Saint Mary's University English Language Pathway Program

Language Pathway
Globally Recognized
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Multi Term, Single Term
Saint Mary's University Content 05
Saint Mary's University Content 08
Saint Mary's University Content 03
Saint Mary's University Featured 01
Saint Mary's University Featured 04

About the Program

The vibrant Saint Mary’s University (SMU) campus is a global community of students from more than 117 countries. Faculty and staff are deeply supportive, nurturing academic pursuits and contributing to the university’s values of recognizing the importance and contribution of each student.

In Halifax, Nova Scotia, SMU is a few miles from the Atlantic, which is ever-present in the lives of citizens and students. There’s also an abundance of the outdoor adventures, kayaking, skiing, hiking Canada is so famous for. Canada is also famous for being one of the world’s friendliest and safest countries.

SMU is best known for its leading programs in business and chemistry

One of Canada's top-ranked undergraduate universities

Offers a "bright, ambitious vision for the future—a world without limits"

Established in 1802, SMU is one of Canada's oldest universities

Program Advisor

Saffyが挨拶をしているイラスト
Student Counselor SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
Schedule a Consultation

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Intermediate
GPA Requirements:
2.00
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Art, Design & Fashion, Biological & Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Business, Economics & Finance, Computer Science & Math
Housing:
Homestay
Visa Required:
Maybe

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

Health & Safety Information
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Rina Kitajima

I had a lot of fun while studying abroad, but there were just as many hard times as there were fun times. Nevertheless, I am very glad that I was able to study abroad.

Former SAF Scholar

Saint Mary's University Content 04

About the University

Saint Mary's University Featured 02
Saint Mary's University Featured 04
Saint Mary's University Content 08
Saint Mary's University Content 03
Saint Mary's University Featured 05
Saint Mary's University Featured 02
Saint Mary's University Featured 04
Saint Mary's University Content 08
Saint Mary's University Content 03
Saint Mary's University Featured 05

Saint Mary’s University

Canada ranks consistently as one of the world’s friendliest and safest countries, so you are bound to feel comfortable and welcome from the moment you arrive. A few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Saint Mary’s University celebrates its beautiful home of Halifax, Nova Scotia, by offering myriad outdoor clubs and opportunities for students, from kayaking and horseriding to skiing and hiking.

You will look back on your time at SMU and remember lively, engaging classes and friend-filled adventures exploring Canada and the United States East Coast.

Learn more at Saint Mary's University's official website.

Academics

St Mary's University's Academic Approach

 

Since 1802, St. Mary’s has fostered a tradition of academic excellence, small class sizes, and a supportive student community. The university is a multi-cultural paradise, housing over 7,000 students from 115 countries. SMU specializes in experiential learning opportunities, providing students the opportunity to apply classroom lessons in real-world situations. The campus is small and attractive, making it easy for you to become familiar with your surroundings.

As Canada’s only university offering academic courses, SMU is your best option if you’re even slightly interested in Canadian academics. Its University Bridging Program (UBP) program is intensive, with a combination of classroom learning and real-world practice. You also join the Conversation Partner Program, giving you frequent access to native English speakers to better your speaking, reading, listening, and writing abilities.

 

Courses

 

You register for your courses prior to your arrival at the university. You get a username and password to an online portal. Registration occurs during the daytime in Canada, so if you might have difficulty registering during that time, speak with your SAF Program Advisor. If you’re studying more than one semester at SMU, you must progress. For that reason, there are two study abroad experiences to choose from:

  1. Academic-focused: You spend one semester in concurrent (UBP), then progress to academic only. This option is best if your focus is academic, but you’re keen to improve your English skills. For a swift introduction into Western academics, this is ideal. You must get at least a B grade in UBP to progress to the academic program.
  2. Language-focused: You spend one semester taking only language courses, then progress to concurrent (UBP). This option is best if your focus is on learning English, but you want to earn some university credit. This is perfect if you would prefer a slow introduction into Western academics.

Classroom Hours

The SAF program fee tuition rate covers 25 hours of language instruction per week.

Language Levels

Six levels offered in eight-week sessions

  • Levels 1-3 focus on developing accuracy and fluency in general English and cross-cultural communications
  • Levels 4-6 is more academic-focused, preparing you for academic coursework

Elective Courses

You have your choice of various cultural classes to enhance your understanding of the English language.

