Best Ways to Secure Scholarships in Canada

A lot of International students dream of studying in Canada, however, the cost of studying in Canada might be a challenge. This challenge has made many international students settle for financial aid and scholarships, but what are the best ways to secure scholarships in Canada?

 

Canada is one of the most diverse countries on earth, with a population that’s made up of many different races and cultures. That’s why there are so many scholarships available for students from all over the world.

 

A scholarship is a form of financial aid that is given to students who want to attend university or college. Scholarships are specific to the field of study, so there are different types of scholarships available for different fields. There are also many different types of scholarships available for international students, as well as Canadian citizens studying abroad.

 

Scholarship is often provided by companies or organizations to encourage students to pursue certain fields of study. Some scholarships are awarded according to academic merit, and display of exceptional leadership qualities while others may be given based on financial need.

 

Scholarships can cover entire tuition costs or a portion of your tuition fees. They usually require submitting an application and meeting certain requirements before receiving the scholarship funds. In this article, we will be discussing the best ways to secure scholarships in Canada.

 

 

The Various Kinds of Scholarship Available 

There are various kinds of scholarships available, however, below are the 3 major kinds of scholarships.

Merit-based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are scholarships that are awarded based on academic performance and other factors, like leadership, community service, and similar criteria. These scholarships can cover a variety of things, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and other costs associated with attending college.

Merit-based scholarships are funded by corporations, governments, institutions or other organizations. They’re awarded based on a student’s academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement and leadership skills.

Specific scholarships

Specific scholarships are scholarships that are specifically designed for students who have to meet certain criteria such as nationality, gender, religion, political affiliation, race, or a particular disability or need. For example, the Scholarship for Students with Disabilities may be a scholarship that is specifically created for students who have physical disabilities or mental health issues.

Specific scholarships can be used to help students pay for college or vocational school. The money that was provided through this scholarship will help the student pay for tuition and fees, which will then help them to complete their education.

Need-based scholarships

Need-based scholarships are scholarships that are awarded based on financial need. The application process is different from most other scholarships because you must provide documentation of your financial needs to the scholarship provider.

Ways to Secure Scholarships in Canada: How to Get a Scholarship in Canada

Below are ways to secure scholarships in Canada:

Make sure you understand the requirements

Before you even think of applying for scholarships in Canada, you should first familiarize yourself with the requirements. Every scholarship has its unique requirement, so it is important to be aware of the specifics. Understanding scholarship requirements will help you in identifying which scholarships are best suited for your application.

Research scholarships that are relevant to your interests

Once you have a good understanding of the requirements, it is time to start researching scholarships that are relevant to your interests. This will help you narrow down the choices and make an application that is strong and unique.

Apply and Submit your scholarship application early

The sooner you submit your application, the better chance you have of being accepted. Many scholarships are limited in number, so it is important to apply and submit your application as early as possible.

Network

Building relationships with people who can help you secure scholarships is one of the best ways to ensure success. Networking events, such as student career fairs, can be a great place to start.

Don’t forget about the smaller awards

Securing a bigger scholarship that covers your entire tuition fees, accommodation and other fees is much more appealing than a partial scholarship or winning about $2000.

Note that, almost everybody wants those big scholarships that cover the entire tuition fees which makes it very competitive. While the big scholarships are more attractive than the smaller awards in Canada, many smaller awards can be just as valuable.

Try searching for scholarships that are specific to your field or area of study. The smaller wards will provide you with a better chance of winning.

Include letters of recommendation or reference letter

A letter of recommendation or reference letter can be very helpful when applying for scholarships. A letter from a professor, friend or family member can give your application added credibility. In some cases, you may be required to provide a letter of recommendation or reference when you apply for a scholarship.

Be sure to ask your professor, adviser or other professionals who you know well if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation or reference for you. You can also ask your parents, friends or other family members if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Ensure you notice “Cheat” for each scholarship

Every scholarship has its cheat. The Terms and Conditions, or Rules and Regulation for each scholarship have insights into what the judges will be looking for because Canadian judges are very strict.

For example, the “Queen’s Scholarship for International students” states that: The Queen’s Scholarship for International students is open to all international students who are enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Canadian university. Applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need as determined by the Queen’s Scholarship Committee.

Most times, they even include marking grids for example (e.g. 10% on marks, 40% on volunteer work, 50% on essays) and they also state specific statements about what they are looking for. Ensure your application fits into the required specific needs.

 

Do proper research

One of the best ways to secure scholarships in Canada is to do research. There are lots of scholarship opportunities in Canada available for international students, Canadian permanent residents and citizens. Ensure that you do proper research before applying for any scholarship.

Every year, thousands of students apply for scholarships in Canada. The best way to find scholarship opportunities is to conduct thorough research and look at a wide range of sources. This includes online resources, your university’s website and the Canada Scholarship Search website. You can also consult with a career counsellor or student services office to get advice on which scholarships may be best suited for you.

Think beyond academics, think creativity

Some scholarships are open to students for any reason, not just for academic excellence. For example, the Canada Council for the Arts offers several scholarships specifically designed to support creativity and artistic expression. Some scholarships also look out for students with leadership qualities as well.

Secondly, also get creative while preparing your application, because a lot of scholarship providers look for creativity as well as academics when judging applications. By displaying your creativity, you will increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship.

Other Ways to Secure Scholarships in Canada 

• Get involved in your local community
• Make sure you have strong extracurricular activities
• Don’t forget about your skills and interests
• Apply to as many different schools as you can that offer scholarship.

Resources To Find Scholarships in Canada

• DisabilityAwards.ca
• ScholarshipsCanada.com
• Scholarships (Government of Canada)
• StudentAwards
• Scholarship in Canada for International Students
• UniversityStudy.ca
• collegeboard.com

Conclusion

Scholarships are available to international students looking to study in Canada. The Canadian government provides scholarships, grants and bursaries to students who wish to pursue post-secondary education in the country. The main types of scholarships include:

• Government awards (awards provided by the government, including those related to specific programs)
• University awards (awards given by universities)
• Industry awards (awards offered by companies)
• Community awards (awards given by community groups or non-profit organizations)

Students often need to apply for these types of scholarships through their local post-secondary institution. In some cases, students can also apply directly for scholarships online through online application portals such as Scholarships Canada. Note that scholarships in Canada are competitive, so the best way to secure scholarships in Canada is to follow the steps above.