Scholarships are one way that international students can help finance their studies in Canada. This is why “Scholarships in Canada” is a sought-after opportunity.
Scholarships are non-repayable financial awards. They are generally allocated to students with outstanding academic achievements, although some also recognize volunteer and work experience.
You must apply for some scholarships, but others are awarded automatically.
Nobody would deny or pretend not to feel the impact of scholarships on the lives of graduate and undergraduate students.
The ideology of scholarship is one of the ideologies embraced by all. And considering the financial intensity of education, which had left most students with fewer options. But depend on scholarships to further their education.
Each scholarship has its unique requirements and its eligibility criteria, and without being met, the applicants should forget about the opportunity. Therefore, this article will be focused on exposing the dos and don’ts that are associated with scholarships in Canada and how to get a scholarship in Canada easily.
Nationality plays a vital role in obtaining a scholarship, where it is easy for a citizen of a particular country to obtain a scholarship offered by the government of that country.
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Scholarships in Canada
It is still possible to obtain scholarships in Canada without being a citizen of Canada. The instruction in this article is valid for citizens and non-citizens of Canada. Some of them are based on psychological perspectivism, and some plugins would leave the scholarship board or providers with no choice but to offer you the scholarship.
Scholarships are beneficial for students. It also motivates them to their study.
For education abroad, the scholarship is a blessing for the students because studying abroad is much more expensive. This is one of the reasons one should pursue a Canadian scholarship, whether a citizen or non-citizens.
In scholarship pursuit, it is paramount that a candidate bears in mind the rule of first applicants.
The candidate shouldn’t wait till the deadline before applying because it reduces the chance of getting a scholarship opportunity.
But the application should be smart, creative, and attractive so that we can draw the attention of the authority.
Nowadays, many writing institutes like ‘scientific writing services’ help learners write their scholarship application. We should try to attach all the papers relevant to the requirements. But we should not provide any false information in our application.
It is strongly forbidden. I think a good result is also beneficial.
Eligibility requirements vary from application to application, so where one scholarship may ask for a personal essay; another may want references.
Some scholarships are available to students on academic merit or sporting achievements, or even creative pursuits, so be mindful of your skills and match them to what’s out there. Pay attention, and take notes to these.
They are vital in every scholarship opportunity.
Read: 15 Scholarships For Philippines Students To Study In Canada 2024
How to Get a Scholarship in Canada
Below a list of close to undisputed tips on how to get a scholarship in Canada. And also applicable in other parts of the world.
PLAN AHEAD
Plan, plan, plan. I wish to say those words a thousand times would bring to your conception the importance of this phrase in landing you a scholarship.
One of the reasons why students don’t get Canadian scholarships or other scholarships from other parts of the world is the late application problem.
And the fact that most students start looking for scholarship opportunities during their tertiary institution study or at the point where they are in dire need of financial aid.
The importance of seeking and looking for scholarships early cannot be overemphasized.
Students who get scholarships most of the time are students who started applying even while in high school.
If you want to increase your chances of gaining a scholarship in Canada.
One should start applying for scholarships, even while in high school, and make sure you don’t wait for a scholarship deadline before applying. Start as early as possible plying your trade.
To increase your opportunity.
NOTE:
In accordance with Citizenship and Immigration Canada regulations, you must prove you have enough money to meet your financial needs while studying in Canada before beginning your studies. So, if you’re pursuing a scholarship to help finance your education, start researching opportunities early.
RESEARCH ABOUT ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Another tip on how to get a scholarship in Canada easily is by first doing research the opportunity before applying. Getting additional information about the scholarship opportunities will enable you to know how to apply.
So, learn about scholarships administered by the Canadian government, provincial governments, private foundations, and not-for-profit organizations.
UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS
Another tip on how to get a scholarship in Canada is to take time to study and understand the requirements.
Honestly, understanding the scholarship requirements cannot be overemphasized. It is as important as the scholarship itself.
This applies to all the scholarships you could think of, including the scholarships in Canada. Canadian scholarships have some unique requirements that, if not duly met, would disqualify one from the opportunity of winning that particular award.
Don’t spend your time applying to awards that you’re not eligible for because it reduces your chances of gaining a scholarship.
