You can apply for free scholarships in Canada at the federal, provincial and local level, as Canadian scholarships are usually available to all types of students from undergraduate to graduate, and international students who want to attend any of the major universities in Canada. But given the byzantine application requirements and procedures, finding the right Canadian scholarships, from the Loran scholarships to TD scholarships, for you can feel a little overwhelming. This article will act as a comprehensive guide through the world of Canadian scholarships and give you a curated selection of Canadian university scholarships broken down into three main categories - federal, provincial, and local – to simplify your search.
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Canadian Scholarships: Federal Scholarships
1. Undergraduate Student Research Awards
Award Amount: $6,000
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic excellence, extracurricular achievements
Application Requirements: High school transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement
Application Method: Online application through participating Canadian universities.
The Undergraduate Student Research Awards are Canadian scholarships that aim to help exceptional undergraduate students pursue relevant research in any of the three areas governed by federal Canadian scholarships: health sciences; engineering; and the social sciences. These Canadian scholarships also recognize outstanding international students applying for undergraduate programs at Canadian universities. The awards are designed to attract talented students from around the world and support their academic endeavors. However, these awards are currently only available to Black students, so you must self-identify on your application.
2. Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships Program
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic excellence, leadership skills, involvement in extracurricular activities
Application Requirements: High school transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement
Application Method: Online application through the Canadian government's scholarship portal.
This scholarship program is specifically for faculty members and other educational professionals from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states to support their educational journey in Canada. This Canadian scholarship aims to strengthen the relationship between Canada and CARICOM countries by providing educational opportunities to future leaders.
3. Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Needs-Based
Criteria: Indigenous heritage, financial need
Application Requirements: Varies by bursary
Application Method: Online application through the Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool website.
The Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool is a comprehensive online database that allows Indigenous students to search for bursaries, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. The service is provided by the government of Canada. The Canadian scholarships offered on the Indigenous Bursaries Search tool are usually affiliated with a particular institution in Canada, with some examples including the Aboriginal Graduate Scholarship in Economics for graduate studies at the University of Victoria or the Barwick Family Foundation Bursary available to Indigenous medical students enrolled at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
4. Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)
Award Amount: $17,500 per year (master's) / $35,000 per year (doctoral)
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic excellence, research potential, leadership skills
Application Requirements: Research proposal, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
Application Method: Online through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), or Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) portals.
Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) are some of the most prestigious Canadian scholarships offered by the Canadian government to outstanding graduate students in various disciplines. The awards are only for Canadian students and residents, as the government sponsors other scholarships in Canada for international students. The scholarships aim to promote research excellence and contribute to the development of highly skilled professionals. Naturally, you must be enrolled in either a Master’s or a PhD program at a post-secondary institution in Canada. You must also present a valid research proposal, or research resume, as well as a personal statement for PhD scholarship.
5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
Award Amount: $50,000 per year
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic excellence, research potential, leadership skills
Application Requirements: Research interest statement, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
Application Method: Online application through the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships website.
The Vanier CGS program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by offering significant financial support over the duration of your studies. The scholarships are open to both Canadian and international students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement. The three main areas of focus for your studies should be:
- Health sciences
- Natural sciences or engineering
- Social sciences of humanities
You have to be nominated for this Canadian scholarship, but you can suggest to your graduating institution that you should be nominated. The Vanier scholarships are also based on academic performance, as well as community involvement, and the scope and relevance of your research, so you should make sure you know how to answer research proposal questions to get the scholarship.
Want to know how to get into top colleges with a low GPA? Watch this video:
Canadian Scholarships: Provincial Scholarships
1. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Award Amount: $10,000-$15,000 per academic year (up to 3 years)
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic excellence, research potential
Application Requirements: Graduate program admission, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
Application Method: Online application through the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program website.
OGS is a provincial scholarship program aimed at supporting graduate students in Ontario. The scholarship recognizes academic achievement and encourages students to pursue advanced studies in the province at any of the participating universities in Ontario from the University of Toronto to Western University and Carleton University. You must be enrolled full-time at any graduate program in the province and submit a completed application through your home institution. Check out more Ontario scholarships for students!
2. Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic excellence, research potential
Application Requirements: Admission to a Quebec institution, academic transcripts, research proposal
Application Method: Online application through the online application service of the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur du Québec.
This Canadian scholarship program is open to international students who wish to pursue higher education in Quebec; not only at university, but also at a technical or vocational school. The awards are granted based on academic excellence and research potential. These scholarships are aimed primarily at international students who wish to study in Quebec, as winning the scholarships also grants health insurance, and a tuition exemption from the fees international students usually pay to study at universities in Quebec. Residents of Quebec may be interested in looking at the Quebec Perspective Scholarship, too!
3. British Columbia Achievement Scholarships
Award Amount: $1,250
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic achievement, extracurricular involvement
Application Requirements: High school transcripts, school nomination
Application Method: Automatically considered based on high school achievement.
