Hamelin Hall

Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)

The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) is an integral part of the University of Ottawa, where excellence in teaching and innovation complement uOttawa’s commitment to bilingualism.
Students in a classroom.

OLBI offers language courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced

Students from all faculties may enrol in French as a Second Language (FLS, Français langue seconde) and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Staff and professors have access to FLS and ESL courses through the Language support program for employees. OLBI also offers accelerated FLS and ESL programs.
For more information and to enrol in a FLS or ESL course at OLBI
Three students in front of a laptop smiling

English or French as a Second Language

Courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FLS) are meant to help anyone wishing to improve their French and English language skills. Courses are offered from a beginner level to an advanced level.
Register now to a Second Language Course!

Canadian Centre for Studies and Research on Bilingualism and Language Planning (CCERBAL)

The CCERBAL fulfills the research mandate of the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute. The Centre’s key research themes include language teaching and learning, new technologies, language assessment, and language policy, including family language policy.

Learn more about the CCERBAL.

ccerbal logo
CCERBAL logo

More to Discover at OLBI

Valerie Binder in the mountains
Why choose uOttawa?

“I chose uOttawa for the French opportunities on and off campus. I was attracted to the French program’s courses and small class sizes, uOttawa’s bilingual campus, and the city’s bilingual culture.”

Valerie Binder

Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute
Cahier de l'ILOB
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute

OLBI Journal volume 13 now available

The OLBI Journal team is pleased to announce the publication of volume 13 (2023): From linguistic insecurity to security: Complexity and diversity of …
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute
Master of Arts in Bilingualism Studies
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute

Master of Arts in Bilingualism Studies

Thought about doing a master’s?
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute
Cahier de l'ILOB
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute

OLBI Journal volume 13 now available

The OLBI Journal team is pleased to announce the publication of volume 13 (2023): From linguistic insecurity to security: Complexity and diversity of …

Contact the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute

Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)

70 Laurier Avenue East
Room 130
Ottawa, ON  K1N 6N5
Canada

Tel.: 613-562-5743
Fax.: 613-562-5126
[email protected]

Office hours

Monday to friday
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Indigenous Affirmation

We pay respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded. 

We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home. 

We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future. 

Learn more about the Indigenous Affirmation.