Searching for scholarships can be a daunting task, if you have done it before, you will understand better especially when you’re considering studying in a foreign country like Canada. However, with the right approach and resources, finding the perfect scholarship for your needs is possible.
How to Search for Scholarships in Canada
If you are currently searching for scholarship opportunities, you don’t have to limit your search, you have to look anywhere, and if you don’t know where to start, this article will show you places to search for scholarships. Let’s dive in!
Determine your eligibility
Before you start searching for a scholarship, you need to examine yourself to understand what scholarships you are eligible for. Scholarships can be based on academic achievements, financial needs, specific fields of study, or even extracurricular activities.
You can make a list of your strengths, achievements, and financial status to narrow down the scholarships you can apply for – these are the scholarship opportunities you will look for. Once you have narrowed down your options, you can start your search.
Check Canadian Universities and Colleges
Different universities and colleges in Canada offer various scholarships to international students. Check the institutions you are interested in, and go through their official websites.
Most institutions have dedicated pages listing the scholarships they offer, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
Use scholarship search engines
There are several scholarship search engines specifically tailored for Canadian students. Websites like ScholarshipsCanada.com and Yconic.com allow you to search for scholarships based on your field of study, location, and level of education. These platforms can significantly simplify your search process making it easy for you to get specific results.
Check government scholarships
The Canadian government, as well as provincial governments, have scholarship opportunities that are open to international students. What you need to do is to visit the official website of the Government of Canada and the websites of specific provinces to find information about scholarships available for international students.
Check professional associations and organizations
Many professional associations and organizations in Canada also have scholarships for students pursuing specific fields such as engineering, medicine, or business. If you have a chosen field of study, check relevant associations’ websites to find scholarship opportunities in your field.
Social media and forums
Another place where you can search for scholarship opportunities in Canada is Social media, many social media platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and LinkedIn have groups dedicated to scholarships.
You can start by joining these groups and actively participating in the group. Sometimes, members share lesser-known scholarships or tips on how to improve your application.
Local community centers
While you are searching, don’t underestimate the power of local community centers or cultural organizations. They often have information about scholarships specific to your community or ethnicity. You should visit these places and ask around.
Research institutions
If you’re planning to do research, you should explore scholarships offered by research institutions and think tanks. These organizations are interested in supporting academic pursuits and often provide generous funding.
Embassy and consulate websites
This is not popular among students but you can find scholarship opportunities on the websites of many country’s embassies.
Since you want to study in Canada, check out the websites of Canadian embassies and consulates in your home country. They often have information about scholarships available for international students. Don’t hesitate to shoot them an email if you need more details.
Local libraries and newspapers
Sometimes, local scholarships are advertised in community newspapers or at libraries. These might be smaller in amount but can add up. Make it a habit to check local newspapers and community bulletin boards, you may find an opportunity you can apply for.
Prepare a compelling application
Once you’ve identified the scholarships you want to apply for, you need to prepare a compelling application. Pay close attention to the application requirements and ensure you submit all necessary documents.
Oftentimes, you need to submit documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements. Craft a compelling essay that highlights your achievements, goals, and reasons for applying.
Be mindful of deadlines
If you want to be selected for a particular scholarship, then you must not miss the application deadline, missing application deadlines will cost you a great opportunity.
You need to keep track of all the deadlines for the scholarships you’re applying to. Create a schedule or set reminders to ensure you submit your applications on time.
Before submitting your applications, carefully proofread all your documents to eliminate errors. Typos and grammatical mistakes will create a negative impression about you. Once you’re confident in your applications, submit them following the specified guidelines.
