French for the Future officially launches the 20th edition of its National Essay Contest, inviting 10, 11, and 12 grade students from across Canada to write a 750-word essay in French by December 19, 2025, for a chance to win one of the scholarships totaling $388,000. The scholarships are offered by 15 partner institutions across the country to encourage young people to pursue post-secondary studies partially or entirely in French.
For two decades now, this iconic contest has offered young people the opportunity to celebrate the French language while giving them the chance to win a post-secondary scholarship at one of the program's partner institutions.
Young people are invited to reflect on the following theme:
"What's more important: doing, listening or talking?"
This year, 100 scholarships, ranging in value from $1,000 to $28,000, will be awarded to deserving students in the two categories of the contest: "French as First Language" and "French as a Second Language." The scholarships will enable the winners to pursue their studies partially or entirely in French at one of our 15 partner post-secondary institutions across the country, including 1 from Québec:
- University of Ottawa, ON
- Campus Glendon of York University, ON
- Université Sainte-Anne, NS
- Université de Montréal, QC
- Université de Moncton, NB
- Université de Saint-Boniface, MB
- University of British Columbia, BC
- Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta, AB
- Université de Hearst, ON
- Simon Fraser University, BC
- Collège Boréal, ON
- University of Lethbridge, AB
- La Cité universitaire francophone - University of Regina, SK
- Collège de l'Île, PEI
- Collège La Cité, ON
Beyond the financial aspect, the National Essay Contest represents a real opportunity for personal and linguistic growth. It allows young people to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zone, and publicly share their mastery of French through an original and authentic text.
As Abigail Sloane, recipient of a scholarship from Campus Saint-Jean (University of Alberta) for the 2024-2025 edition, testifies:
"Once I had finished my essay, even though I was proud of my argument at first, doubts began to creep in. Would what I had written really appeal to people? Was my French good enough? Was it original? [...] And then the news came: I had won a scholarship! My work had meaning. It had made an impact. I was overcome with a mixture of surprise, pride, and happiness. At that moment, it wasn't just recognition. It was proof that you can overcome your doubts, and that all you need is a little self-confidence."
According to a recent Statistics Canada study of approximately 49,000 young adults aged 18 to 30 living in Canada outside Quebec, only 45% of those who attended French-language high school continued their university studies at a French-language or bilingual institution, and 40% of those attending college. (Statistics Canada, 2025) These results highlight the need to continue encouraging postsecondary enrollment in French to support the linguistic and cultural vitality of Francophone communities in Canada.
For Emeline Leurent, Executive Director of French for the Future, "French for the Future has always had a mission to build bridges between young people, the Francophonie, and bilingualism. This 20th edition of the National Essay Contest is a continuation of this vision. It is essential to remind young people that there are many opportunities for learning and success in French, and that there is real value in being bilingual in our beautiful country. We look forward to reading their essays and celebrating the winners of the 2025-2026 edition. Good luck to everyone!"
To find out more about the scholarships on offer and the $388,000 in prize money available, visit the official contest page.
