Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language

 

The application period for the 2024-2025 academic year runs from now until November 15, 2024.

English-speaking Canadians or permanent residents who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at UBC—with at least 50% of their courses and related activities in French during the 2024-25 academic year—have the opportunity to receive a $3,000 bursary towards their university studies. This bursary has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada and is administered by the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC).

The Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language (FSL) Program aims to encourage a greater number of young English-speaking Canadians to become bilingual. It offers the opportunity to expand knowledge about Francophone cultures.

Value

  • The program awards non-renewable bursaries, each worth $3,000, on a yearly basis
  • The bursary can be combined with other sources of funding
  • This bursary is taxable

Eligibility

To access the bursaries, students must meet specific eligibility criteria:

  • Candidates must be Canadian Citizens or permanent residents of Canada
  • Candidates must have English as their first official language
    • They must have completed their secondary school studies in an English-language institution and graduated from this institution
  • Candidates must be enrolled in an undergraduate program (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th year) or graduate program (MA, PhD) at UBC
  • Candidates must have at least 50% of their courses and related activities (placements and training activities in the community) in French
    • For example: If the applicant is taking 4 courses in one semester, at least 2 out of the 4 courses need to be in French
    • They must demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge of French to be able to study in that language
    • They must study full time at UBC during the current year
  • Candidates must be at least 17 years old on the first day of class
  • Candidates must not have received this bursary in the past

Limitations

  • Candidates must maintain the minimum course load during the entire year. A reduced course load may lead to ineligibility or reduction in bursary value. Enrollment in courses taught in French through the year will be reviewed prior to the distribution of the bursaries.
  • Candidates can only receive this bursary once. For example, if a graduate student already received this bursary when they were an undergraduate student, they are not eligible to receive it again.

Special considerations

Special consideration will be given to students who meet the following criteria:

  • Experiencing financial hardship that impede access to post-secondary education
  • Belonging to the first generation of their family to pursue post-secondary studies
  • Belonging to an under-represented group or disadvantaged minority

Application

Application process

The application deadline for the 2024-25 academic year is November 15, 2024.

Candidates must make sure they meet the eligibility requirements before applying. Only applicants with at least 50% of their courses in French will be considered.

Distribution

  • Candidates will be notified by email of the status of their application by December 2024
  • The bursaries will be paid in one installment in April 2025
Questions?
Contact our Student Programs Coordinator by emailing fhis.undergrad@ubc.ca

Advantages of Bilingualism

 

The Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language Program has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada and is administered by the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC).

 

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