Spanish (BA in Combination)

Master fluency in Spanish and develop a deep appreciation for the cultures, histories and societies of the Spanish-speaking world in Wilfrid Laurier University's Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish.

You’ll build genuine language skills, multilingual communications skills and, cross-cultural awareness and while connecting  with one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. Study abroad in Spain and immerse yourself in the language and culture, gaining a broader international perspective. 
 
Graduate ready for a career in translation, international business, education, diplomacy and government in Canada and worldwide. 
 
This program must be taken in combination with another Bachelor of Arts program.

Program Details

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

Why Should I Choose Spanish?

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:

  • Business Spanish Certificate
    Laurier’s Spanish program is the only Canadian representative of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). Earn an official Basic Business Spanish certificate by taking our specialized courses and passing the MCCI exam. Over the past 17 years, our students achieved a 97% success rate.
  • Get a Head-Start on Grad School
    The Spanish program at Laurier equips you with the comprehensive knowledge needed for graduate studies in fields like Latin American or Peninsular Literature, Hispanic Studies and Spanish Linguistics.
  • Pathway to MBA
    Begin your Spanish degree with a conditional offer to Laurier’s full-time MBA program, providing you with a clear path from undergraduate studies to graduate-level business education.
  • Accelerate Your Degree
    Fast-track your future by completing your degree in just three years. By working with your Academic Advisor and taking courses during the summer semesters, you can graduate early and get a head start on your career or graduate studies. 

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):

  • Community Service-Learning
    Many Spanish courses include a Community Service Learning (CSL) component. Complete a placement or project in the community to blend academic learning with experiences out of the classroom. 
  • Present Your Research
    Showcase your language proficiency and explore culture or literature through presentations based on your coursework, research, or academic experiences.
  • Ensure a Supportive Start
     Ease your transition into university with our first-year courses, AF105S: Skills and AF105W: Writing. Develop key skills in time management, critical thinking, research and writing, which builds the foundation for academic success. These courses help you build the foundations for academic success—developing key skills in time management, critical thinking, research, and writing. You’ll also be backed byReceive guidance from our dedicated Arts Advising team, who offer one-on-one support with course selection and academic planning, ensuring you feel confident, connected, and set up to thrive from your very first term. 

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

  • bilingual officers
  • communications specialist
  • dialect coach
  • ESL instructor
  • film translator (dubbing)
  • foreign correspondent
  • interpreter
  • policy analyst
  • 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.

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?