British Columbia Achievement Scholarships recognize the top 8,000 graduates from public and independent schools in the province. Students are nominated by their schools based on academic excellence and involvement in extracurriculars for college. You must have at least a 73% average on your Grade 12 language courses, and your total GPA calculated according to the BC Ministry of Education is your only eligibility requirement. You must also graduate from a high school in BC, and be enrolled full-time at any of the universities in BC. Don't forget to look at these BC scholarships to help fund your education.
4. Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship
Award Amount: $11,000 per year (master's) / $15,000 per year (doctoral)
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic excellence, research potential, leadership skills
Application Requirements: Graduate program admission, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
Application Method: Online application through the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship website.
The Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship supports outstanding graduate students in Alberta by providing financial assistance for their research-intensive programs. The scholarship aims to attract top talent to the province's universities, so it is open to both Canadian and international students. However, you must be a current resident of Alberta to qualify as well as be enrolled full-time at any post-secondary institution in Alberta from the University of Alberta to the University of Calgary. Residents of Alberta can also qualify for the Rutherford scholarships and other Alberta scholarships!
5. Manitoba Graduate Scholarship (MGS)
Award Amount: $15,000 per year
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic excellence, research potential
Application Requirements: Graduate program admission, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
Application Method: Online application through the Manitoba Graduate Scholarship Program website.
MGS is a provincial scholarship program in Manitoba that supports graduate students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees at universities in Manitoba. The scholarship recognizes academic excellence and research potential in various fields of study. You must have at least a 3.75 GPA to be eligible along with having a solid background in research, while also having a stated interest in pursuing a new line of research within your field of study.
Are you an international student applying to universities in Canada? Check this out:
Canadian Scholarships: Local Scholarships
1. Vancouver Foundation Scholarships
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-Based and Needs-Based
Criteria: Academic achievement, community involvement, financial need
Application Requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
Application Method: Online application through the Vancouver Foundation website.
Vancouver Foundation Scholarships are community-based awards that support local students in pursuing higher education. The scholarships consider both academic achievement and community involvement as criteria for selection. These Canadian scholarships cover various areas of study, but also help communities through grants and other funding to help address specific issues within a community adversely affected by societal or cultural injustice, such as BIPOC. The Foundation also gives out research grants to interested parties to help expand research in a specific field or to help find solutions to problems affecting a certain community.
2. Toronto District School Board Scholarships
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic excellence, extracurricular activities, leadership skills
Application Requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
Application Method: Online application through the Toronto District School Board scholarship portal.
The Toronto District School Board offers a range of scholarships to exceptional high school graduates within the district. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership skills, and involvement in extracurricular activities. There are also several Canadian scholarships available to high school students who wish to enter a post-secondary school or program in Toronto or anywhere else in Canada. Some examples of TDSB scholarships include Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarships for high school students highly involved in volunteer work; or the Terry Fox Awards that provide up to $28,000 for qualified students to complete bachelor’s degrees at any university in Canada.
3. Calgary Foundation Community Scholarships
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-Based and Needs-Based
Criteria: Academic achievement, community involvement, financial need
Application Requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
Application Method: Online application through the Calgary Foundation website.
Calgary Foundation Community Scholarships are awarded to local students who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and financial need. These Canadian scholarships aim to support students in pursuing post-secondary education, but the Foundation’s mission also extends to supporting exceptional Calgarians to help improve the city through community acts and projects. Academically, undergraduate and graduate students can apply for any of the Canadian scholarships offered by the Foundation from the Grace & Good Fortune Bursary for Single Mothers to help single mothers attend university or the Optimist Club William J. Cummer Scholarship for students entering their final year of undergraduate study.
4. Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Scholarships
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-Based
Criteria: Academic excellence, extracurricular activities, leadership skills
Application Requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
Application Method: Online application through the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board scholarship portal.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board offers scholarships to high-achieving students within the district. These scholarships recognize academic accomplishments, leadership qualities, and active participation in extracurricular activities. While the OCDSB does not sponsor each of these Canadian scholarships, they do offer students a listing of the scholarships that are available to students at OCDSB schools who are planning on entering universities in Ottawa and elsewhere. A few examples of the Canadian scholarships aimed specifically at students in the Ottawa area include the George Joseph Cooper Scholarship, for Jewish students who wish to enter undergraduate arts or humanities programs or the Ilana and Steven Rubin Education Scholarship for students from Ontario or the Maritimes who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in either Canada or Israel.
5. The Community Foundation of Nova Scotia
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-Based and Needs-Based
Criteria: Academic achievement, community involvement, financial need
Application Requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation
Application Method: Online application through the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia scholarship portal.
The Community Foundation of Nova Scotia helps connect qualified high-school students with local awards that support their higher education aspirations. These Canadian scholarships consider both academic achievement and community involvement as criteria for selection, aiming to assist students in need. But they are also aimed at particular demographics, such as students with disabilities who want to attend university (James McGregor Stewart Award) or those who come from a particular region or secondary institution in Nova Scotia (Lt(N) Andrew Webster Scholarship).
