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Last updated: August 27, 2026
Learning French at McGill
At McGill, we believe that French is much more than a language to learn. It is also a gateway to Quebec, offering students opportunities to engage with its culture, connect with its communities and participate more fully in life in Montreal.
As part of our commitment to supporting French-language learning, we have been expanding opportunities for students to develop and practise their French throughout their university journey. Recent initiatives include expanded course offerings, summer immersion opportunities and simplified pathways to access French-language learning.
Participation is entirely optional, and French proficiency is not a graduation requirement. Through courses, cultural activities, community engagement initiatives and immersive experiences, students can choose the opportunities that best match their interests, needs and goals.
Do I need to know French to be admitted to McGill?
French proficiency is not a general admission requirement at McGill. Whether you are a complete beginner or already have experience with French, you will have opportunities to learn, practise and use the language throughout your university journey if you choose to do so.
Note that a number of programs, such as Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Dietetics and Law, already require, or take into consideration, proficiency in French. Program-specific requirements should be verified with the admissions advisors for the program in question.
Will I be expected to learn French if I come to McGill?
No. Participation in French-language learning opportunities is entirely optional, and French proficiency is not a general admission or graduation requirement. Students who wish to learn or improve their French will find a wide range of opportunities available at all levels.
Do I need to achieve a specific level of French to graduate?
No, the students will not need to demonstrate proficiency in French to graduate.
French proficiency remains an admission requirement for select undergraduate programs and demonstrated proficiency may be required for certain French language based courses and programs of study.
Where do I start if I want to learn French?
The Learn French portal is the central hub for information about French courses, cultural activities, immersion opportunities and other French-language learning resources available at McGill.
Students interested in taking a French course can complete the online French Placement Test, which helps assess their proficiency level and identifies the courses for which they are eligible to register.
Confirmation of acceptance deposits
What is a confirmation of acceptance deposit?
Newly admitted undergraduate students are required to pay a non-refundable deposit in order to confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission. This is done via the McGill Applicant Portal, and must be paid by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). The deposit amount is based on the program of study and citizenship declared on the application for admission.
All deposits will be applied to Fall or Winter term fees as long as the student enrolls. Should a student not register the deposit is forfeited.
For additional information, please consult the Student Accounts website.
How much is the deposit?
- Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada: $500 CAD
Note: Be sure to declare your Canadian citizenship or residency status on your application for admission.
The citizenship or residency status you declare on your application for admission must be valid at the time of submission. Pending citizenship requests or permanent residency requests are not considered “valid”. Do not declare that you are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada unless you have already been granted Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
McGill reserves the right to ask for supporting documentation to verify your legal status in Canada.
- International students: $1000 CAD
Immigration requirements
Will newly admitted McGill students be affected by the Quebec government's announced cap on international post-secondary students?
McGill has already taken measures to secure and optimize our use of the CAQ application number allocated for McGill. We anticipate that any admitted international student who chooses to come to McGill will not be refused their CAQ application on the ground of McGill’s allotment being exceeded.
Consult International Student Services for up to date immigration information.