Frequently Asked Questions
Course
McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, RBC Future Launch and The Globe and Mail are passionate about promoting financial literacy for Canadians. By offering a free, online financial literacy course that is accessible to everyone, we believe participants will acquire the knowledge and tools needed to make better financial decisions.
The course has been designed mainly for Canadians at the beginning of their financial planning journeys. However, this course is open to all individuals who wish to improve their financial literacy. International participants are welcome but should note that the course content is based on the Canadian financial system. Some details, for example those related to taxation or retirement savings products, may not be applicable in your country.
Completing the McGill Personal Finance Essentials course will help you take charge of your personal finances – learn how to borrow wisely, create a budget, invest for your future, get started in real estate and understand the role emotion plays in financial decisions. Investing a few hours in this free, online course will help you gain the knowledge and confidence you need to make smart financial decisions.
No, the course is free.
The course consists of a series of core modules, each approximately 15-20 minutes in length. Following each core module is a brief test to review the highlights of the course and to assess what you have learned. Once you have completed all of the core modules, you will be able to download a McGill Personal Finance Essentials attestation of course completion. The course also contains several optional bonus modules, which are solely for additional learning and development.
We recommend completing the modules in sequential order, but it is not required.
Once you complete all eight core modules, you will receive a McGill Personal Finance Essentials attestation of completion.
The McGill professors who participate in teaching this course do so via pre-recorded seminars. Unfortunately, it is not possible to speak with them about the material or receive personalized financial advice.
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of course registrants, it is not possible to speak with our staff members by phone.
You can register for McGill Personal Finance Essentials at any time.
Registration
Absolutely! The McGill Personal Finance Essentials course is open to everyone. All you need is access to a computer, a tablet or a smart mobile phone.
Before starting the course, all you need is time and motivation to dedicate toward improving your financial literacy.
Attestation
The McGill Personal Finance Essentials course is intended for personal knowledge and skills development. The course is non-credit, non-transcript and does not count towards any McGill University program, degree, diploma or certificate.
When you complete the course by passing the tests in each of the core modules, you will receive a McGill Personal Finance Essentials attestation of completion.
Tests
The tests are made up of a series of multiple choice, true / false and fill in the blank questions, designed to test your knowledge of the material covered in the module.
The passing grade for each module test is 80% and you may take the test as many times as you need.
If you answer a test question incorrectly, the correct answer will be displayed for your review.
Every user must register for the course and sign in with their own unique login and password combination to access the course and take the tests.
Technical
Please contact help@mcgillpersonalfinance.com.
A high-speed Internet connection is highly recommended, especially for viewing the videos.
Pre-requisites: Javascript and Cookies enabled,
• Google Chrome: version 74+
• Mozilla Firefox: version 67+
• Safari: versions 12+
• Microsoft Edge 44+
Due to technical and legal limitations, this course is accessible from most, but not all, geographic locations outside Canada.
Yes – a smart mobile device, either connected to a WiFi or cellular connection – can be used to view the content and take each of the module tests.
You can view the material as many times as you like during the course session, but you will not be able to download the course materials.
Please contact help@mcgillpersonalfinance.com.
General
Protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information is one of our highest priorities. You can view here how your personal information may be collected and used.
Yes. Please refer to this link for more details.
RBC Future Launch is RBC’s commitment to empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow. RBC is dedicating $500 million to help young people access meaningful employment through practical work experience, skills development, networking and access to mental well-being supports and services.