Become a French Immersion student

French Immersion Stream at uOttawa

The French Immersion Stream is designed for students who have attended high school in a language of instruction other than French, and who, while in high school, have followed a French-as-a-second-language program. Since the French Immersion Stream is added to a program offered in English, candidates must have an excellent command of the English language as well as advanced skills in French.

Immersion brochure (PDF, 569KB)

What to expect during the first weeks

Illustration of Tabaret Hall. — uOttawa

French Immersion Stream at the University of Ottawa

Eligibility and how to apply

French Immersion Stream eligibility criteria

Advanced courses in French as a second language in grade 11 or 12 or equivalent. International students, see below for additional criteria.
Choose a program that offers French immersion (see list of programs). Apply to your program via the Ontario Universities Application Centre. Be sure to select the French immersion option on the program details screen.
After you have received an offer of admission from uOttawa that includes French immersion, pass the Immersion Entry Test, an online test that assesses your competence in reading, listening, speaking and writing. This test is compulsory to confirm admission to the French Immersion Stream.

Applying from another university or college

Students applying to transfer from another university are welcomed at uOttawa. For more information, see Canadian university transfers.

Applying from uOttawa

If you are already a student at uOttawa, you may modify your registration to enrol in the French Immersion Stream and complete your program with a French Immersion designation on your diploma. You will have to meet the eligibility criteria listed above.

International students

Candidates must meet the university's language requirements for English-language programs. Also, you must also show proficiency in French by passing courses in French as a second language in grade 11 or 12 (or the equivalent) or meet the minimum scores for one of the following tests:

Course	Requirements
DELF	Level B1 with 16/25 in writing
TEF, 5 épreuves	350 (B1) in each of the oral and written comprehension, writing, speaking and syntax tests
TCF	350 (B1) in each of the 3 compulsory tests (listening, reading, lexical and grammatical structures)
ACTFL	Rating of Advanced Low in both the Listening Proficiency Test (LPT) and Reading Proficiency Test (RPT)
International Baccalaureate courses	5 in Français B
Advanced Placement courses	5/5 in French Language and Culture

To obtain information about studying at uOttawa, first contact the International Office. To get information about university fees for international students enrolled in a program of study with the French Immersion Stream: Differential tuition fee exemption.

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Explore

Student video testimonials

Madison studies in psychology. She has chosen to add the French immersion option to become professionally bilingual. Have a look at her path.
Meaghan, Noah and Michelle share their experiences as French immersion students with you.
Segah talks to you about her experience and the advantages of studying in the French Immersion Stream at uOttawa.
Noah and Sadie answer your questions about French Immersion at uOttawa.

Interesting articles

Resources for high school students

Student testimonials

@soph.renaud

Studying in French, indeed French itself, is very important for me because it gives me a sense of identity. I’m proud to be Franco-Ontarian and proud of all the challenges we’ve overcome as Franco-Ontarians (especially Regulation 17!).

@itshns

Learning French is important to me because as a Canadian I want to be able to know and speak both official languages of my country. In addition, learning French would help me in my career and when I travel to countries such as France, Switzerland, Luxembourg and even to Quebec I will be able to communicate with the locals.

@michdolla

Hi! I’m a grad student in ergothérapie – I grew up in Montreal and came to uOttawa to challenge myself (as my mother tongue is English) and I wanted to make sure I can one day treat my clients in their language of choice J Whether I end up working in Montreal or Ottawa, bilingualism is not only important to keep my doors open – but to always make sure I am communicating with my clients in the language they are most comfortable in.

@Tristanlamonica

Studying at uOttawa in French not only gives me a competitive edge in the workplace, but helps further improve my reading and writing skills in both official languages. Additionally - studying in French means that I can continue to build my sense of belonging in the francophone community!

@rxseyyy

I’m from Montreal, and my mother tongue is French. Being bilingual is what I’m most proud of. I’ve always wanted to study in a city other than my hometown, and knowing that at the University of Ottawa I could study in my two languages, my choice was made right away. Especially since my program (nutrition sciences) is only offered in French. I love living in an English-speaking (mainly bilingual) milieu.

@saif_elh

Learning French, especially for non-French speakers opens up more opportunities career-wise and you can also make a whole set of new friends who speak the language!

What if French immersion isn't right for you?

If you are interested in a program not on this list—or if you like the idea of studying partially in French but the immersion option doesn’t seem right for you—don’t worry: we have many opportunities for students to learn in both official languages.

Any student may take:

French-as-a-second-language courses, to focus on grammar, pronunciation and other aspects of the French language; or
French Studies or Lettres françaises courses, to learn more about French culture.

For guidance in choosing alternatives to French immersion, please contact us.