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Bachelor's degree pathways at public universities in USA and Canada for international students

Specialized academic pathways to success at North American universities, in a highly supportive learning environment: University Bridging Program for bachelor's degrees in Canada; International First Year at universities in USA.

Students on campus at James Madison University International student pathway programs in Canada

A unique opportunity for international students
Two high-quality undergraduate degree pathways for international students are available at universities in North America:

When you are accepted on these programs, you are admitted as a full-time student and receive your immigration documents from the university.


International First Year

The International First Year includes both English for Academic Purposes and the equivalent of the first year of university coursework, leading to second year placement into a James Madison University,  Roosevelt University or Widener University bachelor's degree.

Your best route to a US university degree
The program offers an environment in which international students get the specialized support they need. You will PAY LOWER FEES‡ than joining an undergraduate degree in the first year, and still be able to earn all the necessary academic credits. If you don't have the required English language level, you will SAVE TIME - by improving your English and completing your first year at university simultaneously.

‡ 2-semester International First Year compared to 2 semesters as a freshman

Degree program choices
After completing the International First Year, you can progress to the second year of a wide variety of US majors and programs:

International First Year pathway Leading to Year 2 bachelor's degrees at:
James Madison University Roosevelt University Widener University
Business 10 business and management majors  

9 business, management and finance majors

Accounting, business informatics, economics, finance, international business, management
General Studies 33 majors in communications, health and human services, humanities, social sciences, and the arts n/a n/a
Pre-Law n/a Criminal/social justice, international studies, political science Pre-law, political science
Engineering interdisciplinary Engineering major n/a 5 engineering majors (biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical)
Science, Technology and Mathematics 13 majors in science, computing and mathematics

Biochemistry, biology, chemistry, mathematics, pre-medical

n/a

Progression requirements
To progress to the second year of an undergraduate degree, you need to gain between 24 and 31 university credits, and obtain a satisfactory average GPA according to your desired degree requirements.


University Bridging Program

The University Bridging Program prepares international students to progress to an undergraduate degree, with built-in language and study skills support, at Royal Roads University in Canada.

International student pathway saves you time and money
International students with English language levels lower than IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 68 join the University Bridging Program before the bachelor's degree. It is still possible to complete this preparation program and a bachelor's degree in 5 years, from a starting English level equivalent as low as IELTS 3.0 or TOEFL 32 iBT. 

Degree program choices
After completing the University Bridging Program, you can progress to six majors:

  • BBA in Sustainability and International Business
  • BCom in Entrepreneurial Management†
  • BA in Professional Communication
  • BA in Global Tourism Management
  • BA in International Hotel Management
  • BA in Justice Studies

† 3-year undergraduate degree

Progression requirements
To progress to a bachelor's degree, students need to have reached the equivalent of an IELTS level 5.5 and successfully complete a portfolio of work.