Grade 12: WISS International Student University Express Program

No! It’s never too late to begin your studies at WISS, even if your child is in their final year of high school. Students between grades 7 - 12 can apply to learn at WISS. Grade 12 students will still have the opportunity to learn important skills to prepare them for Canadian universities, such as English language skills, preparation for admission tests, discovering Canadian culture, and so much more.

You may be wondering if there is still a good reason for your child to apply for their final year of high school, and there is! As mentioned above, it is never too late to start at WISS. The teachers at WISS are here to help all students, no matter when they began the UEP to prepare for university.

In order to be accepted into Canadian schools, students must be able to show that they have an adequate understanding of the English language. Even one year at WISS can help students significantly improve their English skills and become more comfortable with Canadian culture.

WISS is proud to be a school focused on academic innovation and growing the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally. We are excited that you are interested in applying, and want to make the process as smooth as possible for parents. When applying, you will need:

• Official school transcript(s)

• Application and registration fees

• Language assessment

• Online interview completed

To learn more about applying at WISS, you can check out information for applying as an International Student or applying as a Canadian student.

Grade 12 students are among the oldest on campus, however, it can still be quite an adjustment living away from home - even for our oldest students.

To help our students have a smooth transition, we offer both residence and Homestay options at WISS.

Both choices provide students with a warm, safe, and comfortable environment while they stay away from home, often for the first time.

Option 1: Residence

While attending WISS, students have the option to live at our Student residence housing. We have created our residence building and program with the safety and comfort of your child in mind. The student residence is located in a wonderful and safe community just minutes away from the school campus in Waterloo.

Option 2: Homestay

For students who prefer a home environment, WISS also offers the homestay option. If you choose homestay for your child, WISS arranges for them to live with a local family. Every family is carefully screened and approved by WISS before they are paired with a student. The homestay program allows for a warm and friendly “home away from home” experience. As grade 12 students are preparing to enter Canadian universities, this is an excellent opportunity for them to better integrate into their local community.

Yes. Students enrolled in the UEP are also prepared for a number of exams including:

• SAT exams

• IELTS exams

• TOEFL exams

• AP exams

Grade 12 students should be prepared to take a number of tests, exams, and submit complex applications depending on the programs they are applying to. WISS helps students feel comfortable taking these exams and prepares them for admission requirements.

Preparation for exams like the ones listed above may be crucial for university admission depending on the programs your child is applying to.

From 2018 - 2020:

• 40% of WISS graduates were accepted to the University of Waterloo

• 35% were accepted to the University of Toronto

• 10% were accepted to McMaster University

• 10% were accepted to Wilfrid Laurier University

• 5% were accepted to other universities including Queen’s University, Western University, Ryerson University, and more.

Our school facility is located in Waterloo, where your grade 12 UEP student will study. Here, you will see a wide range of benefits, from the facility itself to the environment we’ve worked hard to create.

Our bright and modern school building boasts natural light, a range of study spaces, and a spacious and child-friendly environment.

On-campus, we also offer:

• A library

• Safe and fun play spaces

• On-campus garden

• Trails and parks within close walking distance from the campus

Students will enjoy a wide range of spaces to quietly study, connect with their peers, and enjoy leisure time when they aren’t studying.

For a full breakdown of costs, including tuition, application fees, residence fees, and more, click here.