Wilfrid Laurier University
Gallery
Overview
At a Glance
Visit Website (Opens In A New Tab)
- Urban Centre Size
- Medium (150-500K)
- Number of Students
- 20,000+
- DLI Number
- O19395164307
- Main Campus Region
- West
- Phone
- 1-519-889-8888
- international@wlu.ca
- Summary
For more than 110 years, Wilfrid Laurier University has been a premier destination for students seeking success through academic excellence, an exceptional student experience and a community that inspires.
Every year, international students from over 100 countries join the welcoming communities on our three campuses in southwestern Ontario. Our multi-campus approach ensures quality of academics, services and experience for all students, wherever they choose to study.
Our students use their Laurier education and experience to achieve their professional goals, expand their personal skills and explore new ways to make a difference in their home communities and around the world.
Profile
Wilfrid Laurier University is a public university with three campuses in Southwestern Ontario that provides students with an excellent academic experience while also preparing them for future success with hands-on and experiential learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities.
Academic excellence:
- Ranked in the top 13% of universities globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
- Ranked in the top 6% of universities worldwide based on quality of education, alumni employment and research performance.
- 100+ traditional and innovative undergraduate programs.
- 40+ programs with co-op.
- 23research centres and institutes.
- 1:25 faculty to student ratio.
Hands-on and experiential learning:
- Canada’s largest business degree co-op program.
- International Student Work Experience Program provides firsthand Canadian work experience.
- Community Service-Learning opportunities help with career preparation.
- Workshops on money management, career development, software skills and more.
- Thousands of student experiences to be explored.
- The Laurier Experience Record tracks hands-on learning and is the first of its kind in Canada.
Extra-curricular activities:
- 270+ clubs and organizations led by students, for students.
- 50+ fitness classes and athletic activities available each week.
- Award-winning intramurals program.
- State-of-the-art fitness and recreation facilities.
Success in the future:
- 88% of 2024 international graduates secured employment or went on to graduate studies.
- 128,000+ alumni living in more than 120 countries around the world.
- Graduates may be eligible to apply for a Canadian post-graduation work permit.
Sign up for more information about Laurier (Opens In A New Tab)
Requirements and Admissions
Admission Requirements
To apply to Laurier, you will need to meet the admission requirements for your program(s) of interest, which can be found on each program page . You will also need to meet the curriculum-specific requirements . If your country or curriculum are not listed, please contact us at international@wlu.ca.
English-Proficiency Requirements
Laurier’s language of instruction is English, and you may be required to provide proof of your English proficiency as part of the application process. Your three most recent years of full-time education must be in English without taking any English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. If you do not meet this requirement, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency. Review the important dates and deadlines to make sure you submit your documents on time.
We reserve the right to request an English-language test from any applicant.
If you do not meet Laurier’s English proficiency requirement but are academically qualified for your program, you may be eligible for a conditional offer of admission .
Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) Program
The Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) program is offered through our affiliated institution, Wilfrid Laurier International College , and provides an option for meeting our English-proficiency requirement. If you have received an offer to Laurier with a condition to meet our English-proficiency requirement, you can meet that condition by successfully completing the ATP program.
Admissions Process
When you are ready to apply to Laurier, submit your application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) Once we receive your application, we will contact you at the email address you provided on your application with more information on your next steps, including how to access your applicant portal, submit your required documents , strengthen your application and more.
You can apply to up to three programs at Laurier and we will give you an admission decision on each program to which you apply. You may also receive an alternate offer of admission if you aren’t eligible for your program of choice. Learn more about how we make admission decisions .
Our application checklist outlines all the steps in the admissions process.
Transfer Credits
If you are studying in a rigorous secondary school curriculum (like A-levels or IB) or you write your AP exams, you may be eligible for transfer credits. Transfer credits are automatically evaluated and a transfer credit assessment will be included with your offer letter.
Learn more about transfer credits at Laurier .
Accept Your Offer
Have you received an offer of admission? Congratulations! We’re excited to welcome you to the Laurier community. See the next steps to accept your offer and prepare to start your studies at Laurier.
