At ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï, we believe that French is much more than a language to learn. It is also a gateway to Quebec, offering students opportunities to engage with its culture, connect with its communities and participate more fully in life in Montreal.

As part of our commitment to supporting French-language learning, we have been expanding opportunities for students to develop and practise their French throughout their university journey. Recent initiatives include expanded course offerings, summer immersion opportunities and simplified pathways to access French-language learning.

Participation is entirely optional, and French proficiency is not a graduation requirement. Through courses, cultural activities, community engagement initiatives and immersive experiences, students can choose the opportunities that best match their interests, needs and goals.

French requirements at ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï

Do I need to know French to be admitted to ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï?

French proficiency is not a general admission requirement at ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï. Whether you are a complete beginner or already have experience with French, you will have opportunities to learn, practice and use the language throughout your university journey if you choose to do so.

Note that a number of programs, such as Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Dietetics and Law, already require, or take into consideration, proficiency in French. Program-specific requirements should be verified with the admissions advisors for the program in question.

Will I be expected to learn French if I come to ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï?

No. Participation in French-language learning opportunities is entirely optional, and French proficiency is not a general admission or graduation requirement. Students who wish to learn or improve their French will find a wide range of opportunities available at all levels.

Do I need to achieve a specific level of French to graduate?

The majority of students do not, and will not, need to demonstrate proficiency in French to graduate.

However, French proficiency remains an admission requirement for select undergraduate programs and demonstrated proficiency may be required for certain French language-based courses and programs of study.

French programs and courses

What programs and courses are available?

ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï offers a variety of programs to support French language learning and to help students to build connections with Montreal’s community during their studies. These programs combine academic and extracurricular activities, including for-credit courses, immersive summer programs, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.

To better support students who wish to learn French, ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï is expanding and streamlining its French course offerings. Flexible learning options are available throughout the year, including during the summer, allowing students to develop their French-language skills in a way that fits their academic goals and schedules.

Explore elective French courses offered by the French Language Centre

Who can take these programs and courses?

These programs and courses are open to all ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï students who wish to learn, practice or improve their French while studying at ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï. Opportunities are available for all levels of proficiency.

How do I choose the right French course for me?

To assess your proficiency level and identify the French courses you are eligible to register for, students in all faculties should take ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï's online French Placement test.

To compare the different options available, check out our tips for choosing.

Is there a tuition reduction on French courses?

Both Canadian students from outside of Quebec and international students enrolled on a full-time basis in most Bachelor's and graduate programs can benefit from a tuition reduction on eligible French courses. The reduction automatically applies at the time of registration, meaning no additional documents are required to qualify.

Please visit the Student Accounts website for more details and information regarding fee exemptions for French language courses.

What options are available if I have a demanding course load?

Students who prefer to focus on their core program during the academic year can take advantage of a variety of summer opportunities to develop their French-language skills.

  • ²Ñ³¦³Ò¾±±ô±ô’s French Language Centre offers intensive French courses during the summer, allowing students to focus on French learning while enjoying Montreal’s vibrant summer season.
  • In addition, eligible international students may apply for ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï bursaries that support participation in a French immersion program at Université Laval, in Quebec City.
  • Canadian students may also be eligible for the Government of Canada’s , which provides funding for French-language immersion and may allow for transfer credit.
Are there incentives to encourage students to learn French?

Yes. ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï offers a range of incentives and support measures to encourage students to learn and practise French. Depending on the activity, these may include support for immersion experiences, free access to a variety of extracurricular and experiential activities, and recognition of selected French-language experiences on Student Experience record.

Eligible students benefit from a reduced tuition rate on credit-bearing French courses, paying the same tuition rate as Quebec residents regardless of their residency status. This makes French-language learning more accessible and affordable.

Graduate students benefit from dedicated support through Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), which provides access to French-language training to help students develop their French proficiency during their studies. For more information, contact frenchforgrads.gps [at] mcgill.ca (frenchforgrads[dot]gps[at]mcgill[dot]ca).

With the support of the Government of Quebec, ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï will also introduce new bursaries and awards for undergraduate students in the coming years to encourage participation and persistence in French-language learning. More information will be available soon!

More ways to learn

Can I learn and practice French at ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï without taking French courses?

Yes. While ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï offers French courses at all levels, students can also choose from a variety of cultural, social, community-based and experiential opportunities to learn, practice and use French outside the classroom. These activities can complement formal language learning or be pursued independently, offering students opportunities to engage with French in authentic and meaningful ways.

You can also explore our list of self-serve resources.

I already speak French. What opportunities are available to me?

Students with advanced or native French-language skills can continue to engage with French in a variety of ways throughout their studies. Opportunities include courses and activities offered through the Département des littératures de langue française (DLLF), as well as discipline-specific courses taught in French in a number of Faculties.

Students may also choose to participate in cultural, community-based and professional activities that allow them to use and further develop their French in meaningful contexts.