400.00 CAD | $277-381 CAD | $5,677-$5,781 CAD |
| Level 4 University Bridging (including tuition for university class) |
$5,400.00 CAD + $2,633.04 CAD* |
$277-381 CAD |
$9,060-$9,164 CAD |
*International undergraduate tuition rates are assessed at 3.6 times the rate for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Financial support
USask Bridging Scholarship
Value: $1,500 CAD
Number offered per term: 5
Eligibility: New international students who apply for joint admission and qualify to enter Level 4: University Bridging
If you qualify, you will be considered automatically for this scholarship. You do not need to submit a separate application. If you are selected to receive this scholarship, you will be notified before the start of term. The award will be applied to your student account toward your first term of full-time undergraduate study.
English for Academic Purposes Scholarship
Value: $2,500 CAD
Number offered per year: 4
Eligibility: Students who have completed U-Prep 2 (Level 4: Academic Success) and are beginning their undergraduate degree program at USask
Selection for this award is based on academic achievement and participation in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, as determined by the Award Committee.
USLC EAP Entrance Bursary
Value: $2,500 CAD (renewable for each consecutive term of study)
Eligibility: To be considered for this bursary, you must meet these requirements:
- Over the age of 18
- Either:
- A Canadian citizen
- A Permanent Resident
- A refugee, or
- have Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET)
- A new student at the Language Centre (have not studied in our full-time program previously)
- Have a financial need (described as the difference between the cost of the program and the ability to pay)
Application requirements:
- A written statement demonstrating financial need and interest in learning English at the USLC
- Deadline to apply:
- Winter term - November 15th
- Spring/Summer term - March 15th
- Fall term - July 15th
Restriction: If you defer your registration to a future term, you will forfeit your bursary. However, you may reapply again at a later date.
Student loans
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for government student loans to help finance your education while you are in school full-time, including the full-time EAP program.
How to apply
Create an account
Start your application by creating an account or logging into the University of Saskatchewan's application portal at apply.usask.ca
Start an application
If you are planning to enrol in an undergraduate degree program at USask, choose the application for joint admission to an undergraduate program and English studies (EAP). Be prepared to fill out all of the required information, including:
- Your name, contact information, and other biographical information
- Your previous education history
- Your planned academic program of study (degree program)
English studies (EAP) only
If you are not planning to enrol in an undergraduate degree program at USask, we welcome you to apply for English studies (EAP) only. Choose this option if:
- You are applying for admission to another post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan and our program meets their English language proficiency requirement.
- You have received conditional admission to a graduate program (master's, PhD) at USask and need to meet the English language proficiency requirement.
- You want to study English full-time for personal development.
Submit your application and application fee
Submit your application as soon as possible. Be mindful of application deadlines.
To submit your application, you will be required to pay a combined application fee ($240 CAD).
Upload your documents
Once you have submitted your application for joint admission, log in to review your application status regularly.
Open your application to review your supplemental items list. Upload required items as soon as possible, such as your transcript(s) or statements of marks and IELTS or TOEFL scores (if applicable).
Watch for your offer of admission
We will notify you by email as soon as possible when we make a decision on your application. You will be able to log in to your account to download your letter and any important information about your admission.
We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Saskatchewan!
Questions?
University of Saskatchewan Language Centre
232 R.J.D. Williams Building
221 Cumberland Ave. N.
Saskatoon, SK S7N 1M3
Canada