How to get a scholarship to study in Canada. This has been one of the most frequently asked questions by fresh graduate and post-graduate students.
Studying in Canada under any scholarship platform remains the best option and a dream come true especially when it’s at the University of your choice
However, having the dreams and wishes of studying in Canada may not be enough to guarantee you a successful scholarship in Canada.
It is however imperative to acquaint yourself with all the possibilities available before you start the application process.
In this post, you will have comprehensive information on how to get a scholarship to study in Canada
How to Get A Scholarship to Study in Canada
Why You Should Consider Canada for Studies
Canada is among the world’s most famous countries which are in the highest demand for both work and study for international and national students.
Below are among others many reasons to choose Canada as the best country to study
Availability of Good School
Canada is home to many good and famous Universities such as McGill, Toronto, UBC, Waterloo, etc.
Universities in Canada tend to be consistently good compared to schools in other countries.
QUALITY EDUCATION Canadian degree is widely recognized as equal to one from the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom, and Canadian universities consistently do well in international rankings.
According to a study in 2016, three Canadian Universities were ranked in the top 50 universities in the world.
AFFORDABLE
The average annual tuition for an international student in a Canadian undergraduate degree is USD 16,746 compared to those of the US or UK.
The cost of daily living in Canada is affordable compared to most other top destinations for international students.
It is an average of USD 14,000 per year.
Guaranteed Admission Admissions in most of the Universities in Canada are predictable.
If you have strong grades, admission to Universities in Canada can be very easy.
WORK WHILE YOU STUDY
In Canada, international students are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time (30 hours/week) during scheduled breaks like summer vacation.
Greatly, students don’t need a work permit to work while they study, whether their job is on-campus or off-campus in Canada
SAFETY
One of the most important factors to note when choosing Canada is personal safety.
Studying outside your domain can be very scary, especially if you’re leaving your friends and family behind.
according to rankings reports released by Safe Around, Canada is ranked as the seventh safest country in the world, with a safety index of 88.4.
IMMIGRATION OPTIONS
There are a lot of optional programs in Canada modelled just to encourage international students to change to permanent residence after their studies.
The available options are Post-Graduation Work Permit, which lets graduates stay and work on an open work permit after graduation and allows them to get some Canadian work experience.
Additionally, you can get work and permanent residence as an international student if you get a degree from a Canadian University.
It will enable you to get a two-year work permit. After a 4-year degree, you can apply for a year work permit.
After a 2-year degree (such have s a master’s) you can apply for a 2-year work permit.
The combination of a degree from a good 2-years in Canada plus 2 or 3 years of working in Canada can increase your chances of getting a permanent resident visa to Canada.
Criteria for International Students Applying for Scholarships in Canada
Before you think of getting a scholarship in Canada as an international student, you must meet some specific conditions.
Some of the condition varies depending on institutions and disciplines of academic study.
For international students who are seeking Canadian scholarships, they should ensure to showcase the following attributes
Language Proficiency: Since the majority of international students do not speak English as their mother language as Canada is an English-speaking nation
So, having stronger English language skills or proficiency scores on exams such as IELTS/TOEFL will increase your chances of obtaining a scholarship to study in Canada.
Extracurricular Activities: Most of the scholarships being offered to international students in Canada consider students’ involvement in extracurricular activities.
So having an independent experience in some of the extra-curricular activities will be added advantage and key criteria for getting the scholarship
An excellent academic background
No good institutions especially in Canada will give out scholarships to any candidate without good academic records.
Any scholarship you are getting will depend largely on your previous academic studies: grades, college credits, and extracurricular activities.
So, your consistency in academic performance and passion for outside curriculum work will give you an upper hand over other candidates.
Leadership Skills
A strong indication of leadership quality in high school, college, and your immediate environment will earn you a better chance.
An exceptional essay
You should be able to write a well-articulated essay, containing vital elements of the scholarship.
If your scholarship essay must be outstanding, it must capture the below three major aspects:
• Why are you interested in the degree you are applying for
• Why are you interested in choosing Canada for your overseas studying
• Your intention of choosing a particular Canadian university.
Types of scholarships In Canada For International Students
Scholarships remain the most potent means of encouraging students financially, by assisting them through higher academic qualifications to reach prominent universities affordably and promote diversity.
As an international student, wishing to study in Canada, below are the available types of scholarships you can apply for in Canada:
Merit Scholarships –This is the type of scholarship given to students based on exceptional academic qualifications, performances, and extra curriculum activities.
Merit scholarships function on the ground of academic excellence which attracted tuition funding, living expenses, and any other financial-related needs.
For you to qualify for a merits scholarship, you must excel in academics, arts, and/or sports.
Government-Funded Scholarships – This is the type of financial aid program provided by the Canadian government to assist students in any level of academic pursuits.
In this regard, the Canadian Government has a considerable amount of such opportunities for international students (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral scholarships.) who want to study in Canada.
These Financial aids by the Canadian government are not only available to students; however, professionals who are willing to further their academics can access them.
Country-Based Scholarships This type of scholarship is given to students from the selected developing countries by Canadian institutions
Those chosen students from the selected nations will be entitled to funding provided by universities in Canada and are therefore encouraged to apply.
University-Specific Scholarships – This type of scholarship is solely owned by University and College and reserves the right to offer to any candidate of their choice.
Mostly, this kind of scholarship tends to apply to domestic candidates but sometimes, exceptional international candidates may be deemed from time to time.
Need-Based Scholarships –This is the type of scholarship that is offered to candidates who are extremely in need due to financial difficulties
It is strictly for low-income families seeking financial help for scholarships.
Over the years, these scholarships have helped many families overcome their economic harm
Also, Need-based scholarships are used as special grants for women and single mothers who may want to consider furthering their education.
Privately Funded Scholarships Private organizations are not left out on the matters of providing financial aid to families across the countries.
The following are the categories through which privately funded scholarships are main:
• Minorities;
• Women;
• Students from developing countries;
• Fellow researchers.l
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
For your application getting the Canadian scholarship procedure to get to the appropriate authority, you must take note of two basic factors
The factors are University requirements and screening criteria which apply to any University in Canada
However, below are some of the few steps to be considered when applying for a scholarship in Canada.
• You have to read the rules and requirements thoroughly to avoid mistakes during the application and submission process
• Before your application processes, you must make ensure the following documents (qualifications, all certifications, ID proof, and digital photographs) are ready for upload
• You must follow the existing guidelines for writing an effective scholarship essay by stating your strengths and experiences.
This is what scholarship reviewers will use to judge the applicants based on their Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• You must provide strong references and recommendation letters from your academic mentors
• You must as a matter of importance note the deadline of the scholarship so that you can complete it at the stipulated time.
Things you Should note before Applying Scholarship in Canada
Eligibility Checker – You must first and foremost check if you are qualified and eligible before applying for any scholarship in Canada.
Again, the scholarship you intend to apply for must sync with your academic achievements, and checking your eligibility is therefore crucial.
Uniqueness – International Students Scholarships of any kind are usually competitive because everyone would want to participate
So, your distinctive technique of applications will determine whether you have an edge over your follows contemporaries.
Directness and Simplicity –
You must try as much as possible to keep the application later simple and direct to increase readability.
This will make your scholarship essay to be effective and void of jargon or hard phrases.
