There are many scholarships available in Canada, and you may be pleasantly surprised by what is available.
For some students, scholarships are simply an “added bonus” for their university studies, but for other students and families, the funds can be the difference between continuing to university or leaving school for financial reasons. Being informed about what is available to you and how to apply can make a big difference for your postsecondary studies.
Scholarship truths
While grades and extracurricular activities are the basis for many scholarships decisions, there are numerous scholarship types that cater to a wide spectrum of students. For example, some scholarships are “regional” (applicants need to originate from a particular town or area) while others can be more select and designated for a specific applicant (someone with a disability or a certain cultural background).
Fact-finding
Who offers scholarships? Everyone from schools, companies and charities to governments or private individuals. Your starting point in a search for scholarships should begin at home with your parents. Ask whether the company or organization (even unions) in which your parents work offer any scholarships. Most companies that offer scholarships to employees or children of employees don’t advertise externally. Parents could check with the human resources department for any scholarship offerings.
Are you or any members of your family veterans or children of veterans? Veterans organizations give out a fair amount of scholarships. Maybe your parents belong to a lodge or a club that has a scholarship for members or children of members. You could also inquire whether your church, sports, service group or club has any special scholarships available.
Sometimes high schools offer awards or have specific scholarships associated with them. Generally speaking, the guidance office or the principal will have information on these programs.
Do I always need to apply?
Most scholarships require an application, but some are designed to be an automatic consideration, with no application necessary. A number of universities across the country, for example, provide automatic entrance scholarships for students with high school averages above 80 percent, and the amount available is often calculated on a sliding scale depending on your marks.
Know yourself
When applying for scholarships, it’s important to know what you have in the way of strengths. The majority of scholarships are still based on grades, but some administrators are starting to look for other attributes as well. To know what you can get from a scholarship, you have to first know what you have in the way of assets.
Do you:
Participate in any extracurricular activities?
Participate in school events?
Get involved in sporting events?
Help out in your community?
Volunteer anywhere?
Have you ever:
Been in a school performance?
Run for student council?
Been on an exchange program?
Anything that differentiates you from the other students applying for scholarships is important. Try sitting down with your family and brainstorm to develop a list. Something that seems routine to you might be extraordinary to someone else.
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Compared to many countries, studying in Canada is very affordable. You will likely need between C$20,000 and C$30,000 annually to cover tuition. This range is an average only and will vary according to the institution and program in which you are enrolled. The costs for housing, food and other living expenses will depend on your location and your own needs, but C$15,000 annually is not an uncommon estimate.
Tuition
Tuition fees for international students vary across provinces and programs. The table below shows the weighted average tuition fees (in Canadian dollars) for full-time foreign students, by field of study.
University tuition fees (Canadian dollars) for full-time Canadian and international students in an arts and humanities program, 2023 – 2024 / Source: Statistics Canada
Do remember that the costs associated with attending university go beyond tuition fees. You must also budget for items such as books, living expenses and housing.
University of Saskatchewan-Students standing in front of campus buildingCitizenship and Immigration Canada mandates that you prove you have enough money to meet your financial needs while studying in Canada before you start. So it’s important to begin sorting out your finances – and looking into the possibility of obtaining a scholarship to help fund your education – early on.
Housing
Most universities offer on-campus residences for students, some of them specifically for scholars from abroad. But acceptance at a Canadian school does not automatically mean you can get a room in residence. Students must apply separately for on-campus housing, and its cost varies across institutions and will depend on whether or not you want a private room or a meal plan, for example.
Some international students choose to live off-campus in an apartment. Rent for a typical two-bedroom apartment in Canada averages $1,930 per month*, but varies depending on the city or neighbourhood and the type of accommodation. As a renter, you may also need to pay additional monthly costs for utilities such as electricity, home phone, Internet and cable television, as well as personal expenses and renter’s insurance. Some students share apartments or entire houses in order to reduce their housing costs, or they rent rooms in private houses, sometimes also paying for use of the kitchen. *Source: CMHC (Fall 2022)
Most universities can provide assistance with finding housing, both on and off campus, and answer questions through their housing office or student services.
