Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

I am a beginner.

For the Conversational French, English as an additional language and Spanish programs, learners with no prior knowledge of the language must start at the first beginner level. French learners can also take the self-directed course Introduction to the French Language before taking the FRO-0101 Beginner 1 course in the Conversational French program.

 Learners who have some knowledge of the language but have not taken any courses can request a placement test to determine their level.

I don’t know my language level.  

If you are not a beginner but do not know your language level, you will need to take a placement test. The process depends on which course you want to take.  

Conversational French, Franséjour, Advanced Level French, French for Civil Servants or French for Health Professionals or Spanish

You must schedule an appointment to take a placement test. Follow these steps:  

1. Select "Unknown Level" on the online form.
2. After submitting your registration and payment information, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to schedule a placement test. Click on the link, and a calendar will open.
3. Choose a date and time from the options provided.
4. Be available for a 10- to 15-minute call at the scheduled time.

English as an additional language

Before registering for a course, you must schedule an appointment to take a placement test. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Évaluations langagières webpage
2. Create an account. 
3. Onced logged in, click on the "Profil linguistique en anglais" placement test.
4. Read and agree to the statements regarding the test.
5. Book an appointment for a 30-minute Zoom interview.

I am a permanent resident.

Permanent residents interested in learning French can visit the French for Newcomers webpage to learn more about our programs funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Those who wish to learn English can visit the English as an additional language webpage. **Please note that this program is not funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

I am a civil servant.

Civil servants interested in learning French can visit the French for Civil Servants webpage to learn more about the programs we offer.

I work in the healthcare sector.

People working in the healthcare sector can contact the Continuing Education Division for information on our French language learning programs.

Can a child take these courses?

The minimum age requirement is 16, except for the French for Newcomers, French for Civil Servants, French for Teachers and French for Health Professionals programs, for which the minimum age is 18. 

What language courses are offered?

The Continuing Education Division offers individual and group courses in French, English and Spanish for a variety of adult learners. These courses can be intensive, theme-based or tailored to specific groups. They are available at all levels.  

Are private classes available?

Yes, we offer private classes that can be tailored to the learner's schedule, goals and needs, providing extra support and a personalized learning experience.

For more information, email the Continuing Education Division.

Who are the instructors?

Our instructors come from a variety of French-, English- and Spanish-speaking backgrounds and have university-level training related to their field of expertise—often in education—as well as an excellent command of the language they teach. They have completed the Continuing Education Division's training program in teaching an additional language to adults and have solid teaching experience, both at Université de Saint-Boniface and elsewhere.

What types of learning activities are offered in class?

Learners can expect short presentations of language concepts related to a given topic, with various opportunities to apply them, including general discussions, conversations with classmates, games and small-group communication activities.

Do the courses focus exclusively on speaking practice, or do they also include reading and writing activities?  

Most programs are conversation-based but include a writing component, primarily to support oral communication. However, the French for Newcomers and English as an additional language programs provide a balanced approach to developing oral and written comprehension and expression.

What is the difference between a language course and a conversation circle?

While language courses combine oral exchanges with structured grammar and vocabulary lessons, in the Conversational French, Advanced Level French and Spanish programs, conversation circles focus on spontaneous dialogue in an informal setting.

Can I register for a conversation circle if I have not taken any other courses?

Yes, but conversation circles in the Conversational French and Advanced Level French programs are reserved for learners who have recently completed a course at the corresponding level within the past 12 months. Anyone who has not taken a course with the Continuing Education Division must take a placement test. 

How do I get my handbook?  

Handbooks for online courses can be picked up in advance at our offices at 200 De la Cathédrale Avenue, Room 1411. Pick-up dates and times will be included in the confirmation email sent on the Thursday before the first class. Handbooks will be mailed to participants who live outside of Winnipeg.

How do I access an online course?

