Finding and Applying for Scholarships 101

Everything you need to know about finding and applying for scholarships in a one-stop shop!

Find quick and to-the-point advice on finding and applying for scholarships! This material is adapted from our popular webinar on the topic, which you'll find on YouTube. Here's a quick version you can refer to any time!

Glossary of terms:

• Scholarship: Academic or other achievements, may be renewable
• Bursary: Financial need, may be renewable
• Award: Accomplishments, often extra-curricular
• Grant: Often for research projects
• Renewable: Continual funding year-to-year if you continue to qualify

5 scholarship facts:

1. 1. Most listings aren't concerned with grades
2. 2. Many admins want more applicants
3. 3. Lots of companies, unions, and organizations offer scholarships
4. 4. Deadlines happen year 'round
5. 5. Receiving a scholarship looks good on a resumé

What makes your unique scholarship profile:

In no particular order...

• your program(s) of interest
• what year you're going into
• extracurricular activities
• your academic average from last year
• your heritage
• you and your immediate family's affiliations: companies, unions, etc.
• financial need (overall family income)
• other personal circumstances
• where you live / where you're going to school

Finding the right scholarship listings requires:

• getting motivated
• investing time throughout the year
• keeping your ScholarshipsCanada profile updated
• when in doubt, reaching out to admins
• applying to smaller value awards
• having your documents ready
• trying various keywords and search terms
• not giving up

How to apply for scholarships:

• always read the instructions
• reach out to admins with questions
• tailor your documents to each application

Preparing your documents:

• resumé: one page, simple and straightforward
• reference letter(s): two's a good number; not from family or friends!
• personal statement, ~500 words:
  • who you are
  • what your goals are
  • what receiving the award means to you
  • and what it means to your community
  • be your unique self!

Got more questions, or tips we should include? Send us an email!