Foundation Program - IEP Bridging Program At York University

This program helps you as a newcomer to Canada get ready for the Canadian workplace. We will help you improve your language and professional communication skills as well as courses on key professional areas. It also supports the growth of knowledge, skills and connections required for success in the Canadian workforce. You will gain access to opportunities to attend free career coaching and activities to support your job search.

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Applications for the 2025 IEP Bridging Programs are now open!

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Are you new to the country, internationally educated and looking to kick start your career in Canada?

We are now accepting applications to our IEP Foundation and Certificate Programs. Sign up for our mailing list to join our applicant pool and learn more about how to apply.

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The IEP Foundation Program Offers

Flexible Part-time Delivery

Courses are held on two evenings weekly, with additional access to University supports, career events and virtual workshops.

University Credit Courses

University credit Courses designed exclusively for Internationally Educated Professionals

Support & Resources

Participants gain free access to:

Language training and support,
University libraries and services,
Opportunities to build your network and connect to events and activities to support your job search.

Participants will also have an option to continue at York University after the Foundation Program to take an additional university credit course in their professional field (optional and for a fee).

Tuition Fee Waiver

For the Foundation Program, a fee waiver can be given to each student to cover fees for two university-level courses designed exclusively for IEPs, in the areas of professional Canadian business communication, management skills, business law or IT programming. Students will also learn more about other bursaries and community immigrant loan programs that can assist them with other costs.

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Program Structure

Step 1 | Jumpstart to Success

If admitted, you will complete an orientation session and begin the one month eight-session workplace preparation program. During this program you will also be given an orientation to the University Library system, career services and events. After completing Jumpstart you will be evaluated on English language skills and commitment to the program (attendance, participation, completion and adherence to assignment deadlines, etc.) Performance in this Jumpstart to Success course will determine if you will continue in our Bridging Program Foundation skills courses.

If you successfully complete the course, you will be invited to enrol in two Foundations courses in the Fall term.

Step 2 | Canadian Workplace Foundations Courses

Upon successfully completing the Jumpstart to Success phase, you can take Canadian Workplace Foundations courses focused on the Canadian business and workplace environment. These university level courses help you gain knowledge and skills in professional workplace communication, leadership, management, law and IT skills within the Canadian context.

This program is part-time, and courses are offered during evening hours. For each 3-hour class, the anticipated homework, group work, and general class preparation workload outside of school is an additional 3 - 9 hours per week.

All IEP Foundations students are pre-registered for their first course:

ADMS 3015 | Professional Communication in the Canadian Context
This course increases the communicative competence of Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) in both business writing and presentation skills, while increasing their ability to analyze and negotiate the Canadian landscape of their chosen profession. Direct instruction is combined with simulations, discussions, and group activities to develop clear, accurate, effective oral and written communication.

You then need to enrol into one additional foundation course of your choice. We will provide more information after you have been admitted to the program.

Business professionals must choose one of the following two courses:

ADMS 3020 | Canadian Business Culture & Management Skills
Provides an overview of the Canadian business environment and focuses on the development of management skills for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP). Theoretical instruction is combined with case analyses and teamwork exercises to develop a comprehensive understanding of the course material.
ADMS 3060 | Fundamentals of Canadian Business Law & Ethics
Examines the background and nature of business law and ethics in Canada. Explains the foundations of Canadian business law and the essential legal elements key to business success in Canada. Analyzes stakeholder-support of corporate and professional accountability and governance. Provides insights into the development of decision processes based on socially responsible and sound ethical decision-making frameworks

Students with an information technology background will take this course:

ITEC 2615 | Object Oriented Programming for IEPs
Provides the fundamental Java programming skills to Internationally Educated Professionals who already have some computer programming training in other programming languages. Java programming is today the most utilized software development tool in the Canadian industry. Presents an overview of Java-based object-oriented programming and covers class implementation, object-oriented design (with UML), graphics user interfaces, event programming and data structures.

Fee waivers are granted to cover the fees of these two courses, if successfully completed.

Step 3 | Specialized Course Registration (optional)

After the completion of the required Foundations courses in the Fall Term, students can choose to either complete the program or request the option of taking one specialized course in the Winter Term. These courses vary based on your academic backgrounds.  When accepted into the program, we can provide more information and assist you in selecting courses related to your area of focus. If you want to take a specialized course you will need to meet with IEP staff to review your specialized course choices, get an approved IEP pre-requisite waiver form and register for your course.

These courses are subject to course fees, the program will provide you with information on loans available to support your studies

Testimonials

Joining the IEP Bridging Program was a turning point in my journey. It gave me the confidence, support, and connections I needed to not just adjust to the Canadian job market, but to finally believe in myself and pursue the career in a new country.

— Hafasa Issa
Program Coordinator and Project Manager, triOS College

Resources

Questions?

Pour des services d’établissement et emploi en français et/ou la formation linguistique en français, veuillez contacter Centre Francophone du Grand Toronto / Tel: 416-922-2672 ou Services Emploi 416-962-4600.

Rendez-vous sur ce site pour trouver des services gratuits pour les nouveaux arrivants près de chez vous pour vous connecter à tous les fournisseurs francophones disponibles dans votre région.

Go to find free newcomer services near you to search and connect to the available Francophone providers in your area.