Transportation
Depending on where you live, you may be able to walk or bike to campus. Many students, particularly those in larger cities, choose public transportation: buses, subways, commuter trains or ferries. One-way public transit fares typically cost a few dollars, and monthly passes range from about $80 to $150, although many transit providers offer student discounts.
Health insurance
All international students in Canada must have health insurance, and the medical coverage that’s available varies from province to province. Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan cover international students under their provincial health care plans, but coverage generally depends on the length of your stay.
Dalhousie University-two students on computers at a tableHowever, international students planning to study in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island or Quebec must arrange for private health insurance.
You can find out more details about health coverage through the university websites and those of the provincial ministries of health.
Cost calculator
To help calculate your overall expenses and estimate the cost of living in Canada, try the education and living cost calculator for students at educanada.ca.
Applying for scholarships can be stressful, overwhelming and time consuming. University of Ottawa student Emily Kathen talked to successful scholars from across Canada and shares their top tips for successfully applying for university scholarships.
Transcript Text on screen: [Top 5 tips for applying for a scholarship]
Emily Kathen, student, University of Ottawa:
Applying for scholarships can be so stressful and overwhelming. So, Universities Canada talked to successful scholarship recipients from across the country for their keys to success. Here are their top five tips for getting that scholarship.
Tip one: Get organized. This is not a time when you want to be pulling an all-nighter. So determine which documents you need early, and make a schedule with all key dates and deadlines so you don’t feel stressed or overwhelmed. Also, plan to submit your application a few days before it’s due. That way, in case you run into any type of problems, you’ll have lots of time to fix them.
Tip two: One size does not fit all. Carefully read the scholarship criteria and tailor each application accordingly. Don’t just copy and paste from one to another. Each of your applications should be genuine and respond to the specific scholarship requirements.
Tip three: Pick references who know you and your work. It’s important that your references understand the scholarship criteria and can clearly see why you are a good candidate. So consider giving them a few bullet points with extra information to help them develop their letters. Also, no last-minute requests. Make sure that you give your references lots of time to develop thoughtful recommendations.
Tip four: Proofread and repeat. The first draft of your scholarship application should never be your final draft. Errors are really distracting, and they reflect badly on your credibility. So, find your local grammar geek and ask him or her to proofread your application before you submit it.
Tip five: Be unique, be you. Some scholarships receive hundreds and even thousands of applications, but luckily there’s only one you. So what makes you unique? Consider which of your achievements will set you apart from the others and leave a lasting impression. Go on, brag a little. It’s your moment to shine.
Text on screen: [For more information go to www.universitystudy.ca]
Text on screen: [Universities Canada/Universités Canada logo]
Text on screen: [With thanks to Carleton University]
Here are some useful tips to consider when filling out your scholarship applications:
Apply, apply, apply!
Many students underestimate their chances and some scholarships remain unawarded each year because there are few or no applicants. Remember that each scholarship application becomes easier, because much of the information requested can be re-used. Invest your time in scholarship and bursary applications and the financial pay-offs can be very impressive!
Be informed
Make sure you know everything about the award before you apply for it. Be sure you meet all the requirements, and be realistic in determining whether you qualify. The last thing you want is to be eligible for a scholarship but somehow have missed some important detail of the application package.
Respect deadlines
Some scholarships deadlines are as early as September for the following year, while others are as late as June. In any case, be sure to prepare well ahead of time. Even if you aren’t going to start school next year, it is advisable to start looking now – not to apply, necessarily, but to see what’s out there in the way of scholarships, grants and bursaries. See what kinds of deadlines and requirements exist. It’s better to know about an essay that’s required for a scholarship nine months before it’s due rather than finding out about it a week before.
Review your documents
Similar to a job application or a résumé, spelling, grammar and sentence structure are very important in any kind of scholarship application. Dedicate time to proofreading, and keep it simple. You should also stick to the limits given. (i.e. many judges will not read more than two pages if a two page limit is stated.)
Think of it as a job
Finally, try to think of an application letter for a scholarship the same way you would think of a letter you’d write when applying for a job. What makes you more deserving than anyone else for this award? Keep in mind that scholarship wins are a wonderful addition to your CV. Good luck!
Content adapted from articles and other information from ScholarshipsCanada.com.
