How To Get A Scholarship In Canada: Ultimate Guide
Scholarships are important, especially when you’re in college or university and looking to save some money on your degree.
These awards can be in the form of grants or bursaries, but they all have one thing in common – they’re free money! Whether you are looking for more financial aid so that you can focus on studying, or you want to earn more money while still being able to concentrate on your studies, this ultimate guide to scholarships in Canada will help you get your hands on an extra bit of funding from the government or private companies.
You may need an essay, a list of your academic achievements, a transcript, letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, as well as a photo or video essay. Check out our step-by-step guide to see how to get started! What you need to apply for a scholarship varies depending on the type of scholarship and whether it is national or international.
For instance, some scholarships require that applicants submit only their name and email address while others ask that they submit their full academic records (with essays) with various requirements like GPA or SAT score requirements.
It’s important to do your research beforehand so that you can make sure you have everything ready when the application deadline comes around. For example, if you are applying for a scholarship abroad, then your eligibility will depend on where you live or where you want to study abroad.
SEE ALSO:
- Government Scholarships In Canada For College And University Students
- Available Canada MBA Scholarship for International Students
- Canada Work Visa Requirements – Apply Now
Step 1) Know What You Need to Apply
What you need to apply for a scholarship varies depending on the type of scholarship and whether it is national or international.
What scholarships are available? There are many different types of scholarships including ethnic-specific awards, alumni grants, community programs, women’s grants and more.
If there is one that suits your needs and qualifications best then go ahead and apply! How much money will I be awarded? Scholarships usually range from $1-$5 million.
Apply for smaller scholarships too
Keep in mind that applying for smaller scholarships can also make a difference. $2,000 is equivalent to 5% of the average Canadian student’s tuition, and $3,000 is equivalent to 9%.
Moreover, many scholarships are given on a needs-based system rather than merit-based. For example, the OUAC Academic Foundation Scholarships and Grants offer 3 scholarships totalling up to $1,500 per year and must be applied for annually.
It is open to any Ontario high school student with an average of at least 80%, and preference will be given to those who demonstrate financial need.
Applications for other small grants should also be submitted online so as not to miss out on opportunities. Remember that it’s worth it!
Understand the requirements
To be eligible for scholarships, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements as outlined by each scholarship provider.
For example, to apply for a TD Young Entrepreneur Scholarship, applicants must be currently enrolled in a full-time post-secondary institution (degree or diploma), and can only apply if they are less than 35 years old on March 1st of the current year.
You may also want to take note of any essay question requirements that might not make sense or seem ambiguous – sometimes the questions might require additional clarification from the organization before you submit your application.
One such question is What would you do with $25,000? If it’s not immediately clear what this question means, reach out to the organization before submitting your application.
An unanswered question could lead to an incomplete application! The process will vary depending on the type of scholarship being applied for, but generally, there are four main steps involved: registering and applying; completing an online form; sending supporting documents; and finally waiting.
Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before the due date so remember this timeline when preparing materials like transcripts and letters of reference.
Avoid becoming a victim of fraud
Not all scholarships are created equal, and a whole lot of scholarship scams exist. Look for the following red flags to know when you’re being scammed and steer clear of them at all costs.
Always keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If they ask for money upfront or ask you to share your personal information with them (social security number, date of birth), report this as a scam.
If they want you to pay an application fee or an administrative fee before hearing back from the scholarship program; this is also considered fraud. If they claim to offer free government-sponsored scholarships but then try to sell you something else on their site, there’s a high chance that they will request payment after granting the award.
When dealing with any type of scholarship website make sure that you have checked out its address and domain name for authenticity-it’s not hard to make one that looks like a real deal.
