Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Latin-American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the peoples, cultures, history, literature, politics, economy, and geography of Latin America and the Caribbean.   

This program offers a broad understanding of the region, language and research skills required for advanced scholarship. It also encourages the free exchange of ideas and perspectives to foster an environment suitable for reflection and critical analysis.  

You can take courses on Latin American and Caribbean culture and media throughout different periods, and the history and politics of the regions. Choose from complementary courses in anthropology, economics, geography, and Hispanic studies to focus in on select disciplines while gaining more insight into the realities of these culturally and historically rich areas.  

• Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
• 23 years of age or older by the start of classes (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
• No high school, college or university level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
• Two letters of reference
• Mature Student Statements:
  • Letter of Intent, including description of all educational experiences
  • Complete resume of employment and other activities, highlighting points relevant to the application
• In some cases, an interview may be required
• Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of specific courses (see 'Minimum grades & prerequisites' below) within the three-year period prior to admission and no later than May 15th of the year of application for the intended program (May 1 for some programs). These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program. 

Since the LACS program offers such a broad understanding of topics like language, geography, culture, history and politics, you can enter many different career paths. You can also further your degree by attending graduate school to focus your attention on a more specified area of interest.  

You can get a career in:  

• Foreign Relations 
• Non-profit Sector  
• International and Community Organizations 
• International Development and Human Services  
• Research 
• Teaching/Education Administration

1. Know your deadlines.

   Mark your calendar with these important dates regarding your application. 

2. Decide what to study.

   Use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match. 

3. Make sure you're eligible.

   Admission to most programs is based on grades only. In this step, you'll find:
   • How your academic record is reviewed
   • The grades that gained entrance to your program in previous years
   • The prerequisites for your program

4. Get ready to apply.

   As of October 1, you can apply. Complete each step of the pre-application to-do list, including:

   • Understand the deadlines that apply to you
   • Prepare your academic documents
   • Identify supporting documents you'll need to provide

5. Submit your application.

   Review our tips on how to apply and see what the application fees will be. Remember that you can apply to two programs.

6. Apply for an entrance scholarship.

   Look into entrance scholarships early! The deadline is usually a week after your application deadline. This page provides information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

7. Submit documents and keep in touch.

   We'll connect with you by email to let you know when to upload supporting documents, if required. In this step, you'll see:
   • How to follow your applications status
   • Supporting documents you may need to prepare
   • How to submit supporting documents, including self-reporting your grades