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Languages Canada Expands Joint Pathway Program Nationwide at National Conference, Advancing Innovation in Language Education

23-03-2026

Posted in: News

Languages Canada announced the national expansion of the Joint Pathway Program (JPP) pilot at its 19^th Annual Conference in Calgary, extending the initiative beyond the initial Ontario launch to participating institutions across the country and marking a major step forward in strengthening Canada’s international student pathway ecosystem.

Pictured: Stephanie Samboo, Associate Dean, Sheridan College, and Christopher Mediratta, CEO, ILSC Education Group announcing the national expansion of the Joint Pathway Program at the Languages Canada 19^th Annual Conference in Calgary, March 12, 2026. Sheridan College and ILSC Education Group are JPP pilot participating institutions. Photo credit: Mike Maciaszek.

Developed in response to regulatory changes impacting student mobility, the Joint Pathway Program provides a structured, IRCC policy-aligned framework that supports students’ seamless transition from language education into degree/diploma programs. The JPP brings together accredited private language schools and post-secondary institutions in innovative, coordinated partnerships designed to improve clarity, compliance, and student outcomes.

Photo credit: Mike Maciaszek.

“Through innovation and collaboration, the Joint Pathway Program aims to bring language pathway programs back to Canada’s education ecosystem, in a structured and responsible way that protects students, institutions, and Canada. By aligning language education with post-secondary pathways in a clear and coordinated way, we are restoring confidence in Canada as a destination of choice for international students.”

—Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director, Languages Canada

Originally launched in February as an Ontario-based pilot, the Joint Pathway Program is now being implemented more broadly across Canada, allowing additional accredited private language schools and post-secondary institutions to participate in the pilot phase. Members have expressed strong enthusiasm for the program and its potential to strengthen student pathways across the country.

“As an established leader in Canadian pathway programs, ILAC is committed to using the JPP to continue delivering an exceptional student journey, offering a smooth, supported transition from our language programs to post-secondary institutional partners. The IRCC-approved JPP further amplifies these opportunities, opening new doors for students pursuing higher education in Canada. We look forward to unveiling our JPP partners soon and expanding the possibilities for students worldwide.”

—Magdalena Link, Senior Vice President Partnership Development and Career Colleges, ILAC Education Group

Photo credit: ILAC.

The expansion of the pilot to a national scale was announced during the Languages Canada Annual Conference, which convenes leaders from across the language education sector, post-secondary institutions, government, and international partners. As part of the conference’s Innovation Lab, member institutions participated in one-on-one partnership meetings to begin exploring collaboration under the Joint Pathway Program framework.

The program builds on Languages Canada’s longstanding commitment to quality assurance and sector leadership, offering a practical solution to ensure that international students can continue to access high-quality language education as a gateway to further studies in Canada.

Photo credit: KPU.

“Kwantlen Polytechnic University is proud to be the first public institution outside Ontario, and the first university in Canada, to participate in the JPP pilot. We are pleased to collaborate with Languages Canada on this important national initiative, which strengthens pathways between language education and post-secondary studies while supporting international student success and the long-term strength of Canada’s global education sector."

—Carole St.Laurent, Associate Vice President, KPU International.

Institutions interested in participating in the Joint Pathway Program pilot are invited to submit an Expression of Interest. Eligible institutions will then formalize their participation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the association and begin to establish partnership agreements with aligned post-secondary or language education partners.

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