Programs
View Institution Programs (Opens In A New Tab)
- Accounting and related services
- Anthropology
- Applied mathematics
- Archaeology
- Area studies
- Area, ethnic, cultural, gender, and group studies, other
- Biochemistry/biophysics and molecular biology
- Biology technician/biotechnology laboratory technician
- Biology, general
- Biotechnology
- Business administration, management and operations
- Business, management, marketing and related support services, other
- Business/commerce, general
- Business/corporate communications
- Business/managerial economics
- Chemistry
- Communication and media studies
- Communication, journalism and related programs, other
- Computer programming
- Computer science
- Criminology
- Economics
- Education, general
- Education, other
- Engineering technology, general
- English language and literature, general
- English language and literature/letters, other
- English literature
- English rhetoric and composition/writing studies
- Ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies
- Film/video and photographic arts
- French language and literature, general
- French language and literature/letters, other
- French rhetoric and composition/writing studies
- Geography and cartography
- Geological and Earth sciences/geosciences
- Health and physical education/fitness
- Health services/allied health/health sciences, general
- History
- Human development, family studies and related services
- International business/trade/commerce
- Journalism
- Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Music
- Neurobiology and neurosciences
- Physical sciences, general
- Physical sciences, other
- Physics
- Political science and government
- Psychology, general
- Psychology, other
- Public health
- Second language learning
- Social sciences, general
- Social sciences, other
- Social Service Worker: Indigenous Knowledge
- Sociology
- Sociology and anthropology
- Statistics
- Teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods
Student Experience
From the day you accept your offer to Laurier to the day you graduate (and even beyond!), we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for academic advice, ways to stay active, new friendships or support for your well-being, we have the services and guidance you need. At Laurier, you’re more than just a student—you’re a Golden Hawk who has a strong community behind you helping you experience the best of student life.
Pre-Arrival Support and Orientation Programming
Before you arrive at Laurier, you’ll receive emails from our international student support team with all the information you need about traveling to Laurier, registering for courses, getting your OneCard, packing for residence and so much more.
We’ll also share information about Laurier 101 , our virtual orientation program as well as Laurier Orientation , our in-person orientation programming that happens on our campuses before you begin classes. Both are great ways to learn more about the Laurier experience, understand what to expect at university, feel connected to the community and—of course–meet new people!
Your First-Year Experience
When you arrive at Laurier, you’ll have support moving into your residence room and exploring your new home. If you’ve opted to live off campus, we also have support and programming to ensure you feel welcome and included with the Laurier community.
You’ll also have access to specialized services, support and events provided by our dedicated International Student Support team. Get help with immigration and study permit questions, attend cultural celebrations, receive customized career support and connect with International Student Leaders to get a student’s perspective on life at Laurier.
Other ways to make sure your first year is successful include:
- Meeting with academic advisors to ensure you’re on the right educational track.
- Getting involved with one (or more!) of our 270+ student clubs and organizations.
- Accessing health and wellness support to ensure you’re at your best.
- Staying active through our award-winning intramurals program and our athletic centres.
- Connecting with our Accessible Learning Centre to explore plans that support how you learn best.
Your Upper-Years Experience
All the experiences and support from your first year —academic advising, wellness support, immigration advising, athletics facilities, accessible learning options and more—are available to you throughout your studies. In your upper years you’ll also have access to experiential learning opportunities, like co-op, Community Service-Learning , field courses and international exchange that provide real-world experiences and expand your learning.
Be sure to book an appointment with the Career Centre to meet with our International Career Consultant, who can help you with everything from finding a part-time job and balancing work and studies to writing the perfect resumé and finding the career path that’s right for you.
Graduation and Beyond
Celebrate your academic achievement with our convocation ceremonies, which are also live-streamed and recorded so any family and friends who can’t attend in person can still celebrate with you.
After graduation, you can join our world-wide alumni network through Ten Thousand Coffees, where you can meet other Laurier alumni, connect with potential employers and build your professional network. As well, you’ll have lifelong access to the Career Centre to support your goals and ambitions at each stage of your career.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Laurier has a variety of scholarships and awards for international students entering their first year of university, as well as in their upper years. Some scholarships are based on academic achievement and are awarded automatically, while others are competitive and require an application.
