ILAC’s University Pathway Program includes IELTS classes to prepare students for university. Depending on the program, students may earn conditional admission without IELTS or TOEFL, or take IELTS classes to reach desired scores and fully prepare for university-level academics.
If you’re researching university admission as an international student, you’ve probably encountered IELTS more times than you can count. Universities in Canada, the US, and the UK teach in English. So, students from non-English-speaking countries typically need proof of proficiency to be admitted, often through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
There’s no getting around it…or is there? The truth is, students can pursue higher education in Canada without taking the IELTS or TOEFL through ILAC’s University Pathway Program.
In this article, we explore ILAC’s University Pathway Program and how it integrates IELTS classes to prepare you for post-secondary education admission. Let’s get started!
What Is the University Pathway Program?
The University Pathway Program helps international students prepare for post-secondary education in Canada, the US, or Europe. It bridges the gap between their current English skills and the demands of university-level study through academic English courses, IELTS Preparation, exam-writing techniques, time management lessons, and more.
The program length varies depending on your English proficiency and academic preparedness, typically ranging from eight weeks (for highly advanced students) to fifty-six weeks (for beginners).
Every two weeks, students take an IELTS assessment to track their progress throughout the course. By the end of the program, you’re ready to apply to your chosen school or take the IELTS exam.
Do I Need IELTS if I Complete the Pathway Program?
In most cases, no. ILAC partners with 300+ universities and colleges across Canada,
the United States, and Europe that accept the ILAC Pathway Certificate as proof of English
proficiency, so you can get direct entry without taking the IELTS.
However, there are some exceptions, which we will discuss below.
Where Does the Pathway Program Lead?
Students who complete the Pathway Program earn a Pathway Certificate that allows them to enroll in partner institutions through direct entry, conditional admission, or further IELTS preparation.
Direct Entry to Higher Education (No IELTS)
At partner colleges and universities that accept the Pathway Certificate, students may enter their academic program directly without taking the IELTS test. In this case, the certificate itself serves as proof of language proficiency.
That said, most schools still have different pathway level requirements.
- Adler University accepts students who complete Pathway Level 3.4
- Coast Mountain College accepts students who complete Pathway Level 3.1
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University accepts students who complete Pathway Level 3.3 (select undergraduate and post-graduate programs)
Note: Some programs with additional requirements may not be eligible. Always confirm with a Pathway Specialist before applying. ILAC advisors can help you determine exactly which level and requirements you need to achieve your specific university goals.
Video: See how Shahar from Israel entered university through ILAC’s Pathway without IELTS.
Conditional Admission
Some partner institutions offer conditional admission when students meet the academic requirements but fall slightly short of the English language proficiency minimums. Students receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) into the program, but must complete English training before classes start.
For example:
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology offers conditional admission for students in Pathway level 3 with a minimum required grade of 75% or higher.
- Assiniboine College offers a conditional LOA to Pathway students (level requirement depends on your IELTS score), except for Practical Nursing. Requires 80% attendance.
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic issues a conditional LOA available around PW 3.2, with some program-specific exceptions.
Note: Some programs may still need you to take IELTS and a language or pathway course before entering the program. Here, ILAC’s University Pathway Program helps you hit two birds with one stone!
Video: Discover why Leslie from Ecuador chose to study in ILAC’s University Pathway Program to prepare for Sheridan College’s Social Work program.
Admission through IELTS score
Some partner institutions strictly require official IELTS Academic scores for admission. In most cases, these colleges will require a 6.0 or higher band score.
Many international students don’t reach that level on their first try. ILAC helps these students brush up on their language and test-taking skills through comprehensive IELTS exam prep.
University Pathway vs. IELTS Preparation: Which Program to Take?
ILAC offers both a University Pathway Program and a strictly IELTS Preparation Course. Applicants at English level 8 or below can only take the IELTS Preparation program, ideal if you’re building foundational skills or are not yet Pathway-ready.
