Admissions & FAQs
How to Apply
For admission to the French program, you must fulfill the requirements of the Arts BA program and have the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including a minimum of six Grade 12 courses at the 4U or 4M level. Your six 4 U/M courses must include 4U English (or Anglais).
It is Carleton University’s policy to consider your best performance in any eligible course in the admissions assessment. Please refer to the admission general website for the current admission requirements.
I had the privilege of studying French at Carleton University for two years. My professor had a unique ability to engage the class, keeping us focused while also making learning enjoyable. She encouraged interaction not only between students and herself but also among classmates, creating a collaborative and supportive environment.
She also introduced us to French culture in a way that made the language come alive. She started every class with ten minutes of French music, and she often incorporated cultural insights into her lessons. Thanks to her teaching style, I not only improved my language skills but also built lasting friendships with classmates.
On a personal note, my biggest goal was to be able to speak French with my grandparents and my father’s side of the family in Quebec City, who speak only French. Before taking these courses, I was never able to form a full sentence when speaking with them. Thanks to my professor’s guidance, I finally found the confidence and ability to communicate with my grandparents in French. Today, I take regular trips to Quebec to visit them and continue practicing—a life-changing experience I owe to my time in the program.
The French department at Carleton is also outstanding in its support and community-building. They offer many opportunities for students to practice French outside the classroom, from board game nights and pub nights to special cultural events. I especially remember one event where visiting students from France baked pastries and crêpes for everyone—the whole building smelled like butter and fresh pastries all day! Events like these not only help students improve their French but also build a genuine sense of community.
Overall, my experience with Carleton’s French department was wonderful. The professors, activities, and supportive environment helped me reach personal goals I never thought possible, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.
Von, Computer Science (stream: Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence).
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Departmental Office is on the 16th floor of the Dunton Tower. Regular hours are 8:30-12:00 and 13:00 to 16:30. Professors’ offices are on the 16th floor.
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French programs at Carleton meet a variety of needs and interests. They include a four-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours), a Combined Honours program for students interested in combining their studies in French with another discipline, and a Bachelor of Arts program usually completed in three years. Our Department also offers a Minor in French and French language courses as electives or to fill language requirements in other programs.
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The French Language Placement is a set of procedures used to ensure that you will register in the appropriate level of language course. The first step is the self-assessment questionnaire, which you must fill out as accurately and honestly as possible. The second step is a series of grammar exercises of increasing difficulty. We ask that you complete this step to the best of your ability. Your score on the Placement test will give you the list of courses for which you can register. Your spoken skills will be assessed during the first week of classes and, based on that part of the placement, you will either stay in that course or the instructor will recommend another, more appropriate course.
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As a francophone, you still have to do the Placement test in order to be able to register in a French course. You will likely be placed at a higher level and will find that we do offer several courses for francophone students.
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Yes, due to the varying language abilities of students, some students may be recommended to start in second year courses. This happens quite frequently and is nothing to be afraid of. This will not affect your program or program requirements in any way.
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Yes, if your French competence is at a 1st year level, but make sure that you do not exceed the maximum number of 1st year courses allowed.
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The Department cannot reserve or create spaces for you in the recommended course. This is why it is very important that you complete the self-assessment questionnaire as accurately as possible, and that you read the registration guidelines and the course outlines before registering.
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If you wish to take a course for which you do not have the required prerequisites, you can submit an override request. The course instructor will review your language proficiency and background knowledge for the course. If your level is deemed appropriate, the department will give you the permission to register. If you are assessed to be at a different level, or if the course is not suitable for your needs, we can offer you alternative courses.
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Don’t worry. Your required courses are based on the year you entered the program. You can always verify your program requirements by checking your audit.
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The Club francophone organizes a variety of social activities and excursions between September and April. It is run by language assistants and anyone can join in and chat in French. Check our social media sites for future events.
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Come to the Department (1602DT) post an ad, or offer your services by sending an email to french@carleton.ca. You can also participate in the activities of the Club francophone
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Students interested in a TAship in the Department of French can apply through Carleton Central. The Work Study program may also offer opportunities for students to work in the Department.