A Note on Tuition
Tuition rates are set each year for new, incoming international students. Once admitted, tuition rates for continuing students will increase by no more than 5% between years of study. Students who change their undergraduate program during their studies will be subject to the tuition fees for their new program, which may exceed a 5% increase.
All international scholarships require students to pay international tuition fees . Students who are exempt from international tuition are eligible for domestic entrance and in-course scholarships .
Scholarships and Awards
Entrance scholarships are automatically awarded to first-year students and are based on final admission grades. Entrance scholarships range from $5,000 – $6,000 CAD. No separate application is required.
In-course scholarships are automatically awarded in students’ upper years and are based on the grade-point average (GPA) from the previous academic year at Laurier. These scholarships are worth $5,000 – $6,000 CAD in each of your upper years. No separate application is required.
The Inspiring Lives Scholarship is exclusive to international first-year students. Multiple awards, worth $1,000 – $5,000 CAD, are available each year and are awarded to students who demonstrate how they inspire lives of leadership and purpose. A separate application is required, and students will be emailed when the application opens.
The CIBC STEM Entrance Award is available to full-time undergraduate students entering their first year at Laurier. The award, worth $5,000 CAD, is open to students who identify as Black, Indigenous or have disabilities, and who demonstrate financial need. Priority is given to students entering STEM programs, but all students are welcome to apply.
Competitive scholarships and awards are available to students in all years of study and are worth $250 – $5,000 CAD. These scholarships and awards require a separate application, and students can apply by completing up to two online profiles. The scholarships and awards are granted based on the information provided in the profiles, which includes interests, involvement, financial need, academic achievement and more.
Housing
Laurier has three campuses, and each campus offers different housing options. Whether you choose to study in Brantford, Milton or Waterloo, you will have support and resources for on- and off-campus housing.
First-Year Residence Guarantee
Laurier offers residence to first-year students studying on the Brantford and Waterloo campuses. If you choose to live in residence, you are guaranteed a spot as long as you submit your residence application and non-refundable deposit by the posted deadline. Choosing to live in residence means you’ll have a home in one of our safe, comfortable buildings located near your classes, study spots, food options and other student amenities.
Living in Brantford
In Brantford, all residences offer apartment-style living , with 2 to 7 students sharing each apartment. Each apartment is furnished and has a full kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. Meal plans are available if you live in residence, but you don’t have to buy one.
You also have the option to live in residence in your upper years. The Department of Residence will reach out to you in your first year to give you more information.
Living in Milton
Our Milton campus is designed for commuter students, so you’ll live in off-campus housing in the Milton community. Free on-campus parking and strong transit routes make it easy to travel between home and campus.
Choosing to study in Milton means you are choosing to live off campus for the duration of your degree. The Centre for Off-Campus Initiatives can provide support, guidance and advice in finding off-campus accommodation.
Living in Waterloo
In Waterloo, you can choose from dormitory-style or apartment-style residences . All residences are furnished and apartment-style residences come with a full kitchen. Buying a meal plan is mandatory if you live in a residence and there are three options to choose from.
If you live in residence in your first year, you’ll be eligible to participate in our upper-year housing guarantee. The guarantee ensures you have off-campus housing in buildings managed by Laurier in your upper years. The Department of Residence will contact you in your first year with more information on applying for upper-year housing.
Off-Campus Housing Support
If you choose to live off campus in your first year, you can stay connected to the Laurier community through the Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) program. And if you need support finding off-campus housing in your upper years (outside of our upper-year housing guarantee), the Centre for Off-Campus Initiatives can provide guidance and advice.
Contact Information
-
Wilfrid Laurier University
- Location
- International Recruitment and Admissions
- Address
Brantford Campus
73 George Street
Brantford, Ontario
Canada N3T 2Y3Milton Campus
555 Industrial Drive
Milton, Ontario
Canada L9T 5E1Waterloo Campus
75 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3C5- Phone Number
- 1-999-999-9998
- international@wlu.ca
Profile
Wilfrid Laurier University is a public university with three campuses in Southwestern Ontario that provides students with an excellent academic experience while also preparing them for future success with hands-on and experiential learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities.
