Starting in Fall 2026, with the financial support of the Government of Quebec, McGill will launch a new French Course Award pilot program to encourage participation and persistence in French language learning. The pilot program will be offered during the fall, winter, and summer terms of the 2026–2027 academic year. Continuation of the program beyond this period is subject to review.
In its initial phase, the program will support participation in beginner and elementary French courses, which serve as a gateway to discovering the French language and Quebec culture. Designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of French, these courses provide a welcoming first learning experience and establish the foundation for continued language development throughout your studies at McGill.
This initiative reflects McGill's commitment to promoting the French language and fostering greater engagement with Quebec society. It also marks the first step in a broader effort to expand support for French language learning across multiple proficiency levels in the years ahead.
Eligible students will receive an award covering the tuition fees associated with selected French language courses offered at McGill.
Award information
Eligible undergraduate students will receive a French Course Award covering the cost of tuition (approximately $300 for a 3-credit course or $600 for a 6-credit course) for the eligible introductory level French language courses listed below, offered by the French Language Centre at the Faculty of Arts.
You must register for the eligible course and pay applicable fees at the time of registration.
The award will be granted upon successful completion of the course. Successful completion means earning a passing grade (a grade of C or better) or a Satisfactory (S) standing if the course is taken under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) option.
Awards are available to all eligible students enrolled in eligible courses for Fall 2026, Winter 2027, and/or Summer 2027 terms.
You may receive French Course Awards for multiple eligible courses, up to a maximum of $1,200. The maximum award is equivalent to up to 12 credits of eligible French language courses, depending on your starting level.
Access to courses is determined by placement test results and available space in the course. Registration is on first come, first served basis.
Who can receive the French Course Award?
The French Course Award is available to full-time* undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program at McGill University who fall into one of the following categories:
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents from outside Quebec who are eligible to pay the Quebec resident tuition rate when taking eligible French language courses
- International students who are eligible to pay the Quebec resident tuition rate when taking eligible French language courses
- Quebec-resident students
*Students who were full-time undergraduate degree-seeking students during the previous fall and winter terms remain eligible for the French course award in the summer term—even if you are not enrolled full-time during the summer.
Not eligible
- Part-time undergraduate students
- Special students
- Students enrolled exclusively certificate or diploma programs
- Students whose placement test results or previous academic background in French indicate an intermediate or advanced level of proficiency
- Graduate students
Graduate students may be eligible for the GPS French Course Award program. For more information, please contact frenchforgrads.gps [at] mcgill.ca (frenchforgrads[dot]gps[at]mcgill[dot]ca).
Eligible courses
General French Courses
- FRSL 101 – Beginners French 1
- FRSL 102 – Beginners French 2
- FRSL 105 – Intensive Beginners French
- FRSL 207D1 – Elementary French 1
- FRSL 207D2 – Elementary French 2
- FRSL 208 – Intensive Elementary French
French for Professional Communication
- FRPC 102 – Basic French
- FRPC 104 – Elementary French
- FRPC 106 – Fundamentals of French Grammar and Writing
- FRPC 107 – Fundamentals of French Oral Communication
Award process
- Take the placement test to determine your French proficiency level.
- Successfully complete the course.
- After verification of eligibility and successful course completion, eligible students will automatically receive the award.
Important notes
- If you withdraw from the course, you are no longer eligible for the award
- You must have direct deposit setup to receive awards in your bank account
- You must have an active mailing address in Minerva for the payment to go through successfully
Frequently asked questions about the French Course Award
Do I need to apply for the award?
No. There is no application process.
Eligibility will be verified automatically for all registered students at the end of each semester in which a qualifying course is completed, upon the submission of the final grades. Students who successfully complete the course will receive the award automatically through direct deposit.
Note that successful completion means earning a passing grade (a grade of C or better) or a Satisfactory (S) standing if the course is taken under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) option.
Can I take the eligible French courses as electives?
Yes. All qualifying courses are for-credit courses and may count toward your degree as electives, subject to your program requirements.
Can I take these courses as Extra to a Program (RX)?
It depends on your program. To determine whether you may take a French course in addition to your degree requirements, please consult your academic advisor.
For example, check this page if you are studying in the Faculty of Engineering.
When will I receive the award?
Awards will be processed after final grades have been submitted and eligibility has been verified at the end of each term.
Payment will be issued through direct deposit.
What if the course recommended by my placement results is full?
McGill is expanding its French course offerings and eligible courses are available across the fall, winter, and summer terms. We encourage you to explore available options in upcoming terms.
I studied French in high school. Am I eligible for this award?
Maybe. Eligibility is determined based on your placement test results and previous French-language studies.
Students with prior French-language instruction, including courses completed in high school, may be placed beyond the beginner and elementary levels targeted by this award.
Additional initiatives to support French language learning at higher proficiency levels are planned for the future.