Concordia University BA Journalism admission requirements: B minus average, journalism dossier, paid internships in Montreal

Concordia lists B minus as the minimum cut-off for high school applicants. It does not convert that grade into a percentage on the program page, so check Concordia's Canadian curricula page for your province. Concordia says cut-offs are indicators that can change with the applicant pool, and meeting them does not guarantee admission.

The program also accepts students through Quebec's CEGEP system (with a score of 22 or higher), International Baccalaureate (IB score 27 or higher) and Baccalauréat français (12 or higher). ACT or SAT test scores are not required.

Concordia requires a Journalism Dossier from every applicant, due March 1 (February 1 for international applicants). It has two parts: a letter of intent in English of about two pages, double spaced, and an optional portfolio.

In the letter, Concordia asks you to introduce yourself, explain why you want to study journalism, and write about a work of journalism you find important and inspiring. It can come from a newspaper, an online outlet, audio, video, photography or multimedia, and it can be national news or local journalism that made a difference. The portfolio is entirely optional, so you do not need one if you have no published work.

Concordia requires all BA Journalism students to pursue a second major or minor in another discipline. The journalism component requires 45 credits. The rest of your credits come from a second subject, such as history or political science.

This is one degree with two subjects, not a double degree. Pick a second subject you enjoy, because you will take many courses in it.

Concordia emphasizes hands-on production classes combined with theory-based education. You will work in small, collaborative classes with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

The curriculum covers multimedia journalism including podcasting, videography, audio production and writing. You will cover real events like working journalists, gaining practical experience while still in school.

Concordia offers Journalism Co-operative Education. If you want co-op, you must check the co-op box on your university application. Upper-year students can also do a for-credit practicum at a recognized media outlet under a senior journalist, with permission from the program director. Paid internships are available on a competitive basis.

Former students have interned at The Montreal Gazette, Sportsnet, The Eastern Door and CJAD.

Graduates must demonstrate a working knowledge of French, defined as the ability to conduct press conferences and interviews entirely in French. This makes Concordia graduates valuable in bilingual Montreal media.

This is a graduation rule, not an admission rule. If your French is not yet at interview level, plan French courses early in your degree and read Concordia's French requirement page.

Apply through Concordia's online application portal. The deadline for fall 2027 entry is March 1, 2027. If you are a U.S. or international student, the deadline is February 1, 2027, though early application is strongly recommended.

No winter entry is available for journalism. Plan to enter in fall only. Submit your application, official high school transcript and Journalism Dossier by the deadline.

Concordia's cost page, based on 2026 data for 2026-27 planning, lists tuition and compulsory fees of $5,023 a year for Quebec residents and $15,080 a year for out-of-province Canadians admitted from Fall 2024 on. Most Ontario students pay the out-of-province rate.

Costs are based on full-time undergraduate study. Additional expenses such as textbooks, equipment and residence (if applicable) are extra. Contact Concordia's financial office for exact costs in your residency category.

Concordia offers scholarships, bursaries and awards for undergraduate students. The university provides various forms of financial support to help make education accessible.

Contact the Financial Aid and Awards Office at fundingyoureducation@concordia.ca or 514-848-2424, ext. 3507 for information about available awards and your eligibility.

Concordia says a BA takes a minimum of three to four years (90 to 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background. Quebec CEGEP graduates usually enter the shorter 90 credit version, and students from high schools outside Quebec usually need 120 credits.

Work with an academic adviser to plan your course sequence and the French requirement.

Montreal is home to the outlets where Concordia students have interned, including The Montreal Gazette, Sportsnet and CJAD.

The city also has deep bilingual and multicultural dimensions. Concordia's French requirement means graduates can serve both English and French-speaking audiences, a valuable skill in the Montreal market.

Concordia's dossier means grades are not the only thing the admissions committee reads. Your letter tells them who you are and why you want to study journalism.

The required part is the letter of intent. Clips, audio, video or photos only matter if you choose to send the optional portfolio. Start reading and listening to journalism now so you have a piece you can write about with real knowledge.

A B minus average is a realistic target for your child to aim for. The journalism dossier is the other critical piece. Encourage your child to start building a portfolio of journalism work, writing samples or media projects early. This dossier demonstrates their genuine commitment to journalism and media.

The dual-program requirement means your child will graduate with two areas of expertise. This can actually enhance career prospects. Many employers value journalists who bring deep knowledge from another field, whether that is history, political science, economics, literature or communications.

The French requirement is important to note if your child is not yet bilingual. It is a graduation rule, so students can build French during the degree.

Out-of-province students pay about $15,080 a year in tuition and fees, compared with $5,023 for Quebec residents (2026 data). Concordia also lists a guaranteed $4,000 entrance award for students in Canada with academic excellence. Encourage your child to explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities early through Concordia's Financial Aid and Awards Office.

The paid internship opportunities at major media outlets give your child real newsroom experience. Work published during the degree can form a portfolio for job applications.