Exploring French-speaking Students’ Decisions to Attend French-language Institutions

In 2024, HEQCO explored the postsecondary pathways of French-speaking students in Ontario. As part of this research, we partnered with one publicly assisted French-language postsecondary institution in Ontario to survey current students about their postsecondary decision making. The goal of this survey was to gain insight into the institutional preferences and choices of French-speaking students who chose to attend a French-language institution. The infographic below highlights key findings from this survey and builds on HEQCO’s previous research on French-speaking students who attended English and bilingual institutions.

The infographic presents data about French-speaking students’ pathways to French-language institutions. In 2024, HEQCO partnered with one publicly assisted French-language institution in Ontario and asked 108 French-speaking students about their postsecondary preferences and decisions. Among respondents, 94% used French regularly at home during high school, and 68% attended a French-language high school. When they were first considering their options for postsecondary, 50% of respondents preferred French instruction and 49% preferred bilingual instruction for their studies. Respondents ultimately chose to attend a French-language institution because of the opportunity to study in French (70%), program offerings (64%) and the institution’s reputation (51%).

One reply on “Exploring French-speaking Students’ Decisions to Attend French-language Institutions”

Hello,

I was wondering if you have any insights on the preferences of international students studying in bilingual or Francophone universities outside of Quebec, possibly including data about retention and employment (i.e. do students remain in their communities or are they forced to move elsewhere). I’m looking for information related to institutions who may be participating in the Francophone Minority Communities Pilot and beyond.

Thank you!

Alice Valsecchi
Policy and Research Officer
Universities Canada

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