Learning French
Learning French is the first step towards a successful integration into Quebec society! Mastering this language will also give you a competitive edge on the job market.
New francization measures for undergraduate students from outside Quebec
Starting in the fall of 2025, Quebec universities will have to ensure that 80% of new undergraduate students from outside Quebec reach an intermediate level (level 5) of French proficiency by the time they graduate. We'll provide many opportunities for students to learn or improve their French skills from start to finish, from courses and conversation classes to fun social activities on- and off- campus. More information will be available soon.
For-credit French courses at Concordia
The French department offers French courses for all levels of learners.
Did you know? All students currently enrolled full-time, can benefit from a reduced tuition rate on all French courses offered by the Department of French.
How to register
If you have no previous knowledge of French please send an e-mail to etfran.lang_lit@concordia.ca mentioning this, and we will give you permission to register for FRAN 211.
If you do have previous knowledge of French, follow these steps:
- Take the placement test.
- Do the four following parts: LISTENING - WRITING - READING - STRUCTURES (no need to do the vocabulary part) and take note or a picture of your results (A2, B1, C1, etc.) for each part.
- Write a short paragraph written by you in French (100 words). You should introduce yourself (your studies, your interests, hobbies, last travel, etc.) Please do not use any software such as Antidote.
- Do a short three-minute recording of yourself speaking French. Please talk about the French courses previously taken (i.e., when, where, for how long and which level.) Tell us if you use French daily.
- Send an email to etfran.lang_lit@concordia.ca and include your results, your name, your student identification number, your answer to the question and your recording.
Please be honest in your evaluation so you can be placed in a class that corresponds to your level.
You must first be admitted as an undergraduate independent student to sign up for an undergraduate class in the French Department. You will therefore have two statuses at Concordia: as a graduate student and as an undergraduate independent student (for your French courses only.)
Your undergraduate GPA will not be counted in your graduate GPA.
Remember to first apply for undergraduate independent student status.
After obtaining undergraduate independent student status:
If you have no previous knowledge of French please send an e-mail to etfran.lang_lit@concordia.ca mentioning this, and we will give you permission to register for FRAN 211.
If you do have previous knowledge of French, follow these steps:
- Take the placement test.
- Do the following four parts: LISTENING - WRITING - READING - STRUCTURES (no need to do the vocabulary part) and take note or a picture of your results (A2, B1, C1, etc.) for each part.
- Write a short paragraph written by you in French (100 words). You should introduce yourself (your studies, your interests, hobbies, last travel, etc.) Please do not use any software such as Antidote.
- Do a short three-minute recording of yourself speaking French. Please talk about the French courses previously taken (i.e, when, where, for how long and which level.) Tell us if you use French daily.
- Send an email to etfran.lang_lit@concordia.ca and include your results, your name, your student identification number, your answer to the question and your recording.
Please be honest in your evaluation so you can be placed in a class that corresponds to your level.
Staff and faculty may register for credit courses in the Département d’études françaises to learn French at Concordia.
These courses may be recognized for the PEQ (Quebec experience program) in order to obtain the Quebec selection certificate (CSQ). Consult the list of recognized courses.
You could also be eligible for an exemption of your tuition fees. To find out more information visit our tuition waivers page or send an email to Human Resources.
Please note that the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) offers free French courses to all, whether online or in person. To learn more visit the Government of Quebec “Learn French” web page.
Summer intensive course
The French department offers a French language intensive program. Students follow classes four mornings a week (Monday to Thursday).
Contact the French Studies Department for details at etudes.francaises@concordia.ca.
Learning tools
Video lessons and grammar exercises for all learning levels:
Reference and research guide
Consult the Library's French research guide.
Be sure to check out our list of suggested external resources.
Group learning
CONCORDANCE language exchange program: Make friends while practicing English and French!
“Jazz-ons”: Practice conversational French in small groups.
For graduate students: GradProSkills offers conversation classes and workshops.
Assessments and testing
Knowing how to speak and write in French gives you a competitive advantage in the job market. There are several ways to improve and formally assess your French skills that include:
Test de connaissance du français (TCF) for Quebec and Canada
The TCF can be used for immigration purposes or when applying for admission to French-language educational institutions. The test is available to both Concordians and non-Concordians.
Consult our FAQ and registration dates.
écri+ Certification Centre
Have your French assessed, perfect your written French, showcase your skills and receive official certification with écri+, an online service for Concordia students and staff.
For registration and other details watch this short video tutorial or visit the écri+ website.
Courses offered by the government of Quebec
The Quebec government offers free French courses, both online and in person. Learn more about these courses.
