UWindsor's English Language Pathway
Welcome to the English Language Improvement Program (ELIP) at the University of Windsor!
Starting at UWindsor through ELIP is the first step to achieving success in your studies and beyond.
The ELIP Program is offered online, so you can choose to achieve your English language proficiency requirements from anywhere in the world. An in-person option is also available.
- ELIP level 3 completion (75%) meets English language requirements
- 3 program start options: Fall, Winter, Summer
- Four levels of intensive academic English
- Each ELIP level is 20 hrs/week for 12 weeks
- In-person and online learning options
- On-campus work eligibility
- Access to UWindsor Campus Facilities
- Engage in extracurricular and intercultural communication
- Build wellness know-how
- Lessons in data literacy, analysis and management (ELIP 3 only)
Note: You must obtain a study permit for both academic and ELIP programs. Please visit the Government of Canada website for details.
Book A Virtual Meeting With An ELIP Representative
Email The Centre For English Language Development
Important Dates
Key Features
Academic English
- Communicate Skilfully
- Analyse Information
- Evaluate Issues
- Write Persuasively
Academic Skills
- Navigate Research Portals
- Faciliate Group Interactions
- Lead Conversations
- Offer Constructive Feedback
- Integrate Into Academics
Work Prep
- Eligible To Work On Campus
- Student recognition opportunities to build portfolio
- Collaborate with peers
- Manage tasks
Wellness Support
- Social/interpersonal development
- Intercultural communication
- Mental and emotional health
About ELIP
About Elip
ELIP focuses on developing English language and academic skills to meet the University of Windsor English proficiency requirements.
What Are The ELIP Learning Outcomes?
Upon completing ELIP level 3, you will have developed English language skills to:
- Understand and analyze a variety of texts
- Evaluate significant issues to persuasively write on academic topics
- Understand extended spoken information and critically evaluate points to use in argumentation
- Convey precise meaning in oral and written communication
- Strategically use a range of academic skills
When Is ELIP Offered?
How Long Is Each ELIP Term?
Each ELIP term is 12 weeks. In-class instruction is 4 hours per day; totalling, 20 hours per week.
How Long Will It Take Me To Complete ELIP?
Should I Register To Attend ELIP Online Or In Class?
Both options are available to all students in and outside of Canada. ELIP online is a good option if students are unable to travel to Canada for the registered term. Students residing in Canada can choose between ELIP online and in-class options.
Admission To ELIP
How Do I Get Acceptance Letter For ELIP?
You will receive an ELIP acceptance letter by completing the online application form and paying the $150 registration fee. Once your application is received, you will receive a confirmation email.
How Long Will It Take To Get My ELIP Acceptance Letter?
If you have already applied to your academic program, it will typically take 2-3 business days to receive your ELIP acceptance letter.
I Have Been Admitted To An Academic Program, But I Don't Meet The English Requirment. Can I Take ELIP To Meet The Requirement?
Yes. ELIP meets the English requirement for admission to your undergraduate or graduate academic program at the University of Windsor. When you successfully complete ELIP level 3, you will have met the English requirement.
I Haven't Applied To An Academic Program. If I Take ELIP, Can I Go Into An Academic Program
You must apply for your academic program and meet all other admission requirements to gain admission. When you successfully complete ELIP level 3, you will have met the English requirement for your academic program.
Enrolling in ELIP alone does not guarantee that you will be admitted to an academic program.
Should I Apply For ELIP Or My Academic Program First?
Most students apply for their academic program first. If you have questions about conditional offers, please visit ask.UWindsor to request information regarding the academic program you are interested in.
I Am In Canada Holding A Tourist Visa. Will I need A Study Permit To Take ELIP Class?
If your ELIP program is going to take longer than 6 months to complete, you are required to have a valid Study Permit while in Canada.
ELIP Levels
What ELIP Level WIll I Be In?
We may be able to determine your ELIP level based on a valid English language test score, such as a CAEL, IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL test. However, you may be required to write our placement test at the beginning of the term to determine your ELIP level.
The ELIP placement test takes precedence over any other test score.
Is My English Language Test Score Still Valid For ELIP Placement?
Test scores attained 12 months prior to the date of application is considered valid. If the submitted test score has passed the 12-month limit, you will be required to take an online placement test.
My Academic Offer States That I Need To Complete ELIP 3. Does This Mean I Can Start In ELIP 3?
No. There are different levels in ELIP. After applying, you will be placed in a level that is appropriate for your English language profile. Your ELIP level will be confirmed after your application is processed.
ELIP Fees
ELIP Fees (CDN)
In-Person
| In-Person | Registration Fee | Program Fee | Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELIP 12 Week | $150 | $4,920 | $250 |
| ELIP Fast Track | $150 | $5,400 | $150 |
Online (starting Fall 2024)
| Online | Registration Fee | Program Fee | Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELIP 12 Week | $150 | $4,400 | n/a |
| ELIP Fast Track | $150 | $4,880 | n/a |
What Are The Fees For ELIP?
ELIP fees per term include:
- Registration fee – $150.00
- Program tuition fee – $4,920.00
- *Health insurance fee – $250.00
Total – $5,320.00
*Health Insurance fee is applicable to international students studying within Canada.
When Are ELIP Fees Due?
Please review your ELIP Invoice for the due date of fees.
How Do I Pay My ELIP Fees?
- Pay by credit card by logging into your online application.
