French at Northwestern University

Programme overview

French Major Requirements for students declaring in Fall 2026 or later: Prerequisite: Completion of FRENCH 201 or equivalent proficiency For students who start French studies at Northwestern in the beginning or intermediate series (111, 115 or 121-1), the prerequisite course 201 may count as one elective course.

Faculty: Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Students returning from study abroad in French-speaking locations may apply credit to the French major for up to two eligible courses for an intensive summer program, three courses for fall semester, four for winter/spring semester, and six for a year-long program. In this case, their total course requirement for the major will be 11 courses.

Career pathways

Students with superior proficiency in French (ex: French baccalauréat ) may be eligible to waive French 202 and substitute an Advanced Study course for the required 300-level French language class, upon assessment of proficiency by the DUS or Placement Advisor.

Official programme page

Application information

USD 71,802 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for 2026-27 (full-time $23,934 per quarter, fall/winter/spring); a single rate for all full-time undergraduate degree programmes; excludes room and board, student health, activity and athletics fees and health insurance. Source

Undergraduate terms run fall, winter and spring (quarter system); first-year applicants apply through Early Decision, Regular Decision or QuestBridge.

First-year deadlines for 2026-27: QuestBridge October 1, 2026; Early Decision November 1, 2026 (decisions December 2026); Regular Decision January 4, 2027 (decisions March 2027). Transfer: Early Decision March 1, 2027; Regular Decision April 1, 2027 (priority deadline for Bienen transfer applicants January 4, 2027).

Apply through the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir (QuestBridge for QuestBridge applicants). The nonrefundable application fee is $75 or a fee waiver. Northwestern is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.northwestern.edu/apply/

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