Express pathway program

Students sitting in front of building on campus — About us

Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)

Centre for Language Learning

Express pathway program

The express pathway program offers you the opportunity to participate in an innovative admissions program through the combination of customized testing and highly effective english language training to support your admission into undergraduate programs at the University of Ottawa.

Why choose the Express Pathway Program?

Gain admission to the University of Ottawa without having to take a standardized language test (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL iBT, etc.)! When you apply for an undergraduate program at the University of Ottawa, you won’t need to submit the results form a language test. Instead, if you have the academic credentials to be admitted into a program, we will test you for admission into our accelerated academic bridging in english course. Once you complete this course, you’ll be ready to start your academic journey at the University of Ottawa.
Develop the language and academic skills you need to succeed in your undergraduate programs. Delivered by experienced and qualified instructors, the accelerated academic bridging in english course will help you acquire the necessary academic language skills and gain confidence to succeed in your studies at the University of Ottawa. Using various resources and tools, we will help you successfully transition from high school to university studies in Canada.

*Please note that access to the Express Pathway Program is limited to students from high schools with active partnerships with the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute

Download the information for test takers brochure

Click here to download the brochure

Group of undergraduate students holding diplomas at graduation

Did you know?

Based on the time it generally takes international students to complete their undergraduate programs at the University of Ottawa, students who complete this course (ESL 0140: Academic Bridging in English) are 12% more likely to graduate than are international students who do not complete this course. Also, they are 3.5% more likely to graduate than are domestic students who enter the University of Ottawa through Canadian high schools.

The uOttawa experience

uOttawa is YOUR campus

uOttawa is one of the top 10 universities in Canada. Benefit from state-of-the-art facilities while studying on uOttawa’s campus.

Undergraduate programs

Customize a degree that’s as unique as you from our amazing selection of undergraduate programs. With 10 Faculties at uOttawa, you’re sure to find a program for you.

Student community

We go beyond the classroom! You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Canadian culture and life by participating in weekly class outings and social clubs. You’ll take part in active learning in a rich multicultural environment – the best way to learn well and fast!

Ottawa: The place to be

uOttawa is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. With a light rail station on campus, it makes it easy to get around and explore the city. There’s always something to do when you want to take a break from hitting the books.

Meet the team of express pathway program specialists

Zhi Zheng

Lan Mi

Wei Zhu

Testimonial

Student Testimonial

“The English language program is helpful for me to transfer from high school to university. The professors share useful tools which made me more confident in academic writing, listening, and reading.”

Yijing (Kimberly) Wang