Glendon Campus

Language Pathways at Glendon

Meeting you where you're at

At Glendon, we believe that studying another language opens minds and doors. Some students come to us with no prior knowledge of any second language, while others are multilingual. We’re here to support your progression regardless of where you start, and how far you wish to go.

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Degree Types at Glendon

Which path is right for me?

Our degrees are flexible, and so is your journey at Glendon. It doesn’t matter if you speak one or several languages when you arrive—there’s a pathway that matches your personal goals and supports your success. You’ll choose the one that fits you best:

1

I don't speak French or I don't wish to obtain a bilingual degree.

You'll complete just two French courses (6 credits) at any level, giving you more room to focus on your major. A wide range of programs offer that option.

RESULT: Glendon Degree with minimal language requirement

2

I want to graduate with a bilingual degree.

You’ll complete 6 credits in French (either in a French as a second language course or a course specific to your area of study that is taught in French). A quick assessment will help determine your starting point—either at the introductory level where you can build up your skills gradually, or at a more advanced level if you’re already fluent.

RESULT: Glendon Bilingual Degree

Note: Are you interested to learn Spanish? We also offer a certificate of trilingualism English – French – Spanish. Speak to our academic advising team to select appropriate courses.

3

I self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit and want to take Indigenous language courses.

You’ll complete 6 credits in an Indigenous language—including Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway) or Kanien’kéha (Mohawk)—instead of French or English. This option is available in select Glendon BA programs. Check with our academic advising team for details.

RESULT: Glendon Degree with Indigenous language option

  • I had enrolled at Glendon hearing great things about the campus. My French was quite weak since I only took it in Grade 9. When I was told about a flexible option by my academic advisor, I knew I had to take it! It helped me make space to focus on my program while adding a minor and a certificate so that I can pursue my dreams of becoming an international English teacher.

    – Rajdeep Gill, Bachelor of Education, Class of 2027

  • I used to love learning French until I got to high school, where I kind of started losing the spark. Then I heard about Glendon. I knew that this was an environment that could help me fall in love with French again, and Glendon has done just that. Thanks to the flexible language options, I can do beginner level courses where I don't feel pressured or lose my motivation to study French.

    – Melika Ghanaati, BA Psychology, Class of 2027

  • Before coming to Glendon, I wasn’t comfortable speaking, reading, or writing in French. I didn’t attend a French immersion school, but I gradually built my skills here through FSL classes and the Salon francophone.

    – Anmol Kaur, BA International Studies, Class of 2022

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Questions about language pathways, requirements or resources? We can answer them!

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As a Glendon applicant, you can provide proof of language proficiency in English or French. If you’re proving language proficiency in English, there is no minimum French requirement.

If you’re applying to one of our undergraduate programs, you may meet our language requirements if you have successfully completed (or are in the process of successfully completing) one of the following:

  • Four full years of study in Canada in English or French at the high school level;
  • Four full years of study at the secondary school level
    • in English, in a country where English is a primary language (or primary language of instruction) OR
    • in French, in a country where French is a primary language (or primary language of instruction);
  • One full year of study in an accredited university degree program
    • in English, in a country where English is a primary language OR
    • in French, in a country where French is a primary language
  • Two full years of study in an accredited college diploma/ applied degree program
    • in English, in a country where English is a primary language (or primary language of instruction) OR
    • in French, in a country whereFrench is a primary language (or primary language of instruction);
  • Students who have completed, or are in the process of completing, the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in English or French may meet our language requirements. Students must show achievement of the IB diploma once it’s been granted.

Note: We don’t count time spent in ESL, letters written by applicants, or senior level high school English course(s) as proof of English language proficiency.

These requirements are general guidelines only. We reserve the right to require a successfully completed language proficiency test. If you’re not sure that you meet our language requirements, submit an acceptable English or French language test score as soon as possible to avoid potential delays in the processing of your application.

Proof of language proficiency
If you do not meet the requirements listed above, you must provide one of the language tests listed below:

Acceptable language testsMinimum score required
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language(Opens in a new tab)
York’s TOEFL code is 0894		iBT: 88
IELTS (Academic)
International English Language Testing Service(Opens in a new tab)		Overall score: 6.5
Pearson PTE Academic60
Test de connaissance du français (TCF)B2
Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)B2
Diplôme d’etudes en langue française (DELF)B2
Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)C1 or C2
Duolingo English Language Placement Test120 or higher
CAEL60
TFI
Test de français international(Opens in a new tab)		Overall score: 785

*Students with unsuccessful English language test results can boost their proficiency and still obtain admission to York by completing a program at the York University English Language Institute(Opens in a new tab) (YUELI). YUELI provides the highest quality English language instruction, serving over 2,000 students from more than 50 different countries every year. YUELI's programs include university academic preparation programs for undergraduate and graduate students, summer language institutes and customized programs. Visit YUELI(Opens in a new tab) for a full listing of programs and services.

Resources to support your language journey

Need help with a language? Access specialized resources to strengthen your writing, speaking, and communication skills such as le Salon Francophone, the Spanish Resource Centre, the ESL Open Learning Centre or even Las Nubes, York University’s EcoCampus in Costa Rica.

Learn more

Language Learning FAQs

No.

Language study can be built into your degree plan without having to extend your studies. An academic advisor can help you choose the right pathway and course load to stay on track with your degree while developing your language skills.