You might be sitting there thinking, “duh, obviously,” but we see so many awards receive applications from people who have no business applying for that award! Don’t let that be you.
Read the eligibility requirements very carefully. If you’re unsure what one of the requirements means or if it applies to you, ask the award administrator. It takes only a few minutes to ask questions versus hours to write an essay for an award you can’t win.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE SMALLER AWARDS
Okay, so winning $10,000 is much more appealing than winning $2,000. I get that. There are tons of scholarships in
Canada is very easy to get. And doesn’t require a sophisticated application process.
I’m also pretty sure that everyone else agrees. That’s the problem. Everyone wants that $10,000 award, and not the $2,000 award.
Any award with a high-value prize will be extremely competitive, making it a lot less likely that you’ll have a chance at winning. This is where it becomes important to go for the smaller awards.
You’ll have a lot higher chance of winning, meaning that the effort you put into winning them will be rewarded.
If you apply to many small awards, you’ll have a higher chance of winning a few. So, apply to 20 awards worth
$2,000, win five and receive $10,000, or apply to one $10,000 award and win nothing. The path to success is pretty clear.
Also, see: 17 Women Scholarships for International Students
REFERENCE LETTER
A letter is written specifically for the award you are applying for. Not a generic reference letter or “to whom it may concern” type letter. Those are OK for smaller awards, but anything over $2,500 or so with multiple application elements should have a tailored reference letter…it shows you’ve taken the time to connect with your reference. It shows the referee thinks highly enough of you to take the time to write the letter.
- b) Letterhead–have the letter written on official letterhead (the school, the business, etc.). It’s the only way judges know that it’s not the applicant (or a friend or relative) who has written the reference letter. Even a generic “to whom it may concern” reference on letterhead is better than one on blank paper.
- c) Signature–have the referee sign the letter..again, it makes it more official.
- d) Confirmation–scholarship programs have to be very careful about ensuring the integrity of their program–they don’t want to take a chance that the award recipient has falsified anything in their application–to be 100% sure your referees are ready to receive a call to confirm they did indeed provide your reference. It’s awful when they can’t reach a referee within the time limit because that applicant will be disqualified.
LOOK AT THE “CHEATS” FOR EACH AWARD.
Before applying for a scholarship in Canada, it’s expedient to carefully examine the terms and conditions. The Terms and Conditions, or Rules and Regs, have insights into what the judges will be looking for because Canadian judges are stringent.
Sometimes there’s even a marking grid (e.g. 10% on marks, 40% on volunteer work, 50% on essays..) and often there are specific statements about what they are looking for.
Tailor your application exactly to those specific items! The judge will love reading an application that feeds exactly into their marking rubric!!
So here’s the best reason to take a couple of hours each week to apply for some awards: free money! A $500 award is about 50 hours of minimum-wage work!!
Plus, any award in Canada looks good on your resume..it can help you win more awards (success breeds success), and help your resume stand out down the road!
PASSION AND PERSONALITY
The imprint of passion for scholarships cannot be overruled, and Canadian scholarships are no different.
When there are hundreds of applicants for an award, the ones that show the applicant’s personality and passion for the topic stand out.
Judges usually read a lot of applications (10-50 can be common!); after a while, they can all meld together. It’s a breath of fresh air to read one that feels like you’re sitting across from the candidate–and you want to keep talking to them!
DO THE RESEARCH
Don’t enter any scholarship contests in Canada that ask for application fees.
There are billions of dollars worth of available scholarship funds in Canada that do not require fees waiting to be claimed.
In addition, be wary of signing up with any scholarship sites or search engines that require a fee to access their databases.
Instead, use free, reliable scholarship search engines such as World Scholarship Forum. This site uses reliable algorithms to match you with scholarship opportunities you may be uniquely qualified for based on income, background, gender, region, extracurricular activities, and academic interests.
Because energy wasted on scam scholarships stops one from finding and winning the legit ones.
EXTRA EFFORT COUNTS
Some education consultants estimate that supplying optional information on free scholarship search engines can generate twice as many matches, which means twice as many opportunities to earn free money for college in Canada.
Play the numbers by applying for as many applicable scholarships as possible. Remember that smaller scholarships often have fewer applicants than those with higher monetary rewards, so your chances are higher.
