The uOttawa's French Immersion Stream offers a unique student experience. Students have the opportunity to pursue their university studies partly in French while receiving individualized support to develop knowledge related to their field in their second language. Graduates of the French Immersion Stream are able to thrive in both official languages by pursuing a professional career or graduate studies in French.
About French Immersion
Located in the heart of the officially bilingual city of Ottawa, Canada's National Capital, the University of Ottawa has been a bilingual institution for more than 150 years. Immersion students have numerous opportunities to learn French in a wonderful cultural context along with the University of Ottawa's innovative academic environment which have been proven to contribute to student success.
Our Vision
Our Stream
Established in 2006, the University of Ottawa's French Immersion Stream is designed for Anglophone and Allophone students who wish to pursue their university studies partly in French. Students who have attended high school in a language other than French and have followed a French-as-a-second-language program are eligible for the French Immersion Stream. The program is offered in more than 75 programs in the six direct-entry faculties: Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Science and Telfer School of Management.
Students who meet the French Immersion requirements receive the designation “French Immersion” on their diploma.
Profile of French Immersion graduates
Graduating students who enroled in the French Immersion Stream will have developed valuable knowledge, skills, and perspectives:
Bilingualism
French Immersion graduates will be able to:
- communicate confidently and effectively in French, both orally and in writing, in social, academic and professional settings
- work in French in their field of study
- pursue graduate studies in French
Openness
French Immersion graduates will be able to:
- better understand and empathize with other people
- recognize the cultural references – values, beliefs, judgments – that are tied to a language and its uses
- facilitate cross-cultural communication and understanding
Giving back
French Immersion graduates will be able to:
- adjust their actions and values to include linguistic diversity
- adapt to various social, cultural and professional linguistic environments
- adopt a positive attitude to problem-solving considering the critical factors involved
Resources and Services
Resources that support you
The French Immersion Stream offers a variety of support and resources to students:
- Unique immersion courses to help you learn French in your field of study.
- An Immersion Mentoring Centre
- Academic writing help
- Conversation workshops
- Scholarships for studying in French
- Support services in almost all of your courses
- A special grading system that protects your GPA
- An Immersion Club that organizes social and cultural activities
Other Opportunities
The University of Ottawa offers loads of opportunities to use your French outside of the classroom:
- Work placements in Francophone environments as part of the Co-operative Education Program
- The opportunity to study in a Francophone country as part of an international exchange
- The possibility of volunteering in a Francophone environment
- A lounge dedicated to francophone activities and culture: le Carrefour francophone
