Major in Italian Language and Culture

This program is currently under revision. At this time, we are not accepting applications.

The Bel Paese has it all: art, fashion, fast cars, Dante, dolce vita, cinema, popes! By enrolling in the Italian program you can learn not only about Italian language and culture from the Middle Ages to the present but also about the fascinating Italian heritage in North America. You can visit Italy and practice speaking the language through our Italian summer program and our study-abroad programs. You will love the fact that more than 60% of the world's art treasures are found in Italy. By enrolling in our Italian courses, you can partake in this ancient tradition as well as in modern-day Italian culture.

Employers nowadays actively seek Italian speakers. Through our program, you will not only learn the Italian language but also understand Italian cinema, literature, fashion and other aspects of Italian culture. You will quickly acquire the tools needed to enter the workplace with an excellent knowledge of Italian.

If you wish to discover the world and learn Italian at the same time, the major includes a mandatory immersion stay abroad in an Italian-speaking university. A mobility scholarship to help you cover the cost of your travel and stay is available.

Courses in this program are taught in Italian, English or French.

If you’re applying for an English-language program and have not completed at least three years of full-time study in an institution where English is the only language of instruction (aside from in language courses) in a country where English is an official language, you must submit your official score in one of the following language tests. The official results must be sent directly to us online from the test centre.

In order to be considered for a program offered in English at the University of Ottawa, you must demonstrate that you are sufficiently proficient in the language to follow a postsecondary academic program. Please note that citizenship is not considered when evaluating English proficiency. To show that your English proficiency is at the academic level required for university studies, provide proof of either:

• Postsecondary studies in English; or
• Last three years of high school taken in English (Grades 10, 11 or 12)

Remember: Language requirements are not based on citizenship. They are based on your country of study.