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.
French language offerings for Concordians
Concordia is committed to supporting you on your journey to Learn, Live, and Work in French.
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.
French conversation courses
Learning French is the key to discovering all that Quebec has to offer.
Concordia’s French conversation courses (non-credit) are designed to prepare you for everyday social and professional interactions and to give you the confidence to fully approach an exciting new chapter in your life.
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 and practice
Academic Edge: French Language Support for all students
Our online or in-person/group and individual services will include:
Speaking practice:
Concordia students have full access to either or both of the following French conversation services:
- Jazz-ons: For beginner and intermediate levels are one-hour group sessions offered in-person several times per week lead by experienced French speaking peer tutors. These sessions are a fun and informal way to practice conversational French.
- *NEW* Bonjour Boost: Offered online or in-person, this peer tutor service offers a 50-minute one-on-one bookable conversation practice in French; booked at the student’s convenience, this service is designed to help students get focused and individualized attention. In these sessions, students can request a target vocabulary and/or grammatical structures or even practice for upcoming French presentations and oral exams.
For more information, click here.
Writing practice:
- One-on-one bookable Writing Assistance: Peer tutors help students with French essays. In strict adherence with Concordia University’s Academic Code of Conduct, our tutors help students become better French writers through a guided process rather than direct editing. Our peer tutors will help your students learn to correct their own work. Note: At a professor’s request, this service can be tailored to individual class assignments and student attendance can be recorded for grades.
- *NEW* French Feedback Service (Winter 2025): Designed for busy students who are not able to book time for a one-on-one session, the Feedback Service allows students to send in their written assignment. A peer tutor will spend one hour reading the work and writing global feedback in strict adherence to Concordia’s Academic Code of Conduct. The student can then edit their own work at their convenience.
For more information, click here.
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.The test is available to both Concordians and non-Concordians.
Consult our FAQ and registration dates.
écri+ Certification
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.
