Applying for a scholarship in Canada is one thing; securing the scholarship is entirely different, but with the right guidance, you can easily secure a Canadian scholarship. Hence, we have designed this article on how to apply for scholarships in Canada to guide you on the right steps you should follow when applying for any scholarship in Canada to increase your chances of getting the scholarship.
Applying for scholarship in Canada involves lots of processes, like researching available scholarship options for your speciality, understanding the scholarship eligibility requirements, preparing your documents, submitting your scholarship application, etc. These processes are important because if you get them right, you will increase your chances of getting the scholarship.
During the scholarship application process, you’ll be required to submit lots of documents, like academic transcripts, statements of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation, proof of language proficiency, etc. once these documents are handy, you can start with the application. However, if you don’t know how to navigate the whole process, this guide is here for you.
Why Study in Canada?
Even without being told, there are many reasons why international students sought to study in Canada because the country offers high-quality education, globally recognized degrees, and a multicultural, serene environment that allows students to thrive academically.
Over the years, Canada has maintained a good reputation for being friendly and welcoming to international students to their country. It didn’t stop there; many foreign students also choose to study in Canada due to numerous scholarship opportunities available in the country. Now that you know why many students want to study in Canada, let’s proceed with our discussion.
Types of Scholarships in Canada
Before we discuss the application process proper, it is important for you to know that there are different types of scholarships available in Canada. In fact, there are four major types of scholarships in Canada. They are:
1. Government Scholarships
The first type of scholarship opportunity available in Canada is the Canadian government scholarship, which is funded by federal or provincial bodies. The primary aim of this type of scholarship is to attract international students to Canadian institutions. Examples of this type of scholarship are:
- Canada Graduate Scholarships—Master’s Program (CGS-M)
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD level)
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Another type of scholarship opportunity available in Canada is the university-specific scholarship. Many Canadian universities offer scholarships that are only specific to their institution. This type of scholarship may be merit-based or need-based. These scholarships vary from one university to another. And the application process and eligibility criteria differ considerably too.
3. Private or Organizational Scholarships
Private or organizational scholarships are another type of scholarship that is available in Canada. This is the type of scholarship where private organizations, NGOs, or corporations fund scholarships for international students. Examples of private or organizational scholarships in Canada include the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) or the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.
4. External Scholarships
The last type of scholarship opportunity available in Canada is the external scholarship. This type of scholarship is awarded by third-party organizations that have no affiliation with Canadian universities or the Canadian government. This kind of scholarship is mostly need-based or focused on specific areas of study, such as STEM or healthcare.
At this point, we have seen different types of scholarships that are available in Canada. Let’s now start our major discussion for today, which is based on how to apply for scholarships in Canada. And we’ll be doing that in the next section; keep scrolling.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
In this section, we’ll be x-raying a holistic approach that you need to take when applying for any scholarship in Canada. Without further ado, let’s start with the step-by-step approach to help you navigate the application process
1. Research Available Scholarship Options for your Speciality
The first step that you should take when you want to apply for a scholarship in Canada is to research the available scholarship opportunities for your area of study. You can easily get the available scholarship options by visiting websites like ScholarshipCanada, EduCanada, or Scholarships.com. Not only that, you can also visit different university websites to check their scholarships lists for international students. In fact, most Canadian universities have a ‘’financial aid” or “scholarships.” section in their website.
Additionally, it won’t be bad if you can still check Canadian embassies’ websites in your country to find out if there are any available government scholarships or bilateral agreements for the citizens of your country in Canada. Once you see scholarship opportunities within your area of specialization, you should apply to multiple program to increase your chances
2. Understand the Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Just like other scholarship opportunities, to apply for scholarship in Canada, you are required to meet certain eligibility criteria. Hence, to successfully apply for this opportunity, you need to understand scholarship requirements. In fact, once you understand and meet the scholarship requirement, you have a greater chance of securing the scholarship.
Every scholarship has specific eligibility requirements. Some of the scholarship requires you to meet academic qualifications, such as having a high CGPA, or be involved in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, etc. Also, some scholarships in Canada often have additional conditions such as:
- Minimum language proficiency in either English or French (usually proven by TOEFL, IELTS, or DALF/DELF scores).
- Proof of admission to a Canadian institution.
- Valid passport and sometimes, a study permit.
What happens is that if you don’t meet all the requirements for a particular scholarship, you won’t be able to secure the scholarship. So, it is best for you to understand and meet each scholarship eligibility.
3. Prepare Your Documents
Scholarship applications in Canada usually require multiple documents. The common documents that you will need to get handy when applying for a Canadian scholarship are:
- Academic Transcripts: Ensure that your transcripts are duly certified and translated (where necessary).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a well-detailed essay on why you deserve the scholarship, your career goals, and how studying in Canada aligns with your future goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: You’ll need to get recommendation letters from professors or employers who know your academic or professional capabilities well.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: Some of the scholarships in Canada require you to have good IELTS or TOEFL scores.
Ensure that your SOP is unique for each scholarship application. You should write all the parts of your SOP to align with the scholarship’s goals to make you stand out.
4. Submit Your Application
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, you can then proceed to submit it. The important factors that you should consider during your application submission are:
- Deadlines: Ensure that you apply early because scholarship deadlines can even be months before the school’s admission deadline.
- Online Portals: You can submit your application through an online portal since most Canadian universities use an online portal for scholarship applications. Ensure that you create a profile and submit your documents electronically.
- Follow-Up: After submitting your application, some scholarships may require interviews, or you may need to check your application status. Always follow up as required to be updated.
5. Apply for Admission to a Canadian University
Most scholarships require you to get an admission from a Canadian university. Therefore, it’s important for you to apply for both admission and scholarships at the same time. Some of the popular universities in Canada that offer scholarships include:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
Although the admission requirements vary by institution, they generally include:
- A completed application form
- Proof of previous education (transcripts)
- Proof of language proficiency.
Mistakes you Should Avoid When Applying for Scholarships in Canada
The common mistakes that you should avoid when applying for Canadian scholarships are:
- Avoid missing the deadline because a late application may disqualify you automatically.
- Avoid an incomplete application and ensure that you submit all the relevant documents.
- Don’t submit the same statement of purpose for all scholarships. Tailor each SOP to highlight how the scholarship aligns with your goals.
- Finally, don’t overlook small scholarships, so you should apply for as many scholarships as you can.
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying for a scholarship in Canada may be a bit stressful if you don’t understand the processes involved, but with proper planning and the right guidance, it will be easy for you. The application process requires you to be proactive, paying attention to detail, and understanding the basic requirements of each scholarship. Although the number of documents or eligibility criteria may be difficult to meet; don’t be discouraged because the opportunity is worth it.
To increase your chances of securing a scholarship opportunity in Canada, you should take out your time to research, prepare, and tailor your application to each opportunity. Keep in mind that scholarships in Canada are competitive, but with persistence and determination, you’re going to secure one. And even if one door closes, don’t give up—there are always more opportunities to explore.