Undergraduate Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

Start your path to global fluency and cultural competence. Whether you're exploring French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic or one of eight languages, our supportive faculty and vibrant community will guide you from your first class to advanced proficiency.

Become a Cardinal

We're here to help along every stage of your journey to UofL. Whether you're beginning your first language course or already fluent in another tongue, you'll find your place in our welcoming community at the Department of Classical and Modern Languages (CML).

• Visit CML: Meet our faculty, learn about our language options and explore the student community.
• Apply now: Ready to join the Cardinal family? Start your application today.

Language requirements

All undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences must fulfill a language requirement. The number of semesters depends on your degree type:

• BA students need to reach an intermediate level in a single language
• BS students and SPHIS students need two complete semesters of language study

You can fulfill this requirement with any of our eight languages. For a detailed breakdown of requirements by language and degree type, visit our Language Requirements page.

Placement & credit pathways

We offer multiple ways to fulfill your requirement:

• Placement Exams: If you've studied a language before, take a placement exam to start at the right level for you. We offer exams in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin and Spanish.
• Advanced Placement and IB Credit: Qualify through high school AP or IB exams
• CLEP Exam: Test out of the requirement entirely
• STAMP 4S Exam: Demonstrate proficiency without traditional coursework

Learn more about placement exams and detailed credit options

Spanish Heritage Language Program

If Spanish is your home language, you're in the right place! Our Heritage Language Program provides a supportive, confidence-building environment designed specifically for bilingual and heritage speakers. Expand your Spanish skills while deepening your cultural connection.

Heritage learners benefit by:

• Using Spanish confidently in home, work and community settings
• Developing stronger writing and critical thinking skills
• Building deeper connections with Spanish-speaking communities globally

Ready to learn more? Explore the Heritage Language Program

Affordability Matters

UofL's Cardinal Commitment Grant narrows the gap in college expenses and helps you receive the financial aid you need. Any student receiving a 2026–27 federal aid package that includes a Pell Grant, CAP Grant and KEES will have 100% of their tuition covered. Other awards range from $2,000 to $7,000.

Pursue your language learning dreams without the worry of mounting college debt.

• Learn more about the Cardinal Commitment Grant
• College of Arts & Sciences Scholarships
• CML Scholarships and Funding
• UofL Office of Financial Aid

Transfer Students

The Department of Classical and Modern Languages welcomes transfer students! We recognize your previous language coursework and work with you to determine credit equivalency and course placement.

To discuss transfer credit for language courses:

• Contact us at language@louisville.edu
• Meet with our academic advisors
• Review our Language Requirements page to understand how your credits apply