Explore Bursary Program

Explore logo

Heritage Canada offers an Explore Bursary Program which it has sponsored since 1970. Under this Program, Western University's French Immersion School in Trois-Pistoles, Quebec is allocated a number of bursaries for full-time students who are 18 years of age or older, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and who wish to learn French as their second official language. Courses are offered at all levels, from beginner to advanced, during the spring and summer sessions.  

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn a full-year university credit from Western.

The Explore bursary ($2,800) covers tuition, the immersion fee, sociocultural activities, and accommodation fees (room and three meals/day). The bursary does not cover travel costs, optional activities, or the non-refundable registration fee ($275), which is only required if you receive and accept the bursary.

Spring Session: May 11 – June 12, 2020
Summer Session: July 6 – August 7, 2020

If you are eligible for the Explore bursary, please apply before the deadline.  Bursaries are awarded by random draw at the end of March and if you have been awarded the bursary you will be notified by both your provincial coordinator and by Western University. 

To apply, please follow these three easy steps:  

  1. Apply online for an Explore Bursary at myexplore.ca. Be sure to list our school as your first choice when applying to increase your chance of being awarded a bursary to Trois-Pistoles.
  2. Print a copy of the application declaration form and have it signed and sealed by your institution. Then, submit the form and proof of citizenship or permanent residency to the Explore portal, by the early-bird deadline of February 15.
  3. Wait for the draw results. The results are usually known at the end of March. If you are awarded a bursary to attend our program in Trois-Pistoles, you will receive registration information via email from the French Immersion School. (You might be put on a waiting list but, don't despair! There are additional draws every week until all bursaries are awarded.)

Western Students

Please take your declaration form to Student Central on Main Campus (WSS 1120) to obtain the necessary signature and seal of the University.  This signed and sealed form, along with proof of citizenship or permanent residency, may then be uploaded to the online Explore application portal.

Upon successful completion of the program in Trois-Pistoles, you will automatically be awarded a full-year French credit.

You may participate in Explore at other accredited universities for transfer credits provided the Faculty in which you are currently registered approves such courses in advance. The approval is subject to individual Faculty/Department regulations and is granted in the form of a Letter of Permission issued by the Registrar’s Office.

 


The Explore program in Trois-Pistoles is unparalleled. Being the fourth person in my family to come to Trois-Pistoles with Explore, I had extremely high expectations for the program, yet I did not expect them to be met, let alone surpassed. From the high quality of academic instruction, to the variety of extra-curricular activities, to the discovery of the culture and, most importantly to the relationships formed, Trois-Pistoles has been an unforgettable experience. It has reinvigorated my appetite for learning, rekindled my love of French and opened my eyes to so many new possibilities. Trois-Pistoles has undoubtedly changed my life and the laughter, the memories and the sunsets will be forever etched on my heart.

Laura Sandre, St. Francis Xavier University