Academic excellence:
- Ranked in the top 13% of universities globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
- Ranked in the top 6% of universities worldwide based on quality of education, alumni employment and research performance.
- 100+ traditional and innovative undergraduate programs.
- 40+ programs with co-op.
- 23research centres and institutes.
- 1:25 faculty to student ratio.
Hands-on and experiential learning:
- Canada’s largest business degree co-op program.
- International Student Work Experience Program provides firsthand Canadian work experience.
- Community Service-Learning opportunities help with career preparation.
- Workshops on money management, career development, software skills and more.
- Thousands of student experiences to be explored.
- The Laurier Experience Record tracks hands-on learning and is the first of its kind in Canada.
Extra-curricular activities:
- 270+ clubs and organizations led by students, for students.
- 50+ fitness classes and athletic activities available each week.
- Award-winning intramurals program.
- State-of-the-art fitness and recreation facilities.
Success in the future:
- 88% of 2024 international graduates secured employment or went on to graduate studies.
- 128,000+ alumni living in more than 120 countries around the world.
- Graduates may be eligible to apply for a Canadian post-graduation work permit.
Sign up for more information about Laurier (Opens In A New Tab)
Requirements and Admissions
Admission Requirements
To apply to Laurier, you will need to meet the admission requirements for your program(s) of interest, which can be found on each program page . You will also need to meet the curriculum-specific requirements . If your country or curriculum are not listed, please contact us at international@wlu.ca.
English-Proficiency Requirements
Laurier’s language of instruction is English, and you may be required to provide proof of your English proficiency as part of the application process. Your three most recent years of full-time education must be in English without taking any English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. If you do not meet this requirement, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency. Review the important dates and deadlines to make sure you submit your documents on time.
We reserve the right to request an English-language test from any applicant.
If you do not meet Laurier’s English proficiency requirement but are academically qualified for your program, you may be eligible for a conditional offer of admission .
Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) Program
The Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) program is offered through our affiliated institution, Wilfrid Laurier International College , and provides an option for meeting our English-proficiency requirement. If you have received an offer to Laurier with a condition to meet our English-proficiency requirement, you can meet that condition by successfully completing the ATP program.
Admissions Process
When you are ready to apply to Laurier, submit your application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) Once we receive your application, we will contact you at the email address you provided on your application with more information on your next steps, including how to access your applicant portal, submit your required documents , strengthen your application and more.
You can apply to up to three programs at Laurier and we will give you an admission decision on each program to which you apply. You may also receive an alternate offer of admission if you aren’t eligible for your program of choice. Learn more about how we make admission decisions .
Our application checklist outlines all the steps in the admissions process.
Transfer Credits
If you are studying in a rigorous secondary school curriculum (like A-levels or IB) or you write your AP exams, you may be eligible for transfer credits. Transfer credits are automatically evaluated and a transfer credit assessment will be included with your offer letter.
Learn more about transfer credits at Laurier .
Accept Your Offer
Have you received an offer of admission? Congratulations! We’re excited to welcome you to the Laurier community. See the next steps to accept your offer and prepare to start your studies at Laurier.
