French (BA)

Develop advanced French language skills and a deep understanding of Francophone cultures with Wilfrid Laurier University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in French.

You’ll build bilingual fluency and gain a competitive advantage in a global job market through immersive classroom experiences, international exchange opportunities and real-world learning in French-speaking countries. You can also gain hands-on work experience by applying to the accredited Arts co-op program. Graduates pursue careers in translation, international business, diplomacy, corporate communications, education, government and related fields.

Program Details

Discover what makes this Laurier program unique and how you'll gain real-world experience.

Why Should I Choose French?

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete, and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Immerse Yourself in French Studies
    Explore advanced French writing, diverse French-speaking cultures, literature, film, music, animation, and translation. Study French grammar at various levels and engage in reflective teaching practice, equipping you with a broad and practical knowledge base. 
  • Path to a Teaching Career
    Prepare yourself for a career in teaching by applying to our direct-entry BA in French with Teaching Minor to receive a conditional offer directly into Laurier’s Bachelor of Education program upon graduation.
  • Gain Practical Language Skills
    Gain valuable hands-on experience through translation courses and relevant volunteer work, enhancing your resume and preparing you for a range of professional opportunities in bilingual environments.
  • Integrated Path to an MBA
    Start with a BA in French and transition seamlessly into a full-time MBA program with a co-op component with the BA + MBA program.

How Will I Gain Real-World Experience?

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Apply to Co-op
    Honours Arts students can apply to the accredited co-op program to complete three four-month work terms, gaining valuable industry experience and career-specific skills.
  • Work or Learn Abroad
    Explore summer jobs in Francophone countries. Partners include AIESEC Global Talent and Télévision Française de l’Ontario, offering real-world immersion. Apply for an international exchange at French-speaking universities to practice French abroad and gain global exposure.
  • Certificates and Volunteering
    Earn the Certificate in Community and Workplace Language Learning to showcase your practical French skills, and volunteer locally to gain language and professional experience.
  • Explore: French-Language Bursary Program
    Participate in a five-week intensive language immersion course where you will discover another region of Canada while learning French.

Courses and Program Enhancements

Explore a sample weekly schedule to see what your day-to-day might look like in this program.

What Courses Will I Take?

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

How Can I Enhance My Degree? 

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Career Options

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

What Jobs Can I Get After Graduation?

Our French (BA) graduates go on to a wide range of rewarding careers. Here are just a few examples:

  • communications specialist
  • customs/immigration officer
  • dialect coach
  • ESL instructor
  • film translator (dubbing)
  • foreign correspondent
  • interpreter
  • linguist
  • speech-language pathologist
  • teacher/educator
  • translator

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

Explore more careers.

Will I Be Supported After Graduation?

As a Laurier alum, you'll have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

How Does Arts Co-op at Laurier Work?

The Faculty of Arts' accredited co-op program at Wilfrid Laurier University offers two co-op pathways and both give you 12 months of paid career experience before you graduate. 

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Apply in first year: Join the co-op program after you start, then complete three four-month work terms during your studies.
  • Apply direct from high school: Get a head start with direct admission to co-op in select Arts programs, straight from high school.
Both pathways lead to the same strong outcome: 12 months of real-world work experience in your field.  

Interested? Learn more about co-op in the Faculty of Arts.

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99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2025 / 2026

Tuition and Costs

What are the Tuition Fees and Costs for Arts at Laurier?

Below is a breakdown of tuition fees and expenses for Laurier Arts students for one year (or two terms) studying full time. Fees are based on 2026/27 rates and are subject to increase. All fees are shown in Canadian dollars.

Tuition Fees for Arts Students
Fee Type Domestic Students International Students
Tuition $6,180 $36,624
Student Fees $2,133
$4,018 with co-op
$3,082
$4,967 with co-op
Textbook Fees $500 $500

See a full breakdown of your first-year expenses.

Scholarships and Bursaries

When you apply to Laurier you’ll be automatically assessed for entrance scholarships (based on your final admission average) and for in-course scholarships in your upper years (based on your Laurier GPA from the previous academic year). We also offer more than 700 competitive scholarships and awards, which require separate applications and may be awarded throughout the academic year.

Additional Financial Support

  • Get information and advice on eligibility for government assistance (like OSAP) from our Financial Aid office.
  • Apply for bursaries to receive additional support based on financial need and academic performance.
  • Learn money management skills through courses, workshops and financial coaching.
  • Visit the Career Centre for support finding part-time job opportunities.

 

Laurier Arts graduates employed or in post‑graduate studies in 2025

 

Laurier students engaged in hands‑on learning in 2025/26

 

Laurier is among the top 7 percent in the Center for World University Rankings 2026

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students in a classroom

How Will I Learn in This Program?

This is primarily an in-person program, meaning you'll attend classes on campus and learn face-to-face with professors and classmates. When you register for courses, you'll be able to select from available sections and create your timetable. 
 
In-person delivery gives you direct access to faculty, hands-on learning opportunities and a traditional university student experience.

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Get in Touch

Have questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548‑889‑8888 or see all contact information.


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Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?