Canada is the dream study destination for many international students and it’s not hard to see why – the country’s education system is known for its high quality, diverse programs, and multicultural environment.
As a student in Canada, you will get the opportunity to learn from high-profile tutors and enjoy the best learning materials out there.
The country’s commitment to excellence in education is reflected in its universities and colleges, which consistently rank among the top institutions globally.
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Another key advantage of studying in Canada is the emphasis on research and innovation. As a student, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaborative spaces that foster creativity.
The idea of studying in Canada is great, however, the cost of education in the country can be a significant barrier for some aspiring students.
In most universities and colleges, the tuition fees can be as high as $45,000 yearly, this is much for an average student to afford.
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Fortunately, many universities and colleges in Canada offer scholarships to students at all levels, whether you are going for undergraduate, graduate, or research programs, there are many scholarship opportunities in Canada that you can apply for and this guide will show you exactly how you can get a scholarship in Canada for your study program.
Scholarships you can get in Canada
In Canada, you can apply for different types of scholarships:
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Merit-Based Scholarships
A merit-based scholarship is the type of scholarship that is awarded to students based on their academic achievements, skills, and talents.
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To increase your chances of getting a merit-based scholarship in Canada, you need to maintain a high GPA, actively participate in extracurricular activities, and showcase your leadership skills.
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Need-Based Scholarships
Unlike a merit-based scholarship, a need-based scholarship considers the financial circumstances of the student and their family.
The target of a need-based scholarship is to help the student with the worst financial situation, the more you demonstrate that you need financial assistance, the higher your chances of getting a need-based scholarship.
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Subject-Specific Scholarships
This is the type of scholarship that is available to students pursuing specific fields of study. You can have scholarships for medical students, engineering students or agricultural students.
The idea is that if you are not in any of these fields, you shouldn’t be applying for any of these scholarships.
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To increase your chances of getting any of these scholarships, you need to highlight your passion and dedication to your chosen field in your application.
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Government Scholarships
In addition to merit-based, need-based and field-specific scholarships, there are also government-sponsored scholarships – Canada has numerous scholarship opportunities that are government-sponsored.
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You can explore them, they exist both at the federal and provincial levels. If you fulfil the eligibility criteria, you can submit the required documentation and wait for the selection committee to get back to you.
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University-Specific Scholarships
Another one on our list is the university-specific scholarships, these types of scholarships are offered by a particular university and you are only qualified for the scholarship if you are studying at the university offering the scholarship.
Before you apply for them, you need to understand the eligibility criteria and application process – there will also be a guideline you must follow during application, to stand a chance, make sure you follow the application guidelines.
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External Scholarship Programs
External scholarships exist as well, they are scholarships offered by private organizations, foundations, and non-profit entities.
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Many NGOs, individuals or foundations offer scholarships to students at various levels in Canada, you can take advantage of these opportunities and get funding for your education in Canada.
How you can get any of these scholarships to study in Canada
To get any of these scholarships to study in Canada, start with proper research.
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Start with a comprehensive research
Scholarships don’t come until you look for them, so to get one, you need to search for any of the different scholarships listed above.
Look for only scholarship programs that are available for international students in Canada. Some popular ones include the Canadian Government Scholarships, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and various university-specific scholarships.
To find them, go to Google.com, and type any scholarship in a Canada-related keyword, something like “master’s scholarships in Canada”, that is if you are going for a master’s program.
If you are looking to complete your PhD, you can type PhD scholarship programs in Canada, this will bring a bunch of scholarships.
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You can also use university websites, for example, the University of Toronto scholarships, this will bring up a list of all the scholarship opportunities offered by the University of Toronto.
You can open the list and check for anyone that matches your interest. If you find any scholarship opportunities that meet your needs, are open to international students, it is fully funded (if you are looking for a fully funded scholarship), it pay a monthly stipend, you can write the scholarship name down.
You can add as many scholarships as possible to your list, after compiling them, you need to check if you meet the eligibility requirements.
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Check if you meet eligibility requirements
You need to know that each scholarship has its specific requirements – the requirements and processes vary depending on the scholarship program, your level of study (undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral), and your field of study.
Make sure that you meet all the requirements for all the scholarships you have on your list, anyone you do not meet its requirements, cancel it out.
Applying for a scholarship in Canada that you do not meet its requirements is a waste of time, your application will be thrown out by the selection committee.
After selecting the list of scholarships you meet their requirements, you can start the application process properly, each scholarship has its application process.
Some require you to submit your documents through a specific portal created for the scholarship while others need you to submit your application through a particular email address.
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Whatever means specified for a particular scholarship, kindly follow it, prepare a strong application letter and submit it through the specified channel.
Make sure you understand the application process for each scholarship you are applying for before you start applying.
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Prepare the required documents
Just like there are specific channels for applying for each of the scholarships, there are specific documents required for each of the scholarships.
For every scholarship opportunity you are applying for, gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, resume/CV, and proof of language proficiency (usually IELTS or TOEFL).
You can apply to as many scholarships as possible, there is no limit to how many you can apply for, and as long as you qualify for them, you can apply.
To apply:
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- Craft a compelling personal statement emphasizing your academic achievements, goals, and aspirations.
- For scholarships that require you to provide proof of extracurricular activities, ensure that showcase the extracurricular activities you have engaged in.
- Also, provide evidence of community service and any relevant experience you have.
Letters of recommendation
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- You need letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or mentors who can attest to your skills and character.
- Make sure the recommendations align with the scholarship requirements.
A letter of recommendation is important in a scholarship application, they show the selection committee that you are someone who can be trusted and that your career is in line with the target of the scholarship.
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Financial documentation
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- If you are applying for a need-based scholarship, you need to provide accurate financial documents to support your application.
- Do not forget, that you must demonstrate the financial challenges you face and why the scholarship is essential for your education.
Apply for admission
Apply for admission to the Canadian institutions of your choice. Most scholarships require you to be accepted into a program before applying for the scholarship.
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Proof of language proficiency
If required, take language proficiency exams (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) and ensure your scores meet the minimum requirements.
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Submit your applications
Once you are done, submit your scholarship applications within the specified deadlines. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully and include all required documents.
What you must note
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- Keep your application organized, arrange every document properly and attach them where necessary.
- Make sure you meet all application deadlines.
- To avoid late entry, start the application process well in advance, it will help you avoid last-minute stress.
Interviews and Follow-Up:
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Prepare for interviews if it’s required
If interviews are part of the scholarship selection process, you have to practice common interview questions so you will be ready before the interview date.
During the interview, showcase your passion for your chosen field and your commitment to making a positive impact.
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Follow-up on applications
After submitting your applications, you can follow up to ensure all materials are received. In your follow-up email, express gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the scholarship.
Usually, after submitting your application, you will receive a notification about the success of your application, if this is not the case, you can then follow up but if you already received a notification about the successful receipt of your application, you don’t need to follow up.
Conclusion
Frankly, it’s not easy to secure a scholarship opportunity in Canada but by understanding the types of scholarships available in Canada as discussed here, their eligibility requirements, and diligently preparing and submitting a strong application, you can increase your chances of turning your dream of studying in Canada on scholarship into a reality.
