Indigenous Languages and Linguistics (Graduate Certificate)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- PG CertificateDegree level
- 3 termsDuration
- CanadaLocation
- Faculty of Arts and Social SciencesField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Graduate CertificateAwards
- $6,578Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The graduate certificate in Indigenous languages and linguistics offers training to students for careers as language researchers, post-secondary educators, and material developers. Students gain expertise in communicative skills, language documentation and analysis of a particular Indigenous language.
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Some cohorts will be entirely devoted to a single language (e.g. Hul'q'umi'num'), while others will be mixed-language cohorts focusing on work by individual students or groups of students on a particular language, but supplemented by material applicable to all the languages of the cohort (e.g. Xaad Kil, Secwepemctsin, and Tahltan). Emphasis will be placed on the language in its socio-cultural and educational setting. The learning model integrates Indigenous Ways of Knowing with linguistic analysis and documentation, featuring mentorship and participation in projects in addition to formal lectures and paper writing. Courses are taught by a team of Elders and knowledge holders and academic experts on the language. The cohort programs will be offered on site in an Indigenous language community, or through a combination of on-campus and community-based course modules. In order to accommodate the work schedules of participants who are language teachers in public schools, or who are otherwise fully employed, courses will be offered in late afternoons, evenings, during summer breaks, or in concentrated modules.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modefull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Applicants will be required to meet the minimum University requirements for a graduate certificate as per GGR 1.3.4 . In addition, applicants must be fluent speakers of the language (as assessed by a panel of Elders); or be semi-fluent speakers who have completed the certificate in Indigenous language proficiency at SFU with a CGPA of at least 2.5. Also admissible are students who have completed a BA or BEd, and have studied both the language and some linguistics. All applicants must provide a portfolio containing evidence of being a language specialist, providing examples of products created or projects completed, with role or contribution specified. Under exceptional circumstances, individuals who have not completed a bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5 may be considered for admission as per GGR 1.3.4 . In this situation, individuals MUST have significant experience and demonstrated expertise in working on the language in the community as a language specialist. This expertise MUST be demonstrated through: a) Academic writing: course papers, conference presentations, journal articles, research reports, proposal submissions, journals; b) Language materials: video and audio tapes, CD's, DVD's, lesson plans, curriculum, translations, transcriptions of taped interviews, stories or other materials produced in the language, transcriptions of taped interviews, reference materials; and c) Professional training: Description of mentorship or research assistantships with linguists, educators, anthropologists, ethnobotanists; workshops and conferences attended. Other pertinent information will be considered. || University-level requirement: Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements for graduate study in the SFU Fall 2026 Calendar (Graduate Admission / Graduate General Regulations 1.3) as well as the programme requirements on the programme page. English is the language of instruction and communication; an applicant whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Source: SFU Fall 2026 Calendar, Graduate Admission. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 65; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: International applicants are not required to complete an English-language test if they have completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was English, in a country where English is the primary language. An applicant may also request a waiver in writing with their application, but SFU states that in order to maintain a high academic standard very few waivers are granted. · Application fee: CAD 112.00 (graduate application fee); CAD 160.00 where an international transcript evaluation is required (CAD 112 + CAD 48)
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$6,578 CAD / year≈ $4,837 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsSFU administers internal and donor-funded graduate awards, Tri-Agency and government awards and external awards through the Faculty of Graduate Studies. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Indigenous Languages and Linguistics (Graduate Certificate) cost?
CAD 6,578 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
3 terms, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants will be required to meet the minimum University requirements for a graduate certificate as per GGR 1.3.4 . In addition, applicants must be fluent speakers of the language (as assessed by a panel of Elders); or be semi-fluent speakers who have completed the certificate in Indigenous language proficiency at SFU with a CGPA of at least 2.5. Also admissible are students who have completed a BA or BEd, and have studied both the language and some linguistics. All applicants must provide a portfolio containing evidence of being a language specialist, providing examples of products created or projects completed, with role or contribution specified. Under exceptional circumstances, individuals who have not completed a bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5 may be considered for admission as per GGR 1.3.4 . In this situation, individuals MUST have significant experience and demonstrated expertise in working on the language in the community as a language specialist. This expertise MUST be demonstrated through: a) Academic writing: course papers, conference presentations, journal articles, research reports, proposal submissions, journals; b) Language materials: video and audio tapes, CD's, DVD's, lesson plans, curriculum, translations, transcriptions of taped interviews, stories or other materials produced in the language, transcriptions of taped interviews, reference materials; and c) Professional training: Description of mentorship or research assistantships with linguists, educators, anthropologists, ethnobotanists; workshops and conferences attended. Other pertinent information will be considered. || University-level requirement: Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements for graduate study in the SFU Fall 2026 Calendar (Graduate Admission / Graduate General Regulations 1.3) as well as the programme requirements on the programme page. English is the language of instruction and communication; an applicant whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Source: SFU Fall 2026 Calendar, Graduate Admission. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 65; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: International applicants are not required to complete an English-language test if they have completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was English, in a country where English is the primary language. An applicant may also request a waiver in writing with their application, but SFU states that in order to maintain a high academic standard very few waivers are granted. · Application fee: CAD 112.00 (graduate application fee); CAD 160.00 where an international transcript evaluation is required (CAD 112 + CAD 48)
Is there a scholarship?
SFU administers internal and donor-funded graduate awards, Tri-Agency and government awards and external awards through the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Source View scholarship page
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