ESP Application

New applicants

• How do you apply?
• Who should apply?
• Application deadline
• Minimum academic requirements
• What if English is not your first language?
• What happens after we receive your application?
• Attend an Info Night

Returning ESP students

• How do I apply to return to ESP?
• Requirements for second year?
• Application deadline?
• What if I didn’t complete first year ESP?
• What does a second year of ESP involve?
• Can I apply to receive OSAP funding for second year ESP?

New applicants

How do you apply?

ESP does not base its admissions decisions on high school or college grades alone. For this reason, we ask you to submit an application including a form, two letters of reference from teachers, a personal statement and an application fee.

You cannot apply to ESP through the Ontario University Application Centre. Instead, please apply below:

Who should apply?

Consider applying if:

• your high school or college grades do not represent your academic potential
• you would like more academic and/or transition support as you begin university studies
• you have taken time away from school and wish to start university in a supported environment

The ESP was founded to foster university access for everyone, including those from under-represented groups. As part of our commitment to a more equitable, diverse and inclusive campus community, we actively encourage applications from racialized and Indigenous students, 2SLGBTQ+ students, neurodivergent students, students with disabilities, and students from working-class backgrounds of all ethnicities. See below for requirements.

Application deadline?

Fall 2025: June 15, 2025

Winter 2026: Please visit our Winter application page.

Minimum academic requirements for ESP admission?

Minimum educational criteria (and see below for prerequisite subject requirements for our Business, Engineering and Science streams):

• Ontario high school applicants: High school diploma and we recommend a minimum of three Grade 12 credits at the U or M (university stream) level (4U English is recommended). Students with fewer U/M level courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Out-of-province high school applicants: High school diploma and we recommend half of the grade 12 credits in the academic/university stream. Students with fewer academic level courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Mature applicants (we consider Canadian citizens and landed immigrants who have been away from full-time studies for a two-year period and who have not undertaken other college or university study as “mature”): Will be considered on a case by case basis.
• College/CEGEP applicants: Completion of a minimum of one year in a college/CEGEP program that includes academic stream courses
• University students: Will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Consult with an Academic Advisor about whether our program can assist you. Note: applicants with previous university studies cannot be considered for our Engineering stream.
• International students: Are encouraged to consult Carleton’s degree admission requirements. We will consider students whose academic record is close to the posted degree admission requirements. Please ensure you review Carleton’s FAQs page regarding information on Study Permits, PALs, and the mandatory tuition deposit. Note: some information will be geared towards degree students and not ESP students. Questions? Please email esp@carleton.ca

Prerequisite subjects:

Applicants to our Business, Science or Engineering streams, have additional prerequisite course requirements. These prerequisite course requirements apply to all applicant types (high school, college, international, mature or those with other university students).

Please note that these indicate minimum criteria necessary for applications to advance for consideration. Meeting the criteria above does not, in itself, guarantee your application will be accepted. Decisions are made based on your application as a whole.

What if English is not your first language?

Applicants whose first language is not English, should consult Carleton University’s English as a Second Language requirements.

• If you require an ESL test, acceptable English Language tests (the academic version): Duolingo, CAEL, IELTS, or TOEFL. Note: Please check the Admissions website for updates to test options.

What happens after we receive your application?

Once your application is complete, we will normally provide a decision within 3-5 weeks.

Returning students

How do I apply to return to ESP?

Complete the Second Year/Returning Student Application.

Please note: Second Year ESP is normally only available in our Arts and Social Sciences stream. If you are interested in another option, please consult an ESP Academic Advisor before applying.

Application deadline?

Fall 2025: June 15, 2025

Winter: Please visit our January application page.

Requirements for a second year?

Your attendance in workshops, final grades and application essay will be used to determine your eligibility for a second year of ESP. We look for good attendance and that you are in “Eligible to Continue” after the Academic Continuation Evaluation. We will also consider the information you provide in your application.

What if I didn’t complete first year ESP?

You would apply as a “Returning Student” using the Returning/Second Year Student ESP Application form.

If I’m taking summer courses, should I still apply to a second year of ESP?

Yes. If you want to be sure we’ll have a space for you, you should consider applying to a second year of ESP. If you are admitted to a program later in the summer, you can simply withdraw your application to ESP.  Spaces in the second year of ESP are limited and may be full before you have your summer course results, so if you are considering this option, please apply early.

What does a second year of ESP involve?

You may return to ESP for one term or two. Speak with an ESP Academic Advisor about your options. Normally students will enroll in 2 courses supported by workshops and 1 core course.

Can I apply to receive OSAP funding for second year ESP?

The ministry will only fund ESP students who are eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for one year (up to 3 terms). This means second-year students who received OSAP for their first-year of ESP likely cannot receive OSAP again. Please contact the Awards Office if you have any questions about OSAP-eligibility.

Returning ESP students may be eligible for a bank student line of credit and/or student bursaries.

Can I enroll in ESP in the Fall and apply to enter a degree program in the Winter Term?

Possibly. This will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Your overall GPA upon beginning your second year
• The number of credits you will have successfully completed
• Your average in the Fall term classes
• Whether you enroll in half credit courses or full-credit courses in the Fall term
• Whether your program of interest is accepting applications in the Winter term

Consult with an ESP Academic Advisor for details.