Online courses are delivered via Zoom. On the Thursday before the first class, you will receive a confirmation email with the link to the virtual classroom as well as the meeting ID and password.

What do I need to participate in an online course?

You will need:  

• a computer or other device that allows you to participate in videoconferences, run multiple applications simultaneously, and send and receive emails
• a webcam, microphone and speakers (a headset will provide better sound quality)
• a stable, reliable Internet connection

If you are using a tablet, we recommend downloading the Zoom app onto your device.

I’ve never used Zoom. What do I need to know?

If this is your first time participating in a Zoom class, we recommend watching this tutorial: How to connect to Zoom.  

It's my first class and I’m having trouble using Zoom.

If you have trouble connecting on the first day of classes (microphone, webcam or other issues), technical support will be available in the virtual classroom to help you from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. (or from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. on Saturdays). If you are unable to connect to the virtual classroom, you can send an email to the Continuing Education Division to troubleshoot connection issues. 

How do I get the handbook?

The handbook for in-person classes will be distributed on the first day of class, except for the English as an additional language program, for which textbooks are available at Librairie À la page bookstore, located at 200 Provencher Boulevard.

Handbooks for online courses can be picked up in advance at our offices at 200 De la Cathédrale Avenue, Room 1411. Pick-up dates and times will be included in the confirmation email sent on the Thursday before the first class. Handbooks will be mailed to participants who live outside of Winnipeg.

For online courses, can someone else pick up the handbook for me?

Yes.

Is the handbook for online courses available in PDF format?

Unfortunately, it is not. We no longer send out the handbook in PDF format. 

How do I register for a course?

To register for a course, choose a program from the list, then complete the online registration form. If there is no form, follow the instructions in the "Registration" section of the webpage. For several programs, you will be prompted to book a placement test if you don't know your level.

If you are unable to register, please email the Continuing Education Division.

What level should I register for?

For the Conversational French, English as an additional language and Spanish programs, learners with no prior knowledge of the language should select the first beginner level. Those who already know their level can select it from the start.

Learners who have some knowledge of the language but have not taken any courses can request a placement test to determine their level. For some programs, this test is compulsory once the registration process is complete and payment has been made.

I selected "Unknown Level" on the registration form. What happens next?

A placement test will be scheduled to determine your level.

How do I know the course I’m registering for will be offered?  

Courses are only offered if there is sufficient enrolment.

A confirmation email will be sent on the Thursday before the first class. We recommend checking your inbox and spam/junk folder, and adding our email address to your contacts list.

What happens if there is insufficient enrolment?

The Continuing Education Division reserves the right to cancel courses if enrolment is insufficient. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued and alternative options will be offered.  

I forgot my username or password. What should I do?

You will need to create a NEW username and a NEW password. You can use the same email address you used previously.

I started to register online but was unable to complete my registration. Now the system won’t let me log in. What should I do?

1. Click “Ouvrir une session / Log in to start” or “Créer un compte / Create an account.”
2. Select "Création de compte / New user registration."
3. Create a new username and password, but keep the same email address as before.
4. Once the steps above are complete, you will be able to return to the registration form to continue filling it out.
5. Don't forget to click "Soumettre / Submit" after entering your payment information.

Note: Course registration must be completed immediately after creating a new username and password. If too much time passes, you may need to repeat steps 1 through 4.

I'm still having trouble. What should I do?

Contact us at 204-235-4400 or by email atdep@ustboniface.ca.

What is a placement test?

For the French and Spanish programs, the placement test is a short phone conversation (10 to 15 minutes) to determine your language level.

For the English as an additional language program, the placement test starts with a 30-minute conversation on Zoom. Based on your result, you may be invited to do a 90-minute essay in person.

Do I need to take a placement test?

A placement test is required for the Conversational French, Franséjour, Advanced Level French, French for Civil Servants, French Immersion for Teachers, French for Health Professions, English as an additional language and Spanish programs if the person's level is not known at the time of registration. Select "Unknown Level" on the registration form, if applicable.

