If you want to improve your French or English and experience life in another part of Canada, the Explore Second Language Bursary can help with the costs. This federal program funds short-term language immersion experiences for students and young adults across Canada. Run by Canadian Heritage, it has helped thousands of participants each year study their second official language.
Explore is a five-week language immersion program funded by the Government of Canada. Participants study French or English while living in a host community, often in another province or territory. Programs are offered during spring/summer and fall sessions at participating colleges and universities.
The bursary is intended to offset the costs of taking part, including instruction and basic living expenses. While each school runs its own program, funding comes from Canadian Heritage.
To qualify for the Explore Second Language Bursary, you must meet all of these requirements:
You do not need to be a full-time post-secondary student. Many participants are recent graduates or young adults looking to build language skills.
You may be able to participate in Explore more than once, but there are limits depending on your past participation. Always check the current program rules before applying.
The Explore program provides a non-repayable bursary to help cover your costs. The exact amount and what is covered may vary by host institution. The bursary typically helps pay for:
For the 2024 program year, the bursary amount is $2,900 for most participants. This amount may change in future years and can depend on the school and location. Travel expenses are not always fully covered, and support for travel depends on the host institution and program format.
Because each participating school manages costs differently, it’s important to review the details for your chosen institution before accepting an offer.
Explore has annual application periods with strict deadlines:
Deadlines may change each year, so always confirm on the official program website or with your host institution.
If you are comparing the Explore bursary with other language or education programs, using a tool like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter options by province and timing.
The application process is centralized and straightforward:
You do not apply directly to Canadian Heritage. Placement decisions are made through the Explore system and participating institutions.
Q: Is the Explore Second Language Bursary taxable income?
In many cases, bursaries may be considered taxable. You should confirm with the CRA or a tax professional based on your situation.
Q: Can I apply to Explore if I am not a student?
Yes. You do not need to be enrolled in a degree or diploma program, as long as you meet age and residency requirements.
Q: Does Explore include online programs?
Some sessions may offer virtual or hybrid options, depending on the institution and year.
Q: Can I choose where I study?
You can rank preferred institutions, but final placement depends on availability and program capacity.
Q: Can I take Explore more than once?
Repeat participation may be allowed, but limits apply. Always check current rules before reapplying.
The Explore Second Language Bursary is one of several federally funded language programs available in Canada. If you are considering similar options, you may also want to look at:
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and bursary programs across Canada—including language, education, and youth mobility funding—so you can quickly see what fits your profile.
These programs can complement Explore or offer alternative ways to build official language skills across Canada.
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