Learn French as a second language
Are you looking to learn or improve your French? The Département d’études françaises offers a variety of courses to help French-language learners build essential skills and a strong foundation.
Learn French with the Département d'études françaises
Our French courses are open to all students, in all fields of study. Whether you’re new to French or looking to improve your skills, we look forward to welcoming you!
We offer a variety of courses from beginner to advanced levels that will help you reach your goals.
Take your first French course
If you are taking a French class with the Département d’études françaises for the first time, follow the steps below according to your student profile.
- If you are a complete beginner in French, email etfran.lang_lit@concordia.ca or drop by LB-601 during business hours (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- If you have studied French before, even just a little, take the placement test.
Important: French courses are listed as “undergraduate” courses, but you will be able to enrol if you get the “independent student” status first.
- Apply to become an independent student. Make sure to review deadlines — they generally fall a few weeks before the term begins.
Next, follow the steps to enrol in a French class at the Département d’études françaises:
- If you are a complete beginner in French, contact etfran.lang_lit@concordia.ca or drop by LB-601 during business hours (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- If you have studied French before, even just a little, take the placement test.
- Concordia employees who wish to enrol in a course must register as an independent student and then enrol themselves in the course of their choice.
- Eligible employees can also apply for a tuition waiver to receive a credit for the tuition amount. For more details, visit Carrefour.
Consider the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français
Quebec's scale of French proficiency levels, the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français, sets the standard for describing, assessing and recognizing the language skills of adults whose first language is not French.
You may want to consider the proficiency level you would like to attain when choosing your learning pathway.
This is the written level required for the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). It is the recommended level for non-Quebec residents by the end of their undergraduate studies. At this level, students can function effectively in most everyday situations and basic professional contexts.
This is the oral level required for the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). It is essential for professional integration. This level demonstrates strong proficiency in both professional and academic contexts, with the ability to communicate fluently and spontaneously.
This is the advanced level required for the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) exam. It is also mandatory for regulated professions. This level represents near-native proficiency, particularly important for professional practice in Quebec.
Choose the path that's right for you
The Département d’études françaises offers three main course streams in French as a second language: FRAI, FRAN and FRAA. These options are designed to help you build your skills gradually and select the pathway that matches your goals.
At the beginner and elementary levels, you can choose between two paths of 6-credit courses: FRAI and FRAN.
Beyond the elementary level, FRAN and FRAA courses support your continued progress through intermediate and advanced levels, offering specialized training in grammar, pronunciation, writing and oral communication, as well as access to courses in French literature, translation and linguistics.
Beginner to intermediate levels
FRAI courses
- Beginner to elementary levels
- Emphasizes oral communication and practical language use
- Includes both ongoing assessment and final exams
- Success/No Success grading (not included in your GPA)
- Offered in intensive (summer) and semi-intensive (fall/winter) formats
FRAN courses
- Beginner to intermediate levels
- Provides a balanced focus on oral and written skills
- Evaluation is based on formal written and oral exams
- Standard letter grading system (included in your GPA)
- Full beginner to elementary levels offered in intensive (summer) and semi-intensive (fall/winter) formats
- Can be taken as an alternative to FRAI or as a continuation
- Leads into specialized three-credit courses starting at the elementary-intermediate level, such as phonetics, grammar, oral communication, writing, introduction to literature, etc.
Advanced levels
FRAA courses
- Offered at the advanced levels and builds on the FRAN pathway
- Focusses on academic, professional and specialized communication
- Offered as three-credit courses in French as a second language
- Some FRAA courses are also part of the French linguistics stream, for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the language
Reduced tuition rates for French courses
Eligible students may benefit from reduced tuition rates when taking French language courses with Concordia’s Département d’études françaises. This is part of a special exemption program supported by the Quebec government to encourage French learning.
Frequently asked questions
All our French language courses are credited.
However, only FRAI courses — which focus on beginner and elementary levels — are graded on a Success/No Success basis, meaning they do not impact your GPA.
FRAN courses, which cover beginner, elementary and intermediate levels, and FRAA courses, which focus on advanced levels, follow the standard letter-grading system and do count toward your GPA.
That depends on several factors: how many courses you take per term, how much time and effort you can dedicate, your motivation and other personal learning factors.
We recommend planning your French learning journey early in your degree, especially if you aim to reach an advanced level. Learning a language is a rewarding experience — but it takes time, and it’s best not to wait until the last minute. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to plan your French learning journey!
If you’re not a complete beginner, you must take the online placement test unless you can provide a very recent, official proof of level (such as a recognized French language certificate, test or diploma).
The test helps us recommend the most appropriate course for you, and our team will support you through the placement and first registration process.
Yes! We offer multiple options to accommodate different schedules:
- Beginner and elementary-level courses are six-credit courses available in intensive format during the summer (4 classes per week, 2 periods available: May-June or July-August) and in semi-intensive format during fall and winter (2 classes per week).
- If your schedule is tight during the academic year, summer may be a great time to take your French course(s).
- During the fall and winter terms, several courses are offered in multiple sections, with time slots in the morning, afternoon and evening.
- Since introductory courses are available both as Success/No Success (FRAI) and with letter grades (FRAN), you can also choose the grading system that best fits your goals.
Yes. Many students use our courses to improve their French before applying for immigration. However, it is your responsibility to stay informed about language level requirements — both at the provincial and federal levels.
Our courses will help you progress, but you’ll need to pass an independent language test or certification to officially demonstrate your level when you're ready to apply.
While we cannot provide immigration-related advice, we can help you understand language proficiency levels and choose courses that align with your goals.
Yes — but only for certain courses and under specific conditions. Concordia students may benefit from reduced tuition fees when enrolling in eligible French courses through the Département d’études françaises. Find out if you qualify.
Questions?
If you have any questions about placement, registration, or the program in general, please write to etfran.lang_lit@concordia.ca.