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Learning French at Թ

At Թ, 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 andparticipatemore 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 immersionopportunitiesand simplified pathways to access French-language learning.

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

Do I need to know French to be admitted to Թ?

French proficiency is not a general admission requirement at Թ. Whether you are a complete beginner or already have experience with French, you will have opportunities to learn,practiseand use the language throughout your university journeyif you choose to do so.

Note thata number of programs, such asMedicine,Nursing,Dentistry,Dietetics andLaw, 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 Թ?

No. Participation in French-language learning opportunities is entirely optional, and Frenchproficiencyis 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?

No,thestudents will not need todemonstrateproficiencyin French to graduate.

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.

Where do I start if I want to learn French?

The Learn French portalis the central hub for information about French courses, cultural activities, immersionopportunitiesand other French-language learning resources available at Թ.

Students interested in taking a French course can completethe online French Placement Test, which helps assess theirproficiencylevel andidentifiesthe courses for which they are eligible to register.

What kind of programs will be available?

Թ offers avariety of programs to support French language learning and to help students tobuild connections with Montreal’s community during their studies. These programs combine academic and extracurricular activities, including credit-bearing courses, immersive summer programs, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities. 

Who are these programs intended for?(Who canbenefitfrom these programs?)

These programs areopentoall Թ studentswho wish to learn,practiseor improve their French while studying at Թ. Opportunities are available for all levels ofproficiency.

What French courses can I take?

To better support students who wish to learn French, Թ 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.

For-credit electiveFrench course optionsoffered by the French Language Centre,include: 

  • FRSL General French daytime courses focused on developing overall French language proficiency 

  •  FRPCFrench for Professional Communication evening and weekend coursesfocused on building practical French communication skills for academic, professional, and everyday situations, including internships, summer jobs, and future career opportunities in Quebec

  • French for health and psychosocial services coursesfor those enrolled in a health-related program and who wish to gain the confidence needed to work in French in the health and psychosocial services sector in Quebec.

How do I choose the right French course for me?

The online French Placement test for all students across all faculties helps assess your proficiency level and identifies the French courses for which you are eligible to register. 

Is there a tuition reduction on French courses?

Both Canadian students from outside of Quebec and international students enrolled ona full-time basis in mostBachelor'sand graduateprograms canbenefitfrom a tuition reduction on eligible French courses. The reduction automatically applies at the time of registration, meaning noadditionaldocuments arerequiredto 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. Թ 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 Թ bursaries that support participation in a French immersion program at Université Laval.

Canadian students may also be eligible for the Government of Canada’s Explore program, which provides funding for French-language immersion and may allow for transfer credit.

Can I learn and practise French at Թ without taking French courses?

Yes. While Թ offers French coursesat all levels, students can also choose froma variety of cultural, social, community-based and experiential opportunitiesto learn, practise 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.

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

Students with advanced ornative French-language skills can continueto engage with French in a variety of ways throughout their studies. Opportunities include courses and activities offered through the Département deslittératures delangue française (DLLF), as well as discipline-specific courses taught in French ina number ofFaculties.

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

What are some examples of the types ofprogramsand courses I can register for?

Here are some of the French-language skill development opportunities at Թ:    

To learn more about what is happening in French at Թ,visit: mcgill.ca/learnfrench/

Follow socialmedia :, , @

Attend the orientation event inAugust:mcgill.ca/getready/orientation

Are there incentives to encourage students to learn French?

Yes. Թ offers a range of incentives and support measures to encourage students to learn and practise French. Depending on the activity, these may includesupport for immersion experiences, free access to a variety of extracurricular and experiential activities, and recognition of selected French-language experiences onStudentExperiencerecord.

Eligible students benefit froma reduced tuition rateon 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.

With the support of the Government of Quebec, Թ 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!

Confirmation of acceptance deposits

What is a confirmation of acceptance deposit?

Newly admitted undergraduate students are required to pay a non-refundable deposit in order to confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission. This is done via the Թ Applicant Portal, and must be paid by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express).The deposit amount is based on the program of study and citizenship declared on the application for admission.

All deposits will be applied to Fall or Winter term fees as long as the student enrolls.Should a student not register the deposit is forfeited.

For additional information, please consult the Student Accountswebsite.

How much is the deposit?

  • Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada: $500 CAD

Note: Be sure to declare your Canadian citizenship or residency status on your application for admission.

The citizenship or residency status you declare on your application for admission must be valid at the time of submission. Pending citizenship requests or permanent residency requests are not considered “valid”. Do not declare that you are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada unless you have already been granted Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.

Թ reserves the right to ask for supporting documentation to verify your legal status in Canada.

  • International students: $1000 CAD

Immigration requirements

Will newly admitted Թ students be affected by the Quebec government's announced cap on international post-secondary students?

Թ has already taken measures to secure and optimize our use of the CAQ application number allocated for Թ. We anticipate that any admitted international student who chooses to come to Թ will not be refused their CAQ application on the ground of Թ’s allotment being exceeded.

Consult International Student Services for up to date immigration information.

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