Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language

 

The application period for the 2023-2024 academic year runs from March 1 to November 15, 2023.


It’s rewarding to be bilingual!

English-speaking Canadians who will be starting their first or second year at UBC during the 2023-24 academic year, with at least 50% of their courses and related activities in French, have an opportunity to receive a $3,000 bursary to perfect their bilingualism while studying in a field of interest.

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.

This initiative is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage and administered by the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC). UBC’s Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies (FHIS) has been selected as a partner in this new funding program for the 2023-2024 year.

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 requirements

To access postsecondary FSL bursaries, students must meet specific eligibility criteria:

  • Participate in at least 50% of their courses and related activities in French (placements and training activities in the community)
    • For example: If you are taking 4 courses in one semester, at least 2 out of the 4 courses need to be in French.
  • Be enrolled in a first, second, or third year undergraduate program at UBC
  • Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada,
  • Be at least 17 years old on the first day of class
  • Have English as their first official language
  • Have completed their secondary school studies in an English-language institution and graduated from this institution
  • Demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge of French to be able to study in that language
  • Study full time at UBC during the current year

Note: 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.

Distribution process

  • Candidates will be notified by email of the status of their application by December 2023
  • The bursaries will be paid in one installment in April 2024

Cancellation

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.

FAQ

For Frequently Asked Questions, click here.


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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