Language Requirement

The College of Letters and Science includes completing a foreign language requirement among the things you must do to graduate. For majors outside of the College (Music, TFT, etc.), see requirements here, which may differ from the information below.

How to Fulfill the Language Requirement

Students can satisfy the College Language Requirement in the Department of Spanish & Portuguese in one of the following ways:

  1. Complete the equivalent of level 3 of any language offered in the department (Spanish, Portuguese, Basque, Catalan, Quechua, Nahuatl) – specific course numbers listed here.
  2. Take and pass the Exemption Exam.

Language Requirements can also be fulfilled via transfer credits, from previous colleges or from certain study abroad programs. In this case, you would submit your Foreign Language Transfer Course Credit Petition to your Counseling Unit. More information about that process here. For additional questions, contact the Undergraduate Advisor.

Fulfilling Language Requirements through Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad in an immersive environment can be a fun and effective way to fulfill your Language Requirement. UCLA Summer Travel Study programs (taught by UCLA faculty) are pre-approved courses that do not need to go through the credit transfer process. Other UC-approved study abroad programs are also eligible for degree credits, including UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) and UCLA – Global Cities. 

Non-UC-approved study abroad programs may not be eligible to fulfill degree requirements. Schedule an advising appointment before enrolling in any non-UC course. Learn more about the difference between study abroad programs here. 

Not Eligible for Language Requirement Credit

The Language Requirement cannot be met by:

  • Courses taken at a high school
  • The AP Spanish Literature Exam or SAT Subject Tests
  • The International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Courses from non-approved, non-accredited programs

Note: These are non-negotiable regulations set forth by the University. The department cannot reevaluate or provide credit for the above toward the Language Requirement.