“Learning another language is the first step to understanding the rest of the world, not just the country we live in.”
                            -- Graham Fraser, Official Languages ex-Commissioner

• Today, French is spoken fluently and on a regular basis by well over 100 million people in the world. Almost 300 million people worldwide have some ability to communicate in French. In fact, French is spoken not just in Canada and France, but also throughout Europe and the Western Hemisphere, Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is the vehicle of one of the world’s great literatures.

• The House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages recently determined that the federal government must fill 5,000 bilingual positions, per year, for the foreseeable future, in order to meet the need for bilingual services across the country.

• A University degree in French, one of Canada’s official languages, can be a definite asset regardless of one’s chosen career path. Given the increased demand for bilingual individuals in our society, it makes perfect sense to pursue post-secondary studies in French.
     - Explore Program
     - Odyssey Program

• Knowledge of French can lead to careers in diplomacy, public service, translating, interpreting and teaching. It is a great advantage in many professions, such as journalism, commerce, radio, television and the military.
French Passport to the World brochure

• Beyond the first-year level, the University of Manitoba offers courses in advanced grammar review and translation techniques, in addition to courses in every important field of French literature, from the early modern period to the present day. Students may also take courses on the literature, culture and cinema of Québec, French Canada and French-speaking African countries.

• Each year a number of visiting distinguished scholars give lectures on their special research interests, and in some cases, conduct seminars for senior students.

• Students may pursue graduate studies in French at the University of Manitoba, at both the M.A. and Ph.D. levels. Several funding opportunities are available to graduate students, including scholarships and teaching and research assistantships. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in government, education, research, translation, business, journalism and the media.