Scholarships and bursaries in Canada: where to find them and how to apply
Scholarships and bursaries in Canada: the difference, where to find them at your school, in your community and from government, and how to stand out.
After government student aid, scholarships and bursaries are the next big source of money for Canadian students that does not need to be repaid. They are spread across schools, communities, employers and governments, which makes them easy to miss. This guide explains the difference between them, where to look and how to apply well.
Scholarships vs bursaries vs awards
Terms vary by school, but in general:
- Scholarships are usually based on merit: grades, leadership, athletics, arts or specific achievements.
- Bursaries are usually based on financial need, sometimes combined with other criteria.
- Awards is often used as an umbrella term, or for prizes based on a mix of criteria.
All of them are generally non-repayable. Some scholarships are renewable for multiple years if you meet conditions such as a minimum average.
Start with government aid
Before chasing scholarships, apply for government aid through your province or territory. That one application assesses you for provincial aid and federal Canada Student Grants. Some school bursaries also require you to have applied for government aid first. See Canada Student Grants explained.
Where to find scholarships and bursaries
Your college or university
Your school is usually the largest source of scholarships and bursaries. Look for:
- Entrance scholarships for incoming students, often considered automatically based on your admission average, or through an application.
- In-course scholarships for continuing students.
- Bursaries for students with financial need, often through a single online application.
- Program- or faculty-specific awards.
- Emergency funding for unexpected hardship.
Check your school's financial aid or student awards office website and note the deadlines.
Government scholarships
The Government of Canada's EduCanada scholarships page lists scholarships for international students coming to Canada and for Canadians studying abroad. Graduate students should also look at federal research council scholarships and fellowships through their university's graduate studies office.
Community and private sources
- Community foundations that administer local scholarships.
- Employers and unions, including scholarships for children of employees or members.
- Professional associations in your intended field.
- Service clubs, faith communities and cultural organizations.
- Indigenous organizations and communities, which may offer education funding to members.
High school guidance offices
High school students should ask their guidance office about local scholarships, many of which are only advertised there.
How to stand out
- Read the criteria closely. Answer what is asked, not what you wish they asked.
- Tell a specific story. Concrete examples of what you did and what changed are more convincing than general claims.
- Show fit. Connect your goals to the purpose of the award.
- Get strong references. Ask early and give referees your resume and the award criteria.
- Proofread. Ask someone else to read it.
- Meet the deadline. Late applications are usually not considered.
- Reuse and adapt. Keep a master document of essays and achievements to adapt for each application.
Avoiding scholarship scams
- Never pay to apply. Legitimate scholarships do not charge application fees.
- Be wary of guarantees. No one can guarantee you will win.
- Protect your information. Do not share your SIN or banking details unless you have confirmed the scholarship is legitimate and the information is genuinely required.
- Check the source. Confirm the organization exists and the scholarship is listed on its official site.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre accepts reports of fraud.
How scholarships affect government aid
Scholarships and bursaries can affect the amount of government aid you are assessed for, depending on provincial rules. Report them as required on your application and ask your financial aid office how they are treated.
Frequently asked questions
Are scholarships taxable in Canada? Tax treatment depends on your situation. Check the Canada Revenue Agency's guidance or ask a tax professional.
Can I get a bursary if I already have OSAP or other aid? Often yes. Many bursaries are designed to fill gaps left by government aid.
How many scholarships should I apply for? Apply to every award you clearly qualify for and can complete well.
Do part-time students qualify? Some awards are open to part-time students. Check eligibility.
Before you apply: a quick checklist
- Use the official application site, never a paid third-party service. Applying for government student aid is free.
- Check the current year's deadlines on the official page and on your school's financial aid site.
- Gather your ID, tax information and, if required, a parent's or spouse's information before you start.
- Apply every year you need aid. Most programs require a new application for each school year.
- Read your award notice to see which parts are grants and which are loans.
- Keep your school's financial aid office in the loop. They can explain your package and point to bursaries or scholarships you may have missed.
- Watch for scams: no legitimate program charges a fee to get a grant or scholarship.
Questions to ask your financial aid office
Your school's financial aid staff see hundreds of situations like yours every year. Before you accept an offer or make a big decision, ask them:
- Which parts of my package are grants or scholarships, and which are loans or work-study?
- Are there school bursaries, scholarships or emergency funds I have not applied for yet?
- What happens to my aid if I drop a course or change my program?
- What do I need to do to keep this funding next year?
- Can my aid be reviewed if my family's income has changed?
Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke with, so you can refer back to them later.
Keep exploring on GrantSift
Find student funding that fits you
Official aid pages are the source of truth, but scholarships, bursaries and grants are scattered across governments, schools and foundations. GrantSift brings student funding from official sources in the US and Canada into one place, with a short student check that matches programs to your province or state, level of study and field. Every listing links to the official page, and student aid that is a loan is labelled as a loan. Search scholarships and student grants or see plans and pricing.