Earn a certificate in your chosen language!
Expand your cultural and linguistic horizons with our diverse range of certificate options. Whether you're drawn to the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, the elegance of Italian humanism, the intellectual legacy of German humanism, the vibrancy of the Spanish-speaking world, or the intriguing complexities of Japanese language and society, our certificates offer a focused and enriching academic experience that can be completed alongside your degree program.
Language Study Certificates
Chinese Studies Certificate
Explore courses related to the study of China, including an introduction to the Chinese language and other related subjects. The program offers language courses up to the intermediate level that can build a solid foundation of all aspects in Mandarin Chinese language
For course placement inquiries, contact Billie Ng at billie@sfu.ca.
Italian Studies Certificate
Immerse yourself in the world of Italian Humanism, from the early Renaissance to modern times. This certificate requires basic Italian language proficiency (writing, reading, and oral skills) and complements major/minor programs in world literature, French, humanities, history, and contemporary arts.
For course placement inquiries, contact Vlad Vintila at vvintila@sfu.ca.
German Studies Certificate
Journey through the establishment and evolution of German humanism from the Reformation to modern times. This certificate requires proficiency in the German language (writing, reading, listening, and speaking) and complements major and minor programs in world literature, history, humanities, philosophy, and political science.
For course placement inquiries, contact Claudia Hein at cmhein@sfu.ca.
Japanese Studies Certificate
Develop language competency and cultural understanding of the Japanese language, culture, and society. This certificate requires language courses up to the intermediate level, building a strong foundation in Japanese language and communicative competence. In addition, students can explore a variety of elective courses related to Japan across departments and faculties.
For course placement inquiries, contact Naoko Takei at ntakei@sfu.ca.
Spanish Studies Certificate
Delve into the language and literature of the Spanish-speaking world. This certificate provides intermediate-advanced proficiency in the Spanish language (writing, reading, listening, and speaking).
For course placement inquiries, contact Isabel Mayo-Harp at mayoharp@sfu.ca.
Certificate Requirements and Checklists
Helpful Tips
How to declare your certificate
To declare any of the certificates, please submit via the appropriate declaration form or contact the World Languages and Literatures Advisor at wll_adv@sfu.ca.
Exchange credit evaluations
If you complete a language course while on exchange, please submit the request for course articulation via the Study Abroad process. All documentation must be submitted to enable evaluation.
Inadequate information about the course content and/or materials will result in evaluation delays and requests for additional information. Credits will be awarded only if the required information is provided. It is your responsibility to provide the information necessary for exchange credit evaluation at SFU.
Please note that the Department of World Languages and Literatures is only be able to articulate courses in languages for which we have knowledgeable faculty members.
Can I challenge a language course
You may challenge a language course if you are completing the subsequent language course at 51猎奇入口(eg you are registered in a course for which the challenge course is a prerequisite). For example, if you have some knowledge of Spanish and are therefore placed into Introductory Spanish II, you can challenge Introductory Spanish I.
Up to six credits in a given language may be challenged. A minimum grade of C in the higher course must be obtained to receive challenge credit.
Please see the 51猎奇入口Calendar course challenge guidelines. Note that a maximum of 60 credits may be obtained by the combination of transfer and course challenge.
To enroll in a course challenge, please contact the language instructor. Once permission is granted, the Advisor will arrange for enrollment.
Can I repeat a language course
Yes. Keep in mind that a student may only repeat five courses in a degree program and no individual course may be repeated more than once. Please see the .
Plan your program
For additional guidance, be sure to consult the helpful information available on our faculty's Plan Your Program page.