Currently, some 350 million people speak Spanish, making it the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world. Whether you want to learn Spanish to enhance your travel experience, for career or educational purposes, or simply because you have a passion for the language and culture, this program may be right for you.
The Spanish Language and Culture Certificate – Level 1 is designed for individuals with little or no background in Spanish. You learn the foundations of the language by focusing on all four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. By the end of the program, you should have a solid base of oral and written skills for communicating in Spanish.
Before enrolling in this certificate, students must have completed SPA 101 Spanish 1 or its equivalent and, from there, will move through subsequent levels. Students are required to complete a total of 120 hours of required courses in order to graduate.
The Certificate in Spanish Language and Culture – Level 2 is also available.
This program is perfect if you...
- Would like to gain Spanish 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.
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, 120 Hours
All Continuing Education programs are developed with part-time learners in mind. The Spanish Language and Culture Certificate – Level 1 is a 120-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.
$1,481
The approximate cost to complete the Spanish Language and Culture Certificate – Level 1 is $1,481.
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.
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 30 hours towards this program.
Apply for Advanced StandingTransferring credit from other Continuing Education programs
If you have completed requirements for another University of Calgary Continuing Education program, you may be able to transfer some credits to this program. For details, please review the "Credit towards other programs" information in the programs you have completed. To transfer credits, please contact a student advisor.
Assess your knowledge of Spanish
For this certificate program, it is possible to have your knowledge of Spanish assessed to receive up to 30 hours of advanced standing. To receive this credit, you will need to demonstrate your knowledge of the Spanish language by challenging the final exam of a particular course. To apply for this type of prior learning assessment:
- Contact us to arrange your challenge exam with the program coordinator.
- Pay a non-refundable administration fee of $100 for the course credit you request.
Maximum advanced standing and transferred credit
The combined total of advanced standing and transferred credits cannot exceed 60 hours for this program.
On completion of this program, you may wish to pursue studies in another.
Students who successfully complete the Spanish Language and Culture Certificate – Level 1 can move directly into the Spanish Language and Culture Certificate – Level 2.
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.