Programs
View Institution Programs (Opens In A New Tab)
- Accounting and related services
- Anthropology
- Applied mathematics
- Archaeology
- Area studies
- Area, ethnic, cultural, gender, and group studies, other
- Biochemistry/biophysics and molecular biology
- Biology technician/biotechnology laboratory technician
- Biology, general
- Biotechnology
- Business administration, management and operations
- Business, management, marketing and related support services, other
- Business/commerce, general
- Business/corporate communications
- Business/managerial economics
- Chemistry
- Communication and media studies
- Communication, journalism and related programs, other
- Computer programming
- Computer science
- Criminology
- Economics
- Education, general
- Education, other
- Engineering technology, general
- English language and literature, general
- English language and literature/letters, other
- English literature
- English rhetoric and composition/writing studies
- Ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies
- Film/video and photographic arts
- French language and literature, general
- French language and literature/letters, other
- French rhetoric and composition/writing studies
- Geography and cartography
- Geological and Earth sciences/geosciences
- Health and physical education/fitness
- Health services/allied health/health sciences, general
- History
- Human development, family studies and related services
- International business/trade/commerce
- Journalism
- Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Music
- Neurobiology and neurosciences
- Physical sciences, general
- Physical sciences, other
- Physics
- Political science and government
- Psychology, general
- Psychology, other
- Public health
- Second language learning
- Social sciences, general
- Social sciences, other
- Social Service Worker: Indigenous Knowledge
- Sociology
- Sociology and anthropology
- Statistics
- Teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods
Student Experience
From the day you accept your offer to Laurier to the day you graduate (and even beyond!), we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for academic advice, ways to stay active, new friendships or support for your well-being, we have the services and guidance you need. At Laurier, you’re more than just a student—you’re a Golden Hawk who has a strong community behind you helping you experience the best of student life.
Pre-Arrival Support and Orientation Programming
Before you arrive at Laurier, you’ll receive emails from our international student support team with all the information you need about traveling to Laurier, registering for courses, getting your OneCard, packing for residence and so much more.
We’ll also share information about Laurier 101 , our virtual orientation program as well as Laurier Orientation , our in-person orientation programming that happens on our campuses before you begin classes. Both are great ways to learn more about the Laurier experience, understand what to expect at university, feel connected to the community and—of course–meet new people!
Your First-Year Experience
When you arrive at Laurier, you’ll have support moving into your residence room and exploring your new home. If you’ve opted to live off campus, we also have support and programming to ensure you feel welcome and included with the Laurier community.
You’ll also have access to specialized services, support and events provided by our dedicated International Student Support team. Get help with immigration and study permit questions, attend cultural celebrations, receive customized career support and connect with International Student Leaders to get a student’s perspective on life at Laurier.
Other ways to make sure your first year is successful include:
- Meeting with academic advisors to ensure you’re on the right educational track.
- Getting involved with one (or more!) of our 270+ student clubs and organizations.
- Accessing health and wellness support to ensure you’re at your best.
- Staying active through our award-winning intramurals program and our athletic centres.
- Connecting with our Accessible Learning Centre to explore plans that support how you learn best.
Your Upper-Years Experience
All the experiences and support from your first year —academic advising, wellness support, immigration advising, athletics facilities, accessible learning options and more—are available to you throughout your studies. In your upper years you’ll also have access to experiential learning opportunities, like co-op, Community Service-Learning , field courses and international exchange that provide real-world experiences and expand your learning.
Be sure to book an appointment with the Career Centre to meet with our International Career Consultant, who can help you with everything from finding a part-time job and balancing work and studies to writing the perfect resumé and finding the career path that’s right for you.
Graduation and Beyond
Celebrate your academic achievement with our convocation ceremonies, which are also live-streamed and recorded so any family and friends who can’t attend in person can still celebrate with you.
After graduation, you can join our world-wide alumni network through Ten Thousand Coffees, where you can meet other Laurier alumni, connect with potential employers and build your professional network. As well, you’ll have lifelong access to the Career Centre to support your goals and ambitions at each stage of your career.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Laurier has a variety of scholarships and awards for international students entering their first year of university, as well as in their upper years. Some scholarships are based on academic achievement and are awarded automatically, while others are competitive and require an application.
A Note on Tuition
Tuition rates are set each year for new, incoming international students. Once admitted, tuition rates for continuing students will increase by no more than 5% between years of study. Students who change their undergraduate program during their studies will be subject to the tuition fees for their new program, which may exceed a 5% increase.
All international scholarships require students to pay international tuition fees . Students who are exempt from international tuition are eligible for domestic entrance and in-course scholarships .
Scholarships and Awards
Entrance scholarships are automatically awarded to first-year students and are based on final admission grades. Entrance scholarships range from $5,000 – $6,000 CAD. No separate application is required.
