If you opt to pursue higher education abroad, choosing which subject to study as well as deciding upon your study destination are two difficult but important decisions you will have to make. But what if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen program? Most universities in Canada require applicants to have certain English language proficiency levels and failing to meet these prerequisites may make it difficult for students to get admitted into the university of their choice. While this could be a huge setback for international students, there is a program that can help you overcome the challenge. The University Access Program (UAP) offered by University Canada West (UCW) will ensure you are eligible to pursue a higher education program in an English-speaking institution. Here’s all you need to know about UCW’s UAP and how it can help you.

What is the University Access Program?

Accredited by Languages Canada, the University Access Program (UAP) offered by UCW focuses on helping students improve their academic English. This will build students’ confidence in their studying ability by helping them prepare for assignments and exams. The UAP not only equips you with a strong grasp of academic English, but also helps you acquire specific academic skills, such as:

  • Database research and its incorporation;
  • Research paper design;
  • Critical thinking; and
  • Presenting effectively.

Furthermore, you will learn how to:

  • Improve your academic writing skills with a strong emphasis on proper introductions, effective supporting paragraphs and conclusions;
  • Use different essay genres such as an argumentative pattern and understand when to use them;
  • Paraphrase and summarize, keeping in mind not to plagiarize;
  • Be clear and concise in the way you communicate (verbal and written);
  • Use the APA referencing system;
  • Develop effective note-taking skills and how to use the information efficiently; and
  • Evaluate the credibility of sources in research.

How can the UCW University Access Program help you?

  • It will build your confidence to properly complete assignments and examinations at university, as well as interact with your peers;
  • You will find it easier to comprehend the concepts of various subjects within the course you take;
  • English is a universal language and being proficient in it can help you in internships and job interviews;
  • It will boost your career prospects and help you interact with professionals from around the world with ease and confidence; and
  • It will give you an edge over your contemporaries.

University Access Programs offered by UCW:

For direct entry into a UCW degree program, you need to meet the requirements for a recognized English proficiency test such as Academic IELTS 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 on the writing band. If your English language proficiency score doesn’t qualify for direct entry, then one of these UAP courses may be for you:

  • With an academic IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in the writing band you would have to successfully complete UAC 030 Academic English Preparation (Advanced);
  • An academic IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum score of 5.0 in the writing band meets the requirements for UAP 020 Academic English Preparation (Upper Intermediate). You would need to successful complete UAC 020 + UAC 030;
  • An academic IELTS score of 5.0 with a minimum score of 4.5 in the writing band would require the successful completion of UAC 010 Academic English Preparation (Intermediate). You would need to successfully complete UAC 020 + UAC 030.

How are you assessed at UCW?

UCW’s University Access Program courses (UAC 010, 020, and 030) are each three months in duration. Students take three, six or nine months of UAP courses depending on their initial IELTS score, which is confirmed by a four-skill initial English assessment on the first day of class. Each course requires students to take 20 hours of classes per week, which will focus on academic English language skills including writing, listening, speaking and reading. Building research and critical thinking skills are also key components of the course. UAP courses all have dedicated textbooks along with supplementary resources, which are provided to students. There is ongoing assessment throughout the course, which includes both mid-term and final exams.

The University Access Program offered by UCW focuses on helping students develop confidence and competence in areas such as essay writing, presentations and seminar discussions. If you are interested in taking up a degree program with UCW, but do not meet the English proficiency requirement, this program could be the ideal choice for you.