Thinking of studying abroad and want to transfer credits for French as a Second Language (FRSL) courses? Make sure you're fully prepared by following all the steps and requirements—both before you leave and once you return. This page will guide you through the process. 

Please note that as of Summer 2025, independant study away (ISA) applications for students in the Faculty of Arts are strictly limited to approved institutions located in Canada. For more information please refer to the Arts OASIS website

If you have questions about how to apply for a study-away, contact your program advisor.

The French Language Centre (FLC) is here to help only with the pre-approval of your FRSL course(s) before you go, and to recommend a credit transfer once you return. 

Before you leave 

What are the documents needed :

For Host Universities outside Quebec

Obtain a "Letter of Permission Authorizing Study Away in the Summer Session" (from Student Affairs Office).

For Quebec Host Universities

Obtain an "Authorization to Transfer Credits (IUT)" form (from Student Affairs Office).

  1. Submit the appropriate form indicating your French academic background, provide copies of your completed transcripts from McGill, any other University, CEGEP attended and from your High School, including any advanced credit exams.
  2. Have Centre form and other appropriate forms signed at the Centre.
  3. Submit all documents (signed) to Student affairs Office to obtain faculty approval for STUDY AWAY.

 

What you need before taking a course

Once you have chosen your host university and the French as a Second Language course(s) you wish to take during your study-away, please follow these two steps:

 

Step 1: Verify if the FLS course(s) is already assessed

Search McGill’s Course Equivalency System to see if the FSL course(s) you wish to take has (have) been already assessed. Make sure to include expired decisions while conducting the search.

There are 3 possible scenarios:

  1. If a course has previously been approved on the Course Equivalency System and the decision is not expired, it means you could receive FRSL credits for it. Go to step 2.
  2. If a course is not on the Course Equivalency System, submit a new request. To do so, enter the relevant information about the course and upload the course syllabus to the database (make sure to use the course syllabus checklist).
  3. If a course has previously been approved but the decision is expired, request a reassessment by clicking the “Request Reassessment” button.
For options 2 and 3 only:

Once all the necessary information has been entered correctly, the assessor at the FLC will determine if the course in question is equivalent to an FRSL course at McGill. If that is the case, the assessor will process your request based on the course content, the number of hours of instruction and the methods of evaluation. To be approved, a course must be taken at an approved host university (consult list). This process usually takes 5-10 business days to complete. Please allow extra time during busy periods.

If your request is approved, the course will now appear as equivalent to “FRSL XXX” in the database. Note that a specific course equivalency will only be granted after the completion of the written and oral post-test, once you have returned.

If you need assistance on how to navigate the McGill’s Course Equivalency System, please refer to the FAQ or contact a program advisor directly.

Step 2 : Enter Your FSL Course(s) in Minerva

Add the FRSL course(s) you intend to take during your study-away to the Minerva Transfer Credit Assessment Form, or MTCAF (see tutorial). The MTCAF must accurately reflect the courses you are registered for at the host university. 

A program advisor and/or IT Services (but not the FLC) can help you navigate Minerva Transfer Credit Assessment Form, if need be. For deadlines, please contact your faculty or program advisor directly.

If needed, consult the summary of the procedure for Arts students.