Learning an extra language outside your first language opens the door to several opportunities especially when it’s one of the popular languages like French, Spanish, German, Italian, etc. As for French, you can start working in a French-speaking country and company, and compete properly in the global economy of the future.
As a student, especially an international student, what you know puts you ahead, if you’re fluent in two or more world-recognized languages you have a better advantage in international job applications. Especially if you’re seeking a job in European countries, in fact, more than 1,200 French companies have subsidiaries in the United States which is proven evidence of the importance of learning or advancing in the French Language.
The best part of it is that there are several French language scholarships that can help you to master this language without breaking the bank, the same applies to Korean language scholarships. Even if you want to major in it, there are several schools that provide scholarships exclusively for students focusing on language.
Also, if you’re a degree seeker, we would advise you not to only focus on scholarships for the French language, apply for other financial aid like scholarships in Europe, or other financial assistance provided by the school you intend to enroll in.
Without much ado, let’s list these scholarships
Table of Contents
French Language Scholarships
One of the interesting things about these scholarships is that they can help you to learn French as a second language, advance in the language, or even finance your studies if you intend to major in the program.
1. Saskatchewan – Fellowship and Travel Scholarships to Study in French
If you’re a Canadian citizen and a resident of Saskatchewan for a minimum of 12 months, and you’re enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program then this scholarship should benefit you. There are two main scholarships for students looking to pursue post-secondary studies in French;
- The Federal-Provincial Fellowship Scholarship to Study in French: ranges from $500 to $2,000
- The Federal-Provincial Travel Scholarship to Study in French: ranges from $500 to $1,000
Their requirements are almost the same.
2. Wallonie-Bruxelles Campus: French Language Summer Scholarship
This is among the French language scholarships awarded to Polish nationals who must be registered in Romance Philology at a Polish university (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree). There are two steps to determine the winner, the first step is on file and the second is an oral interview.
3. Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau – Summer French Language Scholarships
These Summer French language course scholarships are offered to students pursuing French courses at any university in Hong Kong or Macau. Preference is given to students who demonstrate an eager interest in improving their French language abilities by taking a month-long, intensive, summer French language course in France.
Applicants need to be at least 18 years old at the time of application, have at least a level of competence in French equivalent, and have taken French courses for at least 2 semesters at their own institutions, plus other requirements.
4. Boren Awards, African Flagship Languages Initiative (AFLI)
Boren awards provide scholarships worth up to $25,000 to undergraduate students and fellowships worth up to the same price for graduate students. To add to this, Regional Flagship Language Initiatives offer Boren Scholars and Boren Fellows, credit-bearing language courses including French, during the summer (domestic) and fall (overseas), with the option to continue overseas study into the spring.
5. University of Colorado Boulder – French Scholarships
University of Colorado Boulder provides several French language scholarships to students who intend to major in French language, applicants who also want to select French as a minor are eligible. These scholarships include;
- Leonard and Anna Fair Scholarships and Annual Award
- Ayer Romance Language Scholarship
- Wesley Yordon Prize
Note that preference is given to candidates who demonstrate financial need.
6. University of Alberta – Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies Scholarships
The Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies provides approximately $35,150 in Book Prizes and Undergraduate Scholarships to students for excellent performance in courses taught within the department. There are different scholarships in this department but the Roland Bonvalet Memorial Scholarship is exclusively for students who want to improve their competence in the French language and who have an outstanding academic record as determined by the Department.
7. Maastricht University – Scholarships for Dutch, German or French Language
These scholarships are specifically for UM students that are already proficient in either Dutch, German or French but would like to have additional training before entering the (EU) regional Dutch, German or French-speaking labour market. These scholarships are for an Advanced Dutch or a German & French language course.
Note that if you are awarded the scholarship, the course fee will be reimbursed within one month after completion of the course.
8. Ohio University – Modern Languages Scholarships
Ohio University provides different kinds of French language scholarships and huge thanks to their alumni and former faculty who have graciously donated several funds to benefit Ohio University’s students. It’s necessary that applicants already have an updated FAFSA, and should also apply for other university-wide scholarships.
Some of the French scholarships include;
- Mary L. Durnion Scholarship
- Ursula Feer Farfel Scholarship
- Irene Dates Fraser Scholarship
- Lash and Leete Memorial Scholarship
- Mary T. Noss Scholarship
Etc.
9. Canadian Parents for French – Concours d’art Oratoire
CPF is a non-profit organization that was established over 40 years ago by a small group of concerned parents to French-as-a-second-language learning opportunities in Canada. Concours d’art Oratoire is one of their annual competitions, also the largest annual French public-speaking competition in Canada.
The competition awards up to 40 scholarships worth between $1,000 and $12,000.
10. French for the Future – National Essay Contest
This scholarship contest worth between $1,000 and $20,000 are available to students in Grade 10, 11 or 12 who intend to study in French in one of their participating post-secondary institutions. French for the Future awards 98 scholarships worth $377,000, and all you have to do is to write a 750-word essay on your selected topic.
11. UOttawa – French Immersion Stream Scholarships
UOttawa provides several French language scholarships whether through partnerships with external organizations or awards from the school. These scholarships include;
- uOttawa’s French Studies Bursary
- Marjorie Wesche Scholarship
- Alysse Weinberg Scholarship
- Association canadienne des professionnels de l’immersion – Immersion Clip Contest
12. ACUFC – Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in French as a Second Language
If you’re an English-speaking Canadian enrolled in the first year of a college or university program, you have an opportunity to receive a $3,000 bursary to perfect your bilingualism while studying in your field of interest. One of the best parts is that your residence in Canada is not a hindrance to this scholarship.
13. University of Georgia – Joel Walz Study Abroad in French Scholarship
This scholarship is worth up to $1,000 (depending on the availability of funding) for undergraduates studying French language, literature, linguistics, and/or culture in metropolitan (continental) France or Quebec. It is required that applicants be full-time undergraduate students at the University of Georgia.
14. ASFAP Scholarship
The American Society of the French Academic Palms provides three (3) summer scholarships worth $4,000 each to be used in a French-speaking country. Applicants are appointed by French instructors who have seen students’ interest in French language and Francophone cultures.
15. University of Toronto – Department of Language Studies Scholarships
The Department of Language Studies at the University of Toronto provides various French, and Italian language scholarships which include;
- David Trott French Prize
- The Howard Root Memorial Award
- Anne Ritchie Award in French
Conclusion
Even though there are several French language scholarships, you will notice their funds are not much, so if you intend to major in French language it is advisable to also apply for other scholarships provided by the school or external organizations. However, if your intention is just to learn or improve on the French Language, then there are free courses on this list that can help you with that.
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