Those at English level 10 and above can apply for the IELTS Preparation Program or the University Pathway Program.
If you’re unsure what to take, we generally recommend:
- IELTS Preparation Course if you only need to raise your IELTS score quickly and prepare for other aspects of university life.
- University Pathway Program, if you also want academic skills for university, plus easier access to a Canadian, American, or European university through ILAC.
Below is a table to help you decide:
| Feature | University Pathway Program | IELTS Preparation Course |
|---|---|---|
| Focus |
With a focus on IELTS Academic. |
Covers both IELTS General and Academic. |
| Proficiency Requirement (starting) | Level 10 | Level 8 |
| IELTS Practice Test frequency | Every two weeks | Every two weeks |
| Outcome | Pathway Certificate (accepted in 300+ partner institutions) + IELTS prep | IELTS test preparation |
| Choose if you: |
|
|
Video: Find out why Gulce from Turkey chose ILAC to help her prepare for IELTS.
When Should I Start IELTS Preparation?
Time your IELTS Preparation with your program intake dates and English proficiency level. Here’s how:
- Work backward from your university intake date. Say you want to start at Thompson Rivers University for the Winter term. Applications for international students 2026 open October 1 and close November 1. You’ll want to complete your Pathway and IELTS prep well before the application deadline.
- Factor in application deadlines. Most students need three to six months to adequately prepare for the IELTS while completing the Pathway program.
- Calculate how many levels you need to advance to the IELTS band you need. To earn your Pathway Certificate for TRU (undergraduate), you need to pass PW 3.1, which is Level 14 on ILAC’s proficiency chart. If you’re starting at Level 10, you’ll need at least eight weeks to reach the target level.
Note: ILAC’s University Pathway Program has 17 levels; the minimum for Pathway is Level 10. Each level typically takes two weeks to complete/advance. Students in the University Pathway Program may only start during the main start dates.
Read more: How to Start IELTS Preparation: Strategies and Tips
Is It Worth It to Come to Canada Just for IELTS Prep?
Yes! However, it depends on your goals and financial capacity.
- If you aim to pass the IELTS (not specifically to study in Canada), consider using online resources. ILAC offers an online IELTS Preparation Course through ILAC KISS, allowing you to study at your own pace and in your own time.
- If you want to study at a Canadian university and become familiar with the education system, attending in person is ideal. ILAC’s Pathway Program offers valuable resources designed to simplify your university admission process, along with IELTS preparation!
| What else does the University Pathway Program offer? |
|---|
|
In Summary
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- ILAC’s University Pathway Program covers everything you need for university-level study. It includes IELTS Preparation, academic English, research, and exam writing techniques.
- Students who complete the ILAC Pathway can either: (1) enjoy direct entry to partner universities, (2) get conditional admission, or (3) take the official IELTS exam fully prepared after months of practice and bi-weekly mock tests.
- All pathway students take practice IELTS tests every two weeks to measure progress and build exam confidence, regardless of whether they’ll need official scores for admission.
- Partner universities have varying score requirements and qualifications. Speak with ILAC’s Pathway Specialists to identify your target level and confirm which pathway certificate your chosen program accepts.
- The IELTS Preparation Course provides focused test prep for students who need specific band scores quickly. If you only need IELTS preparation, ILAC KISS offers online courses you can take from home.
- Time your IELTS study preparation with your program intake dates. Work backward from your university intake date and factor in three to six months (or more) for applications.
- Pathway students at ILAC enjoy free university placement services, personalized study plans, application support, and firsthand experience with Canadian academic culture.
Fast Track Your University Admission With IELTS Preparation
You’ve done your complete IELTS research. Ready to take it to university?
ILAC’s IELTS classes and University Pathway Program are your ticket to admission in 300+ partner institutions across Canada, the USA, and Europe. Many accept your Pathway Certificate for direct entry, while others require IELTS scores.
Either way, we’ll get you ready. Contact our Pathway Specialists today and enjoy a free academic evaluation!