In-course scholarships are automatically awarded in students’ upper years and are based on the grade-point average (GPA) from the previous academic year at Laurier. These scholarships are worth $5,000 – $6,000 CAD in each of your upper years. No separate application is required.
The Inspiring Lives Scholarship is exclusive to international first-year students. Multiple awards, worth $1,000 – $5,000 CAD, are available each year and are awarded to students who demonstrate how they inspire lives of leadership and purpose. A separate application is required, and students will be emailed when the application opens.
The CIBC STEM Entrance Award is available to full-time undergraduate students entering their first year at Laurier. The award, worth $5,000 CAD, is open to students who identify as Black, Indigenous or have disabilities, and who demonstrate financial need. Priority is given to students entering STEM programs, but all students are welcome to apply.
Competitive scholarships and awards are available to students in all years of study and are worth $250 – $5,000 CAD. These scholarships and awards require a separate application, and students can apply by completing up to two online profiles. The scholarships and awards are granted based on the information provided in the profiles, which includes interests, involvement, financial need, academic achievement and more.
Housing
Laurier has three campuses, and each campus offers different housing options. Whether you choose to study in Brantford, Milton or Waterloo, you will have support and resources for on- and off-campus housing.
First-Year Residence Guarantee
Laurier offers residence to first-year students studying on the Brantford and Waterloo campuses. If you choose to live in residence, you are guaranteed a spot as long as you submit your residence application and non-refundable deposit by the posted deadline. Choosing to live in residence means you’ll have a home in one of our safe, comfortable buildings located near your classes, study spots, food options and other student amenities.
Living in Brantford
In Brantford, all residences offer apartment-style living , with 2 to 7 students sharing each apartment. Each apartment is furnished and has a full kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. Meal plans are available if you live in residence, but you don’t have to buy one.
You also have the option to live in residence in your upper years. The Department of Residence will reach out to you in your first year to give you more information.
Living in Milton
Our Milton campus is designed for commuter students, so you’ll live in off-campus housing in the Milton community. Free on-campus parking and strong transit routes make it easy to travel between home and campus.
Choosing to study in Milton means you are choosing to live off campus for the duration of your degree. The Centre for Off-Campus Initiatives can provide support, guidance and advice in finding off-campus accommodation.
Living in Waterloo
In Waterloo, you can choose from dormitory-style or apartment-style residences . All residences are furnished and apartment-style residences come with a full kitchen. Buying a meal plan is mandatory if you live in a residence and there are three options to choose from.
If you live in residence in your first year, you’ll be eligible to participate in our upper-year housing guarantee. The guarantee ensures you have off-campus housing in buildings managed by Laurier in your upper years. The Department of Residence will contact you in your first year with more information on applying for upper-year housing.
Off-Campus Housing Support
If you choose to live off campus in your first year, you can stay connected to the Laurier community through the Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) program. And if you need support finding off-campus housing in your upper years (outside of our upper-year housing guarantee), the Centre for Off-Campus Initiatives can provide guidance and advice.
Contact Information
-
Wilfrid Laurier University
- Location
- International Recruitment and Admissions
- Address
Brantford Campus
73 George Street
Brantford, Ontario
Canada N3T 2Y3Milton Campus
555 Industrial Drive
Milton, Ontario
Canada L9T 5E1Waterloo Campus
75 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3C5- Phone Number
- 1-999-999-9998
- international@wlu.ca
Location
Student Testimonials
Read about the experiences of past international students.
-
You can go to any university and get a degree. What really makes Laurier stand apart is the experiences that you can get and the number of opportunities for students. Having those opportunities is really good and they add to your whole experience as a university student.
, -
One of my best experiences has been residence. Just sitting in the lounge, talking to my friends, going to residence events, it’s been pretty great. There was also a Diwali event in October, which was also great considering it was my first Diwali in Canada.
, -
Laurier not only accepts but invites change, and encourages its students to play an active role in it. Opportunities are all around—you only need to be brave enough to seek them out.
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Have questions about admissions?
To learn more about the admissions criteria for each of our programs please contact the admissions office.
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