Good news, everyone — scholarship and awards applications at Thompson Rivers University are open!

If you're planning to enroll at TRU for a diploma or degree program, are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and meet the academic requirements, then you are eligible to apply. It's as simple as one application and two references. By completing that one application, you are automatically considered for all entrance scholarships and awards!

Did you know TRU offers more than $500,000 in entrance scholarships and awards to first-time students?!

What's the difference between a scholarship and an award?

Entrance scholarships and awards are similar — they're based on demonstrated academic achievement, extra-curricular accomplishments, and community service. But how do they differ?

Want to know more? Find a list of all entrance scholarships and awards on the TRU site.

Think scholarships and awards seem out of reach? Think again!

One of the TRU Future Students Office's very own was a recipient of the TRU Ambassador's Entrance Scholarship. Amy, our Campus Recruitment Coordinator, had her entire 4-year degree paid for.

Here's what Amy has to say about TRU entrance scholarships and awards:

Apply, apply, apply! If you meet the requirements, APPLY! Receiving the Ambassador's Scholarship completely changed my university experience. Just look at my smile: the result of a fully funded education.

While it's been a few years since I applied, but the basics are still the same. I thought I would outline for you what activities and accomplishments I included on my application.

I was a strong academic student, but, more than that, I tried to participate in as many extra-curriculars as I could. I was heavily involved in my high school's leadership class and Link Crew, planning and facilitating both school-wide and community events. I was a student-athlete and played on the basketball team — I excel much more in academics and leadership, but it was still a role I held and balanced amongst everything else I was involved in.

Another area of focus for me was music. I volunteered my time to sing around town at senior's homes, as well as charity and sporting events. I won a local singing contest, which I included on my application, too. I also tutored elementary-aged children in various subjects during my high school years.

Through my application, I tried to demonstrate how I personally prioritize community involvement. Your application may look completely different than mine did, but that doesn't mean you wouldn't be an exceptional candidate for TRU's entrance scholarships and awards.

My advice is to take a step back and try to view your achievements and involvement as someone new would — there are likely many things that you view as commonplace because they're just a part of who you are, but, to someone else, those achievements and accomplishments make you unique.

Best of luck to you all! I'm cheering for you 😊

- Amy Watters, Campus Recruitment Coordinator

TRU entrance scholarships

There are over 55 entrance scholarships offered annually! 43% of eligible general entrance scholarship applicants were offered an award. The application deadline is March 1st, 2022.

How does TRU determine which applicants are offered an entrance scholarship?

1. Your written essay — this is where you can highlight all the amazing things you've done in the past and how they will contribute to fostering TRU's values in the future. Make sure to describe examples of leadership, service, altruism, and your accomplishments.

Think about the involvement you've had in student government; community, cultural, and religious organizations; sports and athletics; music and art; clubs; and travel, because these are all relevant to the selection committee.

Aim for a one- to two-page essay between 600 and 1,200 words.

What are TRU's values?

• inclusivity and openness
• community-minded interconnectivity
• a curiosity that embraces new ideas and risks change
• a sustainable approach to living

2. Your grades — you must have a minimum average of 80% in your best four academic Grade 11 courses (including English 11).

3. Your references — these must be submitted separately through the fillable PDF form.

Apply for TRU entrance scholarships before March 1st, 2022!

TRU entrance awards

TRU offers over 40 TRU undergraduate entrance awards! The application deadline is April 1st, 2022.

How does TRU determine which applicants are offered an entrance award?

1. Your grades — you must have a minimum average of 70% in Grade 11 courses (all courses included). If you've completed any post-secondary credits, a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.33 scale in needed to qualify.

2. Your references — these must be submitted separately through the fillable PDF form.

3. Preference will be given to first generation students — this means students who are the first in their family to attend university.

Apply for TRU entrance awards before April 1st, 2022!

Remember, you don't need to be accepted to apply

You don't have to be accepted into a program to apply for entrance scholarships and awards. Many of our programs accept applications for admission until just before (or even after!) the scholarship and awards deadline, therefore you may not receive your seat offer until some time afterwards.

Don't miss out on the chance to fund your education — apply for scholarships and awards even if you haven't been offered a seat yet! We can't stress that enough.

Still feeling a little lost? You can always reach out to studentawards@tru.ca with your questions!