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 (EPP) 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.

Transition to Undergraduate Studies

EPP students will take the Express Pathway Integration Course (EPIC) to help you transition smoothly into undergraduate studies.

Why choose the EPP?

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 from a language test. Instead, if you have the academic credentials to be admitted into a program, we will test you for admission into our Express Pathway Integration Course (EPIC). 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 EPIC 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

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Download the information for test takers brochure

Click here to download the brochure

Express Pathway Integration Course (EPIC) Fall 2025

The EPIC is a unique academic experience for students in the EPP at the University of Ottawa. It begins before students arrive in Canada and continues with immersive, full-time instruction on campus. The goal? A confident, smooth transition into undergraduate study at uOttawa.

Why Choose EPIC?

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Develop essential academic English skills across reading, writing, listening, and speaking
Gain confidence through structured integration into uOttawa life
Earn credits in a real undergraduate course
Connect with peers in weekly sociocultural activities
Start undergraduate classes fully prepared and supported

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 language training at the Centre for Language Learning 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.

Your Path to the Express Pathway Integration Course

Step One – Language Testing

After applying to the undergraduate program(s) of your choice and meeting the academic requirements for admission into the University of Ottawa, you will be invited to take the Express Pathway Language Test.
A member of our Centre for Language Learning team will contact you to schedule a live online placement test via Microsoft Teams.

This evaluation will consist of the following:

Speaking test (30 minutes)
Writing test (45 minutes)

If you meet the language admission requirement for the University of Ottawa Express Pathway Program, you will receive a conditional offer of admission to the University of Ottawa

Step Two – Pre-Arrival Training

Be Prepared Before You Arrive! To ensure a smooth transition into university life in Canada, EPIC includes a two-part pre-arrival training phase from June to August. These components are designed to build academic readiness, boost confidence, and provide essential context before the in-person course begins.

Step Three – On-Campus Academic Integration

Once students arrive, the EPIC continues with full-time, immersive academic training on the uOttawa campus from September 5 to December 12, 2025.

Welcome Ceremony & Orientation: Before in-person classes begin, students will participate in a full-day Welcome Ceremony and Orientation on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. This event will provide an introduction to the program, the university, and fellow students, setting the tone for a successful term.

Academic Reading to Write: Students build university-level reading comprehension and academic writing skills. The course focuses on understanding academic texts, critical thinking, paraphrasing, summarizing, and organizing written responses using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
Academic Listening to Speak: This course develops students' ability to understand lectures, take effective notes, and participate in academic discussions and presentations. It emphasizes listening for main ideas, organizing oral responses, and building confidence in spoken English.
Academic Grammar and Vocabulary Development: This course strengthens students’ control of English grammar and vocabulary for academic purposes. Through targeted instruction and practical exercises, students improve their accuracy, expand their academic word knowledge, and enhance clarity in both writing and speaking tasks.
CMN1148: Introduction to Organizational Communication: A for-credit undergraduate course in the Faculty of Arts. This course introduces students to key communication theories and practices in organizations, with an emphasis on clarity, professionalism, and workplace collaboration.
Conversation Club: An informal, student-focused session where learners practice speaking in a relaxed setting. Conversation Club helps improve fluency, pronunciation, and confidence through guided topics and peer interaction. Participants engage with other international students at uOttawa, adding a rich intercultural dimension to their conversational practice.
uOttawa Integration Workshop: These workshops are designed to help students navigate university life, covering topics such as academic integrity, digital learning tools, time management, study skills, and understanding student support services.
Sociocultural Outing: Weekly outings provide students with opportunities to explore Ottawa and engage with Canadian culture. Activities may include visits to museums, cultural events, or historical landmarks, supporting both language practice and cultural integration. These activities are shared with other international students at the University of Ottawa, creating a rich, multicultural experience and fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections.
Closing Ceremony: To mark the end of the program, a Closing Ceremony will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This event will celebrate students' achievements, provide an opportunity for reflection, and offer a formal conclusion to the EPIC experience.

The uOttawa Experience

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uOttawa is YOUR campus

The University of Ottawa surges to 189th worldwide in the influential QS World University Rankings 2025. uOttawa also is one of the top 10 universities in Canada. Benefit from state-of-the-art facilities while studying on uOttawa’s campus.

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Undergraduate programs

uOttawa offers more than 350 flexible undergraduate programs that let you create your own academic path. Customize a degree that’s as unique as you from our amazing selection of undergraduate programs. With 9 Faculties at uOttawa, you’re sure to find a program for you.

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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.

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

Meet the team of Express Pathway Program specialists

Contact us

Centre for Language Learning

70 Laurier Avenue East, Room 101
Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada

Tel. : +1-877-868-8292
+1-613-562-5980

[email protected]

DLI O19397188593

Office Hours

Monday to Friday

September to May
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

June to August
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Time/Day	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Academic Reading to Write	Academic Listening to Speak	Academic Reading to Write	Academic Listening to Speak	Academic Reading to Write
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM	Conversation Club (optional)	Lunch
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM	University Integration Workshop	CMN1148: Introduction to Organizational Communication	Sociocultural Outing	Academic Grammar & Vocabulary Development	University Integration Workshop
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM	Independent Study	CMN1148: Introduction to Organizational Communication	Sociocultural Outing	Independent Study	Independent Study

Express Pathway Program

Transition to Undergraduate Studies

Why choose the EPP?

Download the information for test takers brochure

Express Pathway Integration Course (EPIC) Fall 2025