If you already know your level, choose the appropriate level when registering.

I have no knowledge of French, English or Spanish. Should I still request a placement test?

No. The placement test is not required if you have no knowledge of the language you wish to learn. In this case, choose Beginner 1 (Conversational French), Everyday Communication 1 (English as an additional language) or Level 1 (Spanish) when you register.

I took a language course at the Continuing Education Division a few years ago. Should I still request a placement test?

Yes. If it has been more than two years since your last language course at the Continuing Education Division, we recommend retaking the placement test. Select "Unknown Level" on the registration form, if applicable.

I recently took a language course at the Continuing Education Division. Should I still request a placement test?

No. If you have taken a language course within the past two years, your level of French, English or Spanish can be determined based on the instructor’s recommendation in your final progress report. If you cannot find this information, contact the Continuing Education Division.

How do I schedule a placement test?

Conversational French, Franséjour, Advanced Level French, French for Civil Servants or French for Health Professionals or Spanish

You must schedule an appointment to take a placement test. Follow these steps:  

1. Select "Unknown Level" on the online form, if applicable
2. After submitting your registration and payment information, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to schedule a placement test. Click on the link, and a calendar will open.
3. Choose a date and time from the options provided.
4. Be available for a 10- to 15-minute call at the scheduled time.

English as an additional language

Before registering for a course, you must schedule an appointment to take a placement test. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Évaluations langagières webpage.
2. Create an account.
3. Once logged in, click on the "Profil linguistique en anglais" placement test.
4. Read and agree to the statements regarding the test.
5. Book an appointment for a 30-minute Zoom interview.

Do I need to schedule my placement test right away?  

It is strongly recommended that you book a test slot immediately after registering if your language level is unknown. Our final course offerings depend on enrolment numbers, so we need to know each person’s level as soon as possible.

I clicked on the link to schedule a placement test, but I don't see any available slots. What should I do?

We recommend checking back later or contacting us.

Our assessment team regularly updates availability during the registration period. Check again on the next business day to see if additional time slots have been added, or email the Continuing Education Division.

I booked an appointment, but I need to cancel or reschedule it. What should I do?  

Check your placement test confirmation email or contact us.

You can cancel or reschedule by scrolling down to a link at the bottom of the email message or by contacting the Continuing Education Division.

I booked an appointment, but I haven't received a call. What should I do?

Send an email to the Continuing Education Division to receive a new link to reschedule.

I missed my appointment. What should I do?

Send an email to the Continuing Education Division to receive a new link to reschedule. 

Will I receive a final confirmation?

Confirmation of registration is sent by email, usually on the Thursday before the first class. We recommend checking your inbox and spam/junk folder, and adding our email address to your contacts list. If you do not have an email address, confirmation will be provided by phone.

If you have not received an email by the end of the day, please contact the Continuing Education Division by email at dep@ustboniface.ca or by phone at 204-235-4400.

Note: The Continuing Education Division reserves the right to make changes to the schedule or cancel courses. A refund will be issued as applicable.

What information does the confirmation email include?

The confirmation email indicates the course days and times, as well as the start and end dates. It includes the room number for in-person classes or the link to the virtual classroom (along with the Zoom meeting number and password) for online classes.  

What is included in the course fees?

Course fees include taxes, the handbook (if applicable), and any other required course material.

How do I pay?

The course is payable by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) when you register online.

If your employer is paying for the course, several payment options are available.

Can I get a receipt for my course?

Yes. To request a receipt, contact the Finance Office at finances@ustboniface.ca or 204-237-1818, ext. 309.  

What do I do if my employer is paying for the course?

There are 3 options:

Immediate payment by credit card

The registration form must first be completed in PDF format by the employee. To receive the form, send an email to the Continuing Education Division. The employer will then be given the Finance Office’s phone number to make the payment by credit card over the phone.

