The French Language and Culture certificates provide university recognition for programs of study in French as a second language (FSL). Two certificate levels are offered.
The Certificate in French Language and Culture – FSL Foundations is ideal for the beginning French learner. It provides learners with a solid base of grammar and oral skills in order to acquire the basic skills required for communication in French.
Before enrolling in this certificate, students must have completed FRE 100 French I or its equivalent and, from there, will move through subsequent levels. Students with previous knowledge of French who would like to enrol in a level higher than French I can arrange to take a placement test.
The Certificate in French Language and Culture – FSL Intermediate is also available.
This program is perfect if you...
- Would like to gain French fluency for personal or career development
- Like the motivation of a structured program
- Seek a credential for career advancement
- Enjoy classroom interaction
What will I get?
Students who complete this program will receive a Professional Certificate.
Program details
Online and In Class
Courses in this program are delivered online and in class. Courses are scheduled at convenient times, allowing you to complete the program at a pace that fits your life.
Classroom courses are typically offered during weekday evenings or Saturdays at the University of Calgary main campus or downtown campus.
French Immersion weekends are held off campus.
You should plan on studying and working approximately 6 hours per week per course.
Online learning fits into busy schedules by taking the learning experience out of the traditional classroom. Students have online access to instructors, fellow learners, and learning materials.
Before taking your first online course, we recommended taking our free course: Digital Skills for Learning Online
4 Courses, 140 Hours
All Continuing Education programs are developed with part-time learners in mind. The Certificate in French Language and Culture – FSL Foundations is a 140-hour program.
The length of time it takes to complete this program varies by student. If you take one course per term (four courses a year), you will likely complete the program in one year. You will complete the program faster if you take multiple courses per term.
$1,551
The approximate cost to complete the Certificate in French Language and Culture – FSL Foundations is $1,551.
This includes the $105 admission fee.
You do not require a degree or diploma to apply for admission to this program. You can take individual courses to start, and apply later.
The admission fee is $105.
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Grade 12 diploma (recommended)
- If English is not your first language, you must meet the English language proficiency requirements
Programs change from time to time, so we recommend that you apply for admission as early as possible. Once admitted, your requirements to complete the program will not change – even if the program changes. You can be confident that completed and eligible courses will apply to your program.
Note: If you have not enrolled in the certificate program but plan on applying later, please notify your instructor of your intentions so that you are evaluated and graded in your courses.
Apply for AdmissionPrior learning from other post-secondary institutions
Advanced standing may be granted for equivalent, graded courses completed at other post-secondary institutions. Credit may be granted up to a maximum of 40 hours towards this program.
Apply for Advanced StandingTo assess your knowledge of French
If you have prior knowledge of French, you may take a placement test to determine the appropriate level for you to begin. Students who begin the FSL Intermediate program at a level higher than French V may be required to fulfil core requirements by taking substitution courses.
Substitution courses could include:
- French Immersion Weekend courses offered through the French Centre, Continuing Education
- French degree courses offered by the Department of French, Italian and Spanish at the University of Calgary, or a maximum of 40 hours from another institution following approval by the program director
- FLIP degree courses (courses taught in French in disciplines other than French language and literature) offered at the University of Calgary from various departments and faculties
Maximum advanced standing and transferred credit
The combined total of advanced standing and transferred credits cannot exceed 40 hours for this program.
On completion of this program, you may wish to pursue studies in another.
Students who successfully complete the Certificate in French Language and Culture – FSL Foundations can move directly into the Certificate in French Language and Culture – FSL Intermediate.
If you wish to pursue another program:
- Complete the Application for Admission for your next program
- Contact us to request transfer of the equivalent course credits
The transfer of course credits will not happen without your request.
Each year, scholarships and awards are given to deserving students not only for their academic achievement, but also for community involvement. Award sponsors include both corporate and private donors.
To apply, you must meet eligibility criteria and submission deadlines. Students in this program may be eligible for the following awards:
It is the student's responsibility to ensure all requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
See Graduation for details.
This program does not qualify students to apply for an international study permit.
International students who wish to live and work in Canada should consider our International Professional Programs.