Visiting International Student Programs

The Visiting International Student Program gives you the opportunity to improve your academic English-language skills and take from one to two university-level classes at the same time, depending on your level in AEP.

Student in park

VIP Highlights
  • For students with an IELTS or equivalent score of 5.5 (no individual score below 5.5) and 6.0 (no individual score below 6.0)
  • Take the Academic English Program (AEP) and up to 3 credit academic courses related to your major in your home university.
  • Support from the International Students Services department
  • Take part in exciting social and cultural activities that will enhance your English skills
  • Flexible program options: 4 to 6 months (for details please see both options below)
4-month Program
  • This option is for students with IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL iBT 65-68, or students with IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 69-79
  • Students with IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL iBT 65-68 will take the AEP + 1 academic course
  • Students with IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 69-79 will take the AEP + up to 3 academic courses
  • Start dates in January, May (subject to academic course availability) and September
6-month Program
  • This option is available to groups of 10 or more
  • This option is for students with IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL iBT 65-68, or students with IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 69-79
  • Students with IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL iBT 65-68 will take the Level 4 Intensive Academic English Program in July and August (36 hours a week, Monday to Saturday). In the Fall, students will join the regular Level 5 AEP.
  • Start date in late June or early July
Housing

Visiting International Students are welcome to stay on campus in our Residences or participate in our Homestay program.

Residence
At our Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, we offer a number of room style options including dormitory-style rooms that include shared bathrooms and common rooms as well as a full meal plan. At our Thunder Bay campus we also offer Apartment and Townhouse residence options that allow four students per unit to share kitchen, living room and bathroom. 

If you would like to live in our on-campus residences, you must apply online. For more details about housing options and to apply, visit our Residence website and select the campus of your choice.

Homestay
Homestay is a great way to practice English and learn Canadian culture. By living with a Canadian family, students can improve conversational English skills in daily life, participate in family activities and have a better understanding of Canadian customs and culture. Students will enjoy a home away from home.

If you would like to live with one our Homestay families, you must apply online. Visit our Student Homestay Application Form

Start Dates

4 month program: January, May and September start dates

6 month program: July start date

Course Selection

You will select your course(s) once you arrive on campus. Our International Advising team will help you choose a class that fits within your academic schedule. To view our course offerings, visit our Course Timetable.

Required Fees

Academic English Program language classes: 
Option 1

Part-time: $3,600 CAD per semester

Monday through Friday - 3 hr/day or 15 hr/week for 13 weeks

Option 2 

Full-time: $5,200 CAD per semester

Regular AEP schedule: Monday through Friday, 5hr/day or 25 hr/week for 13 weeks

Note:Undergraduate academic courses should not take place at the same time as the AEP classes.

Academic courses: 
$2,850 -$3,800 CAD per class per semester depending on the academic program

Auditing Fees:  
$598.45 CAD for 1.0 FCE (full credit courses) or $299.23 CAD for 0.5 FCE (half credit courses). 

Please note that students do not receive credit for auditing a course in you choose this option. 

Accommodation: 
$900 - $1500 CAD per month
Prices vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose and whether you live on or off campus.

Medical Insurance: 
$1.95 CAD per day (approximately $238 per semester)

For details on medical coverage, visit the GuardMe website.

Ancillary Fees: 
AEP: $72.14 and $66.73 for each 0.50 credit (academic course)

Bus Pass: 

Adult Pass (25+ years): $80.00 monthly

Youth Pass (13 - 24 years): $55 monthly

Orillia
$63.60 (monthly)

Apply to VIP

Click here to apply!

For information, pricing and applying, please contact us:

Email: international.english@lakeheadu.ca
Phone: +1 807-343-8010 ext. 7876