Université Laval
Kébec, the Algonquian name for a place "where the river narrows" describes the riverside city and capital of Quebec.
Université Laval, situated here in one of North America's oldest cities, is also the oldest university in Canada. It was also the first North American institution to offer courses in French, starting as a seminary in 1663 until its royal charter was received in 1852. A research-intensive university, Laval straddles the boundary between innovation and technological advancement and its links to history and heritage - it even has its own waltz, created by composer Wilfrid Beaudry!
Key information
Student Experience
Check out Laval's Student Testimonial Page and search stay reports by area of study.
Program details
The information below was last updated in 2024
This exchange is with the Laval Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Social Science, and is open for studies in the following areas: (but must also be found on this list)
Faculty of Arts: Communication; Languages, Linguistics & Translation; Creative Writing, English, Spanish Studies, Theatre & Film; History including Art History, Museum Studies, and Archaeology; School of Languages (German, English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Russian)
Faculty of Social Sciences: Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Industrial Relations. (Restricted: Social Work/Social Service, Psychology)
**Search links for "first cycle/premier cycle" for undergraduate courses, and "structure of the program/structure du programme".
Course requirements: Exchange students are required to register for a minimum of 12 credits (equivalent to 12 units/credits at UCalgary, or 4 half-courses). The normal full-time workload for a bachelor's student at Laval is 15 credits (generally 5 courses per semester).
The list of courses available for the semester you are interested is a tentative wish-list. Laval cannot guarantee access, but you will register for courses when you arrive at Université Laval.
Transcripts at the end of your exchange: The original transcript is sent to the student free of charge to the address entered on their online student file provided to Laval (CAPSULE). In order for UCalgary to receive your transcript, students must order an extra copy ($9) from the Laval Registrar’s Office before leaving Québec. https://www.reg.ulaval.ca/cms/site/reg/lang/fr_CA/page_accueil/DemDoc/releveNotes (Available in French only)
The academic year is divided into 2 semesters, Fall and Winter:
- Fall Semester runs from early September to late December.
- Winter Semester runs from early January to late April.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
You will also need to budget for expenses you may incur while in Québec, such as transportation, room and board, books, health and hospitalization insurance, personal expenditures, civil liability insurance, and so on.
Laval estimates your expenses will be around $6000-$8000 per term.
Quebec City cost comparison vs. Calgary: Click Here
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree-seeking student at UCalgary while studying abroad, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are otherwise eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund and the Global Learning Award. Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
There are four residences on campus, two of them coed. For more information on costs, room availability, and other possible living arrangements, visit the UL Residence Office website.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students at UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-).
Courses at Laval are taught in French. As such, applicants should have an intermediary or greater knowledge of the language. Students must have passed the TFI with a minimum score of 750/990 according to the Test de français international, or equivalent scores on other recognized French tests such as DELF or DALF are also acceptable (which would be a B2 level). We recommend that you have completed at least two 300-level or above courses in French as certification of language proficiency will be required for non-francophone students. If no test results are provided, your students will be required to take the French online test from Université Laval’s École de langues (ELUL).
Have questions?
The advisor for the program is: Kathryn Bauer
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains instructions to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We strongly recommend applying to your top three programs, as placement may be competitive. Your applications will be assessed in the order that you rank (first, second, third choice).
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary, so check each program web page and make sure you're aware of any differences! Pay attention to the eligibility requirements and whether supporting documents are needed.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that are not found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, accessibility issues, or demands on the physical and mental self, which may challenge you when away from your usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative to evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual condition against the rigours of your desired global program. If you are unsure whether this program is a good fit for you, or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment and participation, please contact us. Our global experience advisors are happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arranging any supports necessary for your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your global experience advisor to ensure that the program you are seeking can support your needs. Additional considerations can be found on our Identities Abroad resources.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.