How to Get Canadian Scholarships
1. Excel Academically
Universities and scholarship committees often use your GPA as a primary criterion for selection, so you should make sure that you exceed the minimum requirements, if they are stated. A high GPA not only opens financial doors but also showcases your dedication and capability. If you’re worried your GPA is not high enough, you should start to actively engage in class discussions, seek help when needed, create a study schedule, and review material consistently. You also need to start participating more in class, which will not only increase your understanding of the material, but leave an impression on your teachers who you can later ask for letters of recommendation. Beyond that, you can also form study groups, utilize school resources, and maintain a well-balanced healthy lifestyle, so you can manage stress, and help you score higher on exams and essays.
2. Research the Scholarship Requirements
Understanding the rules and regulations of Canadian scholarships is important. Each scholarship comes with specific criteria, deadlines, and application requirements. Researching these details in advance not only saves you time but also helps you identify the scholarships that align with your qualifications and goals. Knowing the eligibility criteria ensures you apply for scholarships where your chances of success are highest, increasing the efficiency of your application process. Carefully reading the guidelines helps you avoid wasted efforts on scholarships for which you don't qualify. Pay attention to GPA requirements, fields of study, citizenship restrictions, and any additional documents needed so you can submit the right documents and increase your chances of getting a Canadian scholarship. Plus, knowing what materials you may need to gather and prepare will make the application process much smoother! For example, as you can see many of these scholarships require essay submissions or recommendation letters. So on top of your college essays and college recommendation letters, you must also plan out your scholarships submissions! Make sure to research all the requirements and plan accordingly.
3. Pick the Right Extracurriculars
Participating in the right extracurricular activities significantly impacts your chances of getting a Canadian scholarship. But you should only choose those activities that are meaningful to you, and not something you think will look good on your high school resume. Find activities and organizations that align with your interests and skills so you will show true dedication and leaderships ability. Canadian scholarship committees emphasize leadership roles and tangible contributions over name-recognition and so remember to focus on quality over quantity. For example, the Terry Fox Awards make sustained, meaningful, long-term volunteer work an application requirement and you can only achieve this if you volunteer for something you truly care about. And remember that your extracurriculars can also be related to the disciplines or fields you want to enter in your undergrad. For example, make sure to include any science summer programs for high school students you might have attended. Or don’t be afraid to outline the speech topics you covered in student conferences and colloquiums you attended.
Conclusion
The government of Canada and various other public and private organizations offer a diverse array of Canadian scholarships for students from all corners of the country. Canadian scholarships can range from federal programs that attract international talent to provincial and local awards that support local communities. Understanding the criteria, application requirements, and deadlines for each scholarship is essential for a successful application, so make sure to read up on all the opportunities out there before you start applying to programs.
FAQs
1. What are Canadian scholarships?
Canadian scholarships are types of financial aid that are either sponsored by the Canadian federal government, but also by provincial and local governments in provinces and cities across the country. But Canadian scholarships can also be any scholarship provided to students living and studying in Canada, from unique Canadian scholarships to free Canadian scholarships.
2. How many Canadian scholarships are there?
There are too many Canadian scholarships to count. You can find Canadian scholarships anywhere in Canada as they are offered in every province, and at all levels of government. But private scholarships are also widespread and you can find any type of Canadian scholarships that fits your personal academic history and background.
3. What are Canadian scholarships worth?
Canadian scholarships come in varying amounts. You can apply for Canadian scholarships that cover the full costs of your post-secondary education to awards that are one-time payments to help you pay for any additional expense related to your education, such as housing, transportation or living costs.
4. How can I apply for a Canadian scholarship?
All Canadian scholarships have different application methods, so you should research each Canadian scholarships unique application requirements and procedures to make sure you qualify. An incomplete or error-riddled application for a Canadian scholarship can sink your chances.
5. What do I have to do to get a Canadian scholarship?
Every Canadian scholarship has different requirements and criteria. Some are only for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, while others are aimed toward international students or students from disadvantaged groups, such as Indigenous and Black students. You typically have to have an excellent academic record, have an extensive, long-lasting history of volunteer work and community service, while also being enrolled full-time at recognized Canadian post-secondary institution.
6. Are there any spending restrictions for Canadian scholarships?
Canadian scholarships may have some spending restrictions attached to them, depending on the scholarship and who sponsors it. University or institution-based scholarships tend to be credited to your student account; Canadian government scholarships work this way. But other, private Canadian scholarships may give you the money directly, although that also depends on the scholarship you are applying to.
7. Do I have to be Canadian to get a Canadian scholarship?
In general, no, you do not have to be a Canadian citizen, although some Canadian scholarships are restricted only to either Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, some of the Canadian scholarships we listed here are available to international students or faculty, so it depends on the Canadian scholarships you are applying for.
8. Is it hard to get a Canadian scholarship?
The most prestigious, government-funded scholarships, such as the Vanier and Undergraduate Research Awards are hard to get based on the many academic and extracurricular requirements that you have to meet, but all scholarships are hard to get. If you have an amazing academic record, have a long history of community involvement and betterment, and are able to secure good letters of recommendation (if applicable), then you will have as good a chance as anyone else to get a Canadian scholarship.
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