Wilfrid Laurier University and Navitas announce internationalization partnership

March 10, 2021
For Immediate Release

Brantford – Today, Wilfrid Laurier University and Navitas announced a 10-year strategic partnership that will transform international education at the university and expand learning opportunities for international and domestic students alike. 

The cornerstone of this partnership is the introduction of a pathway program for international students designed to prepare them for academic success. To be known as Wilfrid Laurier International College (WLIC), the integrated and highly customized program includes academic course content, study skills development, and wraparound social and academic support systems.

WLIC will be located on the university’s Brantford campus, which is interwoven into the city’s downtown. With a close-knit community, tradition of engagement that expands beyond the classroom, and just steps from the Grand River and its picturesque trail system, the Brantford campus offers international students a uniquely Canadian experience.

Through successful completion of the WLIC first-year program, students will be eligible to continue their degree studies in their second year at the university at either the Brantford or Waterloo campus. Laurier will retain full control over all academic aspects of the WLIC program.

“Laurier’s partnership with Navitas is part of our multi-pronged approach to increase international student enrolment and cultivate global citizens,” said Deborah MacLatchy, president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University. “The increase in number and diversity of international students will further enhance the cultural landscape of our Brantford campus and provide significant economic opportunities for the downtown.”

“Wilfrid Laurier University’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community combined with its reputation for academic excellence makes it an ideal destination for international students,” said Brian J.R. Stevenson, president and CEO of Navitas North America. “Through our global marketing network, we look forward to introducing even more of the world to Laurier and expanding international students’ access to high-quality post-secondary education for which both Canada and Laurier are known.”

“I congratulate the Laurier leadership team for their continued success with the Navitas partnership,” said Brantford-Brant Member of Ontario Provincial Parliament Will Bouma. “This type of innovative, collaborative and refreshing partnership is exactly what our government encourages, especially in the higher education and skilled trades spheres. I look forward to the influx of students to the Brantford area and showcasing all the great offerings our community has for students to thrive and learn.”

Navitas has more than 25 years of experience establishing successful pathway programs in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Navitas was the first to launch such a program in North America with Simon Fraser University in 2006 and with the University of Manitoba in 2007. Combined, these programs welcome approximately 5,000 international students from more than 90 countries each year. Ninety-five per cent of students progressed from Navitas’ Canadian programs to their host university. 

In August 2020, Navitas announced its third partnership with Toronto’s Ryerson University. Laurier is Navitas’ fourth partnership in Canada.

About Wilfrid Laurier University

Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to academic excellence. Laurier’s holistic approach to learning integrates innovative programming with hands-on experience outside the classroom to ensure Laurier graduates are not only ready for the future but are inspired to leave their mark on the world. As a community of researchers, leaders and educators, Laurier builds knowledge that serves society and creates connections that have a lasting impact.

Learn more about Laurier’s 20,000+ students in nine faculties and a federated university college throughout Waterloo, Brantford, Kitchener and Toronto at wlu.ca.

About Navitas

Established in 1994, Navitas is a global higher education organization that partners with universities around the world to increase international students’ access to higher education and prepare them for future success. Further details can be found at navitas.com.