OTTAWA, ON – A first-of-its-kind national study released today by Languages Canada reveals that English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs offered by public colleges and universities are instrumental in supporting international student retention and academic achievement—key outcomes for institutions navigating an increasingly competitive and uncertain international education landscape.
The multi-institutional study, conducted by Academica Group, analyzed five years of data from six universities and three colleges. Due to data limitations, French for Academic Purposes (FAP) programs could not be included.
Key findings include:
- At universities, international students who completed an EAP program had higher GPAs and retention rates than their peers who entered directly without language support.
- In colleges, EAP students achieved academic outcomes on par with their non-EAP peers once demographic and program variables were taken into account—despite starting with lower average English proficiency.
- The study dispels myths that EAP students underperform, showing instead that these programs level the playing field and provide an equitable path to academic success.
The findings are especially relevant as new IRCC data shows that, between January and April 2025, only 34% of study permits for university applicants and just 22% for college applicants were approved. These stark figures underscore the high cost of international recruitment and the increasingly important role of EAP programs in supporting student retention by ensuring that the students who do make it to Canada have the best chance possible of succeeding in their academic program of choice. EAP programs set students up for success by providing academically oriented language preparation and supporting their integration into the campus and local community.
“These findings send a clear message to public institutions and policymakers alike: EAP programs are not remedial. They are a powerful enabler of student success.” said Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director of Languages Canada. ”Particularly in the current climate of visa uncertainty and intensifying global competition , institutions cannot afford to rely on recruitment alone. They must focus on ensuring the success of those who arrive.”
The research affirms that EAP programs contribute meaningfully to both academic excellence and broader institutional goals such as inclusion, access, and diversity. By offering structured, high-quality language preparation, public institutions strengthen their ability to retain students, improve the return on investments in recruitment activities, and uphold Canada's reputation as a top destination for international education.
About Languages Canada
Languages Canada is the national association representing 170 accredited language education programs across Canada. The association advances the success of Canada's official languages sector through advocacy, quality assurance, and research.
Media Contact
Marie-Claude Loiselle
Communications Officer
Languages Canada
info@languagescanada.ca