Helpful links

ビルボードがまぶしいシティの中心で撮った写真
What to expect when you study abroad during a pandemic
emi01
Things I wish I'd known before my study abroad

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Learn More

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Schedule Consultation

Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university - and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements 

If you wish to progress and take academic courses alongside English language courses in the following term, you are expected to have acheived the following minimum scores or the equivalent at the point of your progression:

1. If you wish to progress to take academic courses full-timely and enroll in three (3) academic courses in the subsequential term, you must meet the below minimum language requirement at the time of your application to the Language + Academic combination:

  • Duolingo: 110
  • IELTS: 6.0 *No sub-score below 5.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 72 *No sub-score below 18

2. If you wish to progress and enroll in two (2) academic courses alongside your English language courses in the subsequential term, you must meet the below minimum language requirement at the time of your application to the Language + Concurrent combination:

  • Duolingo: 105
  • IELTS: 5.5 *No sub-score below 5.0
  • TOEFL iBT: 61 *No sub-score below 15

3. If you wish to progress and enroll in one (1) academic course alongside your English courses in the subsequential term, you must meet the below minimum language requirement at the time of your application to the Language + Concurrent combination:

  • Duolingo: 100
  • IELTS: 5.0 *No sub-score below 5.0
  • TOEFL iBT: 61 *No sub-score below 15 (If you already have this score or above, you may be already eligible for taking one academic course at the time of your application. SMU will confirm your eligibility to take the academic course through the Online Oxford Placement Test (OOPT))

* Having the above scores may not guarantee progression. Please refer to Concurrent Program page for required English language scores for taking academic courses in the susequential term.

* Other  language scores may be accepted by SMU programs. Please contact SAF for further information.

Learn More About Language Requirements

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Spring Quarter 2024 Language Pathway + Summer 2024 Concurrent + Fall 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Late February - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
CA$
29,400
Learn more about program fees

Spring Quarter 2024 Language Pathway + Summer 2024 Language Standalone + Fall 2024 Concurrent

Program dates:
Late February - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
27,550
Learn more about program fees

Housing Information

Off-campus-apartment_Homestay_010

Homestay

For the full Canadian experience, you live with a local family in a homestay to develop your communication skills and build friendships that last a lifetime.

*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.

About Halifax

Canada Halifax Destination 01

Why Halifax

On the Atlantic coast, Nova Scotia, is a haven of pristine lakes, clear rivers, and untouched ocean shorelines. A maritime city, Halifax has a strong community feel and abundant scenic neighborhoods and trails to explore, with the central business district built around the historic harbor. 

Learn more about Halifax

The Student Experience

View All Blogs

Student Health & Safety

We champion health, safety, and security. As part of IES Abroad, the largest study abroad organization in the United States, we have set the standard for health and safety in study abroad for decades. We plan for the ‘what if’, so you can get on with the experience of a lifetime.
International Health Insurance

International health insurance included in the cost of your program

24/7 Emergency Phone Support

Total coverage to support you while traveling and in your new city

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information prepared based on your destination

Health In Your Language

Highly trained multilingual staff to connect you to healthcare providers

Secure Housing

Quality, safe, secure housing within close proximity to your classes

Dedicated Expertise

Protection by a Dean of Students Office advocating for your interests

Helpful Links

Europe Leipzig Destination 05
IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety, and Crises
Cornell 6
Check out the latest COVID-19 updates
Browse all resources

Orientation

On Arrival

Your SAF pre-departure process will arm you with all the information you need for a smooth arrival to your new campus, city, and country.

To Housing

Your SAF program will include a safe transfer from your arrival airport to your new study abroad housing. We'll even provide you with top tips to make the most of your new city!

Home Sweet Home

Your SAF Program Specialist will coordinate with you to ensure you have arrived safely and settled into your new secure housing.

Keeping You Safe

As you settle in, you will learn about the SAF emergency alert system, our 24/7 phone support, and any safety concerns relevant to you.

Get Social

Your new university and SAF will arrange social and cultural events so that you can meet other study abroad and local students. Make the most of your adventure!

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Learn More

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Schedule Consultation

Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad

Related Programs

Browse All Programs

Student Blogs

See all blogs

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

Girl Standing in Arch