Program overview
Learn to communicate effectively in both oral and written French with Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in French Language Proficiency. This certificate allows you to get an AU credential by taking only French courses.
Why take the University Certificate in French Language Proficiency?
Knowledge of French can open up employment opportunities in areas such as
- education
- business
- foreign correspondence
- the airline and travel industry
- diplomacy
- museums and art galleries
- law
- broadcasting
- the federal government
Routes and options
Ladder to a degree
Credit earned in this certificate program may be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts, French Major.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 1 year of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
Please note: If you have an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate in French from AU or another university, you cannot apply to the University Certificate in French Language Proficiency program.
How to apply
You can apply to AU online anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
Transfer and advanced credit
If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU certificate.
If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 15 credits at AU.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfil all the requirements of the certificate.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following link:
Tuition and fees
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
As a result of completing this program, students should be able to
- demonstrate a sufficient degree of competence in oral and written French to communicate effectively.
- show insight into the relationship between language and culture and have some awareness of cultural relativity.
- demonstrate an understanding of how to undertake further research into the subject matter in order to increase linguistic competence.
Possible career options
- translator
- work in federal government departments
- work with institutions (banks and insurance companies, for example) that deal with francophone clients
- The certificate may enhance teaching qualifications.