- Make a payment to your student account using the CIBC International Student Pay. You will need your 9-digit Student ID. After making a payment, please notify studyenglish@uwindsor.ca.
- Pay in person at either CELD campus by credit card, debit card, or bank draft made payable to the University of Windsor.
I Have Already Transferred Funds To My Student Account. Can I Use Those Funds To Pay For ELIP?
Yes. The funds in your student account can be used to pay ELIP fees. Please notify studyenglish@uwindsor.ca that you would like to do so.
I Made A Deposit For My Academic Program. Do I Still Need To Pay For ELIP?
Yes. ELIP fees are separate from academic fees.
Are There Scholarships For ELIP?
Currently, ELIP is not covered by scholarships offered at UWindsor. Students are free to explore external scholarship opportunities.
ELIP 3 Fast Track
What Is ELIP 3 Fast Track?
ELIP 3 is a condensed, 8-week program of the ELIP 3 level. It is more fast-paced and intense than ELIP 3.
When Is ELIP 3 Fast Track Offered?
ELIP 3 Fast Track is offered in every Summer (July – August) and Fall (October – December) terms.
What Are The Fees For ELIP 3 Fast Track?
ELIP fees per term include:
- Registration fee – $150.00
- Program tuition fee – $5,000.00
- *Health insurance fee – $150.00
Total – $5,300.00
*Health Insurance fee is applicable to international students studying within Canada.
Do I Qualify For ELIP 3 Fast Track?
Please contact studyenglish@uwindsor.ca to confirm your eligibility before applying for this program.
Online Learning
How Is ELIP Offered Online?
ELIP is offered on Brightspace.
How Do I Access Brightspace?
Once ELIP fees have been paid, you will receive instructions for activating the necessary accounts that will allow you access to Brightspace.
Do I Need A VPN To Access Brightspace?
The University of Windsor offers the VPN called Global Protect and it is available to students. The link below will guide you to installing the tool. Using this will allow your computer to act as though it is physically on campus. We recommend all ELIP students do this.
https://www.uwindsor.ca/itservices/talks/installing-globalprotect-vpn
I Am Taking ELIP Through Online Class From Outside Canada. Do I Need A Valid Study Permit?
You do not need a Study Permit to take ELIP online class from outside of Canada.
A valid Study Permit is required for international students taking ELIP online class in Canada.
Can I Travel To Canada For ELIP Class?
To prepare your trip to Canada, please visit International Arrivals New & Returning
International Student Centre is offering the Soft Landing Program to help incoming International Students prepare for their move to Canada, get settled in Windsor and begin their new life at the University of Windsor. For more information and details please visit:
https://www.uwindsor.ca/international-student-centre/229/softlanding
I Am An International Student Living In Canada. Do I Need A Valid Study Permit To ELIP Through Online Class?
Yes, you need a valid Study Permit to take ELIP online class in Canada.
What Are The Benefits Of Studying Online?
- Comfort of learning from home
- Improving virtual communication and collaboration
- Reduced costs for travel and accommodation
- Developing technical and time management skill
- Save on commuting time
In-Class Learning
I Am Living In Windsor. Am I Required To Join ELIP In Class?
No, you are not required but encouraged to join in-class learning. It’s a great opportunity to learn face-to-face with instructors and peers.
What Are The Benefits Of Studying In Class?
- Face-to-face communication with instructors and peers
- Distraction-free learning environment and a sense of routine
- In-person access to services and facilities on campus
- Exploring the campus community and local culture
- English-speaking environment beyond classroom
Work On/Off Campus
Can I Work In Canada While Studying In ELIP?
ELIP students are only eligible to work on campus.
Do I Need A Work Permit To Work On Campus?
You may work on the UWindsor campus without a work permit if:
- Face-to-face communication with instructors and peers
- Distraction-free learning environment and a sense of routine
- In-person access to services and facilities on campus
- Exploring the campus community and local culture
- English-speaking environment beyond classroom
How Many Hours Am I Allowed To Work On Campus?
The maximum number of hours a student can work on campus is set by the University and is up to 24 hours per week.
Can I Work Off Campus After Completing ELIP?
Once your ELIP program is complete and you are enrolled into your academic program you may be eligible to work off campus, should you meet these requirements.
For questions related to working please contact an International Student Advisor at intladvisors@uwindsor.ca
What ELIP Students Are Saying
Syed Ali Nasir Zaidi
ELIP was a smart decision as it helped me gain both the required knowledge and skill set for my research work, which I had been looking for a long time.
Syed has completed his Master of Education (curriculum studies). His dream is to be a part of any Canadian policy-making institution.
Yue Gou
ELIP helped me lay the foundation of foreign language communication and present as the first beacon which lights up the road ahead of my academic career.
Yue attained a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology and is a student of the Master of Science program.
Jin Liang
ELIP provides me with a wealth of opportunities to communicate with students from different countries. In addition, ELIP greatly eliminates my fear about the unknown future study and life in Windsor.
Jin is a student of the Master of Engineering program.
Mission, Vision And Values
Values
Excellence: Proven learning outcomes to advance skill development
Diversity: Representation of diverse voices in all aspects of program delivery
Integrity: Equitable practices to promote outstanding learner experience
Mission
Facilitate UWindsor English for academic pathway learners’ ability to fulfil their potential in study, work, and life
Vision
Prioritize the highest standards of teaching in equipping learners with essential English language skills, professional aptitudes, and wellness knowledge to thrive in a transitioning world