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French Cohort Program
Public and international affairs
The French Cohort Program (FCP) in Public and International Affairs is a bilingual program, unique in Canada, that opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
Why choose the French Cohort Program?
- Entirely bilingual program Leading to a Bachelor’s degree (B.A.). Approximately 65% of courses are taught in French.
- Courses in a variety of disciplines: political science, international relations, history, indigenous studies, French language, linguistic, Francophone literatures and cultures, as well as elective courses that you select according to your interests and goals.
- Student exchange in Europe or Quebec during your 3rd year of studies.
- Open doors to a multitude of high-demand careers in Canada's two official languages.
- Cohort program, small classes of around 25 students. This small group, with which you'll take most of your mandatory courses, will give you privileged contact with your instructors, provide unique learning opportunities and develop bonds that will last a lifetime.
- Personalized support and inclusive environment: Whether French is your 1st, 2nd or 3rd language, you'll have the support to succeed from the moment you arrive at SFU, and you’ll feel part of a community where all French accents are celebrated.
- Rich student life: The FCP will allow you to take part in many exclusive events and get involved, in French, in your community.
- Bursaries and Awards: With the FCP, you could be eligible for up to $14,500 in exclusive French language bursaries and awards (in addition to all other financial aid options administered by SFU).
- Access to a reserved study area and a dedicated academic advisor for FCP students.
What will you do after your studies in the French Cohort Program?
Perhaps you haven't yet decided on your career path, and that's perfectly normal! With the FCP, you'll acquire valuable knowledge and skills that are in high demand on the job market, such as critical thinking and professional bilingualism.
One of the greatest advantages of the FCP is that its multidisciplinary approach opens the door to a multitude of career possibilities in a variety of fields, such as:
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The application period for Fall 2025 is now closed. Complete your application from October 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026 for September 2026.
Questions for the FCP Student Advisor:
Rachelle Hiebert
e: fcpmgr@sfu.ca
The French Cohort Program delivers a unique post-secondary experience, with lots of support for students, tons of activities, and courses in both History and Political Sciences taught in French! In the long run, the program will allow me to become highly resourceful in French, regardless of which career I turn towards once I complete my studies.
- Mariessa
Admission
Who can apply?
You are eligible to apply if you meet at least one of the following language criteria:
- You are a graduate of French immersion or the Programme francophone
- You have completed French 12 (Core French) or another acceptable advanced French language course *
- You are a native French speaker **
You may apply:
- Directly as a high school student
- If you have completed the IB program
- If you are transferring from a college or university ***
- If you are an international student **
Level of French Required: intermediate to advanced
Since the FCP courses are mainly taught in French (approximately 65%), this program is ideal for students coming from French immersion or Francophone programs. An intermediate level of French corresponds approximately to the B2 level of the DELF certification. For reference purposes only (the exam is not required), consult the descriptive table of proficiency levels here: DELF-DALF.
* We also accept students who have completed Core French 12 and who have a very high level of comprehension and expression. However, it is often necessary to take a preparatory year of prerequisite courses in French (FREN 201 & 202), before they can begin the FCP pathway.
** English Language Requirements
As the FCP is a bilingual program, in French and English, all students are required to meet SFU's English language requirements.
*** Transfers
As the cohort program has a set sequence of courses, those with substantial university transfer credit may need to complete more than the normal 120 units to complete their program.
Contact our student advisor to learn more about the sequence of courses and to make sure you're eligible to apply: fcpmgr@sfu.ca
How to apply?
- You must meet all of SFU's Admission requirements (for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences including the English language requirements). All students admitted to the FCP need to demonstrate adequate French language comprehension and expression, which will be determined by the French Language Placement Test taken prior to enrolling in courses.
- When to apply? October 1 to January 31 for the next September intake
- Apply online: https://apply.educationplannerbc.ca/sfu.jsp
- After you have applied, consult the next steps in the admission process
Program Highlights
Bursaries and Awards
It pays to study in French! Choosing to study in a bilingual program at SFU means having access (sometimes exclusively) to a multitude of awards and bursaries that can cover an important part of your university fees!
Student Experiences
By choosing the FCP, your studies will be enhanced by exclusive activities such as
- the Parlement jeunesse francophone in Victoria, BC, in your 1st year
- the Grand Voyage to the Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in your 2nd year
- a university exchange program in France, Belgium, Switzerland or Quebec in your 3rd year of study.
Career Opportunities
The FCP will open doors to a multitude of bilingual career options in various fields. Don't forget that 84% of Canadian employers prefer to hire bilingual candidates, while only about 10% of young professionals actually are – imagine the advantage you will have!
The application period for Fall 2025 is now closed. Complete your application from October 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026 for September 2026.
Questions for the FCP Student Advisor:
Rachelle Hiebert
e: fcpmgr@sfu.ca