Deferred payment by credit card

The registration form must first be completed in PDF format by the employee. To receive the form, send an email to the Continuing Education Division. After the second class, an invoice will be sent to the employer, who will pay by credit card over the phone.

Reimbursement with a receipt

If the employee has already paid online, they can email the Finance Office to request a receipt in order to be reimbursed by their employer.

How do I get a refund?

As a general rule, if you withdraw before the second class, a refund (minus the cost of the handbook, if applicable, and a $43 administrative fee) will be issued. The refund will be applied to the credit card used for the initial payment.

A full refund will be issued if the course is cancelled or the schedule is changed by the Continuing Education Division. The handbook will not be refunded if the learner has already written in it.  

* Exceptions:

Franséjour - Refunds will be issued until January 30, 2026 (minus a $43 administration fee).

Mini-FIT - Registration fee refunds will be granted until April 3, 2026 (minus a $43 administration fee).  

FIT - Registration fee refunds will be granted until June 19, 2026 (minus a $43 administraton fee).    

What does CLIC stand for?

CLIC stands for “Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada” (language classes for immigrants to Canada). It is a program for permanent residents in Canada and is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Its English-language equivalent is the LINC program, or the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program.  

Are CLIC courses similar to LINC courses?

The LINC program focuses on English language training and uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels, and the CLIC program focuses on French language training and uses the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).  

What NCLC levels does the Continuing Education Division offer?

CLIC courses cover NCLC levels 1 to 4. A limited number of spaces are available in Conversational French and Advanced Level French for NCLC levels 5 to 12.

I just became a Canadian citizen. Can I register for CLIC?

No. Only permanent residents and protected persons in Canada are eligible for the CLIC program. 

I will be applying for Canadian citizenship soon. Can I register for CLIC?

Yes. As long as you are still a permanent resident (i.e., you have not yet taken the citizenship oath), you are eligible to take CLIC courses.

If you become a Canadian citizen while taking a CLIC course, you may continue the course until it finishes.

I don't speak French. Do I still need to take an assessment at the WELARC centre before registering for the program?

Yes. The preliminary language assessment is mandatory for anyone wishing to register for a language learning program funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

How soon can I start my classes after registering?  

This depends on a number of factors, including your French level as assessed by WELARC, the date of the next course, your availability and your position on our waitlist.  

What happens when a spot becomes available?

Registered individuals on the waitlist are notified by email or phone when a spot becomes available and they must immediately indicate whether or not they accept. The start time cannot be delayed, except in exceptional circumstances. Individuals on the waitlist must report any changes to their availability. CLIC courses use the continuous intake model. For courses in the Conversational French and Advanced Level French programs, learners must wait until the next session starts.  

Are courses offered in person or online?

While most CLIC courses are delivered online, some are also offered in person or in a hybrid format. Courses in the Conversational French and Advanced Level French programs are delivered in person or online.  

Are spots limited?

Yes. Spots funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada are limited and they are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all the spots have been filled, the remaining learners are placed on a waitlist.

I am interested in teaching for the Continuing Education Division. How do I apply?

The Continuing Education Division is always looking for instructors to provide language training on campus, off campus and online. To apply as an instructor, please submit your resume and cover letter to https://carrieres.ustboniface.ca/. 

Can I get credits for my course?

Unfortunately, you cannot. All the courses offered by the Continuing Education Division are non-credit courses.

What will I receive at the end of the session?

You will receive a progress report at the end of the session, including the instructor’s recommendation as to whether you are ready to proceed to the next level. 

Where can I park during my class?

Free parking is available in the Université de Saint-Boniface parking lot after 5 p.m. on weekdays as well as on weekends. The lot entrance is off Despins Street. Please do not park in spots reserved for Sportex.  

Where are the classrooms located?

Our classrooms are located at Université de Saint-Boniface, 200 De la Cathédrale Avenue. Please enter via Aulneau Street or the parking lot.