But before you spend too much time on any one application, look carefully at all the requirements, so you do not waste time on a scholarship for which you are ineligible.
GET CREATIVE
There are tons of scholarships in Canada, but look for scholarship money awarded in your areas of interest; for example, social justice, the environment, speech debate, or music and theater.
Some scholarships are open to any student who has participated in an area of endeavor, while others are designed for students with particular professional aspirations.
For example, the Glenn Miller Scholarship Competition offers 20 awards of $4,000 each for vocalists and instrumentalists.
The deadline is March 1, and the administrators stress that they hope to assist the “musical leaders of tomorrow” and are not looking for “Glenn Miller look-alikes or sound-alikes.” In other words, save money on the saddle shoes, zoot suit, and focus on the music.
Also, see: 15 Scholarships for Bangladesh Students in Turkey in 2024
BELIEVE YOU’LL GET THE SCHOLARSHIP
This is somehow the most important aspect of this point.
It is not possible to get what you don’t believe in. Therefore, apply for every scholarship with the inherent belief that you will get the scholarship. It doesn’t only motivate you to go the extra mile. It also unlocks the possibility of you being awarded the scholarship.
Are there scholarship opportunities in Canada?
Yes, of course. There are numerous scholarship opportunities in Canada for both national and international students. These scholarships are offered are different levels.
Some of the scholarship opportunities in Canada include:
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) – for mid-career professionals
- Canada-CARICOM Faculty Leadership Program
- Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program
- Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
- Study in Canada Scholarships
- Canada-Brazil Awards – Joint Research Projects
- United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Bursary at Yorkville University
- KDS International Scholarship Competition
- AAR Aircraft Service Award for International Students at Fanshawe College, Canada
What Do I need before I can apply for any of the Scholarships in Canada?
Candidates must be citizens of one of the following eligible countries/territories:
- Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Taiwan
- Europe: Turkey, Ukraine
- Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda
Candidates:
- must be enrolled as full-time students at post-secondary institutions in the eligible countries/territories and paying any tuition fees required by these institutions at the time of application and for the full duration of the exchange;
- who hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency or who have a pending application for permanent residency in Canada are not eligible;
- already participating in an exchange scholarship program funded by the Government of Canada are not eligible; and
- already enrolled in a program at a Canadian post-secondary institution are not eligible.
How much percentage is required for a scholarship in Canada?
The minimum percentage criteria for applying for any scholarship is that the candidate must have secured above 80% marks in the class 12 examination. Also, the candidate’s parental income should not exceed Rs. 4.5 lacs per annum.
Frequently Asked Questions on Scholarships in Canada
Higher education is not free in Canada. In fact, as an international student, you will pay higher fees than a Canadian student. However, most universities offer scholarships for graduate students.
Getting scholarships in Canada may not be considered easy, but it is possible, as many people have benefited from it. If successful, you will receive up to CA$ 17,000 (US$13,100) for up to 12 months of your studies. Every year up to 2,000 students enrolled in Master’s courses at Canadian universities benefit from the scholarships.
Be a member of the CanadaVisa Study Hub
Have a valid study permit and/or post-graduation work permit
Provide proof of enrolment at a Canadian post-secondary institution
There are numerous scholarship opportunities in Canada for national and international students at different levels.
Some of the scholarship opportunities in Canada include:
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) – for mid-career professionals
Canada-CARICOM Faculty Leadership Program
Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program
Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
Study in Canada Scholarships
Canada-Brazil Awards – Joint Research Projects
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Bursary at Yorkville University
KDS International Scholarship Competition
AAR Aircraft Service Award for International Students at Fanshawe College, Canada
Conclusion
Studying in Canada is often quite expensive. But with these scholarship opportunities, you can take the financial responsibilities off your shoulders and focus more on your studies.
Send in your applications and seize any available opportunity.
References
Editors Recommendation
- Golden Financial Services Scholarship Program
- Palma Financial Services Scholarship for Bay Area Students
- Standard Bank Program for South African Graduates
- MasterCard Foundation’s Fund for Rural Prosperity Competition
- Rural Bank Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in Australia
- Top 10 International Scholarships for Cameroonian Students
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program for African Countries
- APPLY: Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund for Studying in UK
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