French as a Second Language
With over 320 million French speakers around the world, learning French opens the door to global opportunities.
The Bachelor of Arts in French as a Second Language (BA FSL) at La Cité universitaire francophone is more than just language learning. It’s about building real-world communication skills and developing a deep understanding of Francophone cultures, both locally and globally.
Our comprehensive curriculum strengthens your grammar, writing, and speaking skills while offering specialized concentrations that match your interests and career goals. In just four years, you’ll develop strong skills in spoken and written French. Our program helps you work toward a B2 (Upper Intermediate) or C1 (Advanced) level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)—an internationally recognized standard.
Along the way, you’ll engage in experiential learning and explore the histories, traditions, and nuances of Francophone communities—whether in Saskatchewan, across Canada, or internationally. You’ll graduate with the language skills and cultural insight to thrive in a wide range of careers and Francophone environments.What is a Bachelor of Arts in French as a Second Language?
A Bachelor of Arts in French as a Second Language is an undergraduate degree program designed to help you become skilled in French, both spoken and written. It focuses on developing strong language abilities as well as understanding the cultures and histories of francophone communities. As an interdisciplinary program, you’ll also explore concentrations that reflect your interests. This program prepares you to communicate confidently in French for personal, academic, and professional purposes.
Some courses you may take include:
FRN 185 - Initiation to French as a Second Language (Required)
From the discovery to the acquisition of vocabulary and structures, this course will focus on building oral and written communication skills beyond the beginner level, while fostering cultural awareness of the Francophone world
FRN 236 - The Structure of Modern French (Required Course)
Its speech sounds, sound patterns, word formation, sentence structure and meaning. Language contact; social and linguistic diversity; interculturality.
FRN 250AH – Understanding the Basics of Translation (Course Option)
Definitions and types of translation; differences between translation and interpretation. Simple translation practice based on social media, songs, games, etc.
For official course requirements, refer to the Undergraduate Calendar.
Quick Facts
La Cité universitaire francophone Meet Your Faculty
Why Study French as a Second Language at the University of Regina?
Community Engagement and Global Opportunities
You’ll have the chance to experience Francophone cultures locally, across Canada, and abroad. La Cité actively connects you with Saskatchewan’s Francophone community through events, collaborations, and cultural gatherings. You can also take part in travel opportunities, such as the Study Abroad Program, where you’ll expand your cultural understanding, immerse yourself in a Francophone environment, and build lifelong friendships.Expert Faculty
Learn from a dedicated team of faculty members with extensive experience in second language pedagogy, along with professors specializing in history, sociolinguistics, and translation. These faculty members use interdisciplinary approaches in their teaching and research, often collaborating on projects related to the Fransaskois community. In addition to La Cité universitaire francophone’s core faculty, French-speaking professors from across the university contribute courses to the program, broadening students’ perspectives and enriching their learning experience.Supportive Environment
At La Cité universitaire francophone, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive community designed to help you thrive. Small class sizes foster close connections with instructors and classmates, creating a personalized and engaging learning experience. You’ll also have access to a wide range of student services including free French tutoring, social activities, and career services to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way!Financial support
It pays to study in French! You can apply for numerous bursaries and scholarships available exclusively to students studying in French, which help to make your education more affordable.Co-operative Education and Internship Opportunities
You may choose to enrol in La Cité’s co-op program, offered in association with the University of Regina’s Centre for Experiential and Service Learning, which will allow you to spend time in a Francophone or bilingual work environment while finishing your degree. You will develop your French language skills while gaining career experience!Career Opportunities
In 2022, nearly 1 million jobs in Canada required bilingualism, and 41% of private sector roles were in businesses offering bilingual services (Statistics Canada, 2023). La Cité’s BA in French as a Second Language prepares you for careers in public service, translation, education, communications, and more — equipping you to make a meaningful impact in a globally connected and language-diverse world.Bachelor of Arts in French as a Second Language Frequently Asked Questions
You may be eligible for scholarships, financial aid, or other funding opportunities.
Scholarships:
- It pays to study in French! Did you know that numerous bursaries and scholarships are available exclusively to students studying in French?
Financial aid:
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and designated protected persons may qualify for Canada Student Financial Aid, which provides loans and grants to help cover education costs.
- International students on a study permit should explore financial aid options available in their home country or consider loan opportunities through local banks.
Tuition fees vary depending on whether you are a domestic or international student. To see the cost per credit hour for La Cité universitaire francophone visit the Tuition and Fee Schedule.
This degree program is 120 credit hours.
You can also use the Undergraduate Budget Calculator to estimate your annual university expenses.
Entry Title: Do I require prior knowledge of the French Language?
Our BA in French as a Second Language does not require prior knowledge of the French language. People who have never studied French before can apply. The program welcomes a diverse range of candidates representing various backgrounds and aspirations.Admission requirements vary depending on your student type. Please refer to the application guide for detailed admission requirements for La Cité universitaire francophone
You can apply to this program online through the University of Regina application portal.At La Cité universitaire francophone, you can take part in a variety of sociocultural events, such as the ciné-club, guest lectures, and field trips to community events like Les Rendez-vous Fransaskois.
You can also join the ambassador program to connect with other students and represent the francophone community on campus.
Have questions about this program? La Cité universitaire francophone is here to help!
cite@uregina.ca
306-585-4828What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Arts in French as a Second Language?
This interdisciplinary program offers a wide variety of classes that develop your French language skills along with knowledge in concentrations tailored to your interests. Graduates achieve strong French proficiency, preparing them for many bilingual career opportunities in fields like public service, translation, education, communications, and more. With approximately 1 million positions in Canada's private sector requiring bilingualism (Statistics Canada, 2023), your skills will be in demand across sectors where language diversity is valued.
Potential bilingual career options include:- Journalist/editor
- Event/conference organizer
- Federal public servant/administrator
- Teacher/professor
- Foreign service officer
- Administrator
- Social services worker
- Language evaluator
- Customs agent
- Missionary
- Development officer/community officer
- Museum assistant
- Researcher
- Travel agent/guide
- Translator/interpreter
- Assistant to an MLA or MP
- Culture and heritage officer
- Librarian
- Political analyst
- Public relations/communications officer
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