The University of Prince Edward Island may extend a conditional offer of admission to a highly-qualified graduate applicant who does not quite meet the minimum English language proficiency requirement set by the graduate program to which the student has applied. A conditional admission allows a student to obtain a study permit (if necessary) and begin their studies in the UPEI Graduate English Academic Preparation (GEAP) program. Upon successful completion of the prescribed terms of study in the Graduate EAP program, the student will proceed directly into the graduate degree program.

To be eligible for participation in the Graduate EAP program, an applicant:

• Must be recommended by the appropriate Graduate Admissions Committee.
• Can reasonably be expected to reach the required English proficiency standard for unconditional graduate admission in no more than one year (12 months).
• May not participate in Graduate level courses or participate in Graduate program activity until the minimum (unconditional) English Proficiency requirement has been satisfied through an acceptable assessment test.

The Graduate English Language Preparation program is designed for students coming to graduate studies whose first language is other than English. To be eligible for admission to GEAP, students must have an English proficiency, demonstrated by means of an accepted test, as outlined in the English Proficiency requirements for Graduate studies. The program begins with an in-depth skills and needs analysis to define an individualized education plan focusing on:

• Advanced Composition: North American convention and academic argumentation to develop clarity, forcefulness, and genre appropriateness
• Scientific Writing: quantitative reasoning and analytical writing, if applicable
• Writing abstracts, conference proposals, and literature review
• Conference presentation requirements and skills
• Academic ethics and responsibilities: case study, debate, problem-based learning, data gathering and reporting, seminar presentation
• Library familiarization: databases, resources, cultural and program norms
• Working with an Academic Mentor and with the Writing Centre
• Online Course Work--if required
• Computer skills updating-- if required

Progress

Students in the GEAP program are expected to satisfy the minimum (unconditional) English Proficiency requirement, through an acceptable assessment test within one year (12 months) of the start of the program. Students who have not met the requirement within the stated time period, may make appeal to the Graduate Admissions Committee for an extension. Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with appropriate support units.

Visit the English Academic Preparation (EAP) website for more information.