In today’s economic climate, it can be hard to find funding opportunities that are accessible and readily available to the average student or recent graduate.
Luckily, there are still government scholarships in Canada that may be able to help you fund your education, whether it’s at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, or if you need support to cover living expenses as you pursue higher education.
Here are ten reasons why you should apply for one of these government scholarships in Canada today!
Scholarships Are Free Money
If you’re looking for a way to pay your tuition without taking out student loans, you may want to consider applying for a scholarship.
These are awards that don’t need to be paid back and can make it easier to afford college.
Scholarships are based on various things, such as leadership skills or volunteer experience, so there is no reason why any Canadian shouldn’t apply!
Government scholarships: There are many different types of government scholarships available for students in Canada.
The first step in finding these opportunities is by contacting your local government office (usually located at your province or city level).
Once you have found which government agency administers government scholarships in your area, ask them if they offer any programs specifically geared towards international students—many do!
Private scholarships: Private scholarships are another great option for students who want to cover their tuition costs.
There are many private organizations that offer financial assistance to help students pay for their education; some require an application while others will automatically award you with a scholarship once you meet their requirements.
It’s important to note that private organizations aren’t always free money, though; sometimes they will require repayment after graduation depending on how much money was awarded.
You Will Learn Something About Yourself
Applying for a scholarship is an excellent way to gauge your knowledge and skills. If you find out that you are lacking in some areas, then now is a great time to focus on improving those skills.
On top of that, if you do get a scholarship then it will give you some money that can be put towards furthering your education.
The more education we have, the better off we all are in society as well as in our careers. We’re basically preparing ourselves for future jobs by learning everything possible right now. When you receive your scholarship check make sure to use it wisely so that you don’t waste it!
Don’t blow all of it at once! Put some aside for later when you need something like books or tuition fees or whatever else college may cost. Learn from my mistakes.
But really though…save yourself from student loans because they can really add up fast!
READ: 15 Fully Funded Scholarships To Study In the United States
Get To Know People On The Inside
One of your best sources for information on government scholarships is current students, so connect with as many of them as you can.
They might be able to fill you in on what a particular program is like (requirements and all) or at least point you in the right direction to find out more.
Also, make sure to meet with your campus’s financial aid office; they may have programs on deck that you don’t even know about yet.
Last but not least, check in with professors—they’re usually well-connected within their own fields and could help you get connected to other people who are in the know.
And remember: It never hurts to ask! After all, if no one asks how to apply for free money from their school or country then how would anyone ever know?
Students Are Taught By Industry Experts
Studying in a field you’re passionate about is great, but so is having someone who has experience in that field teach you.
If you’re studying business, for example, it makes sense to study under industry experts. Many government programs will pair you up with a mentor who works directly in your field; they can offer guidance and support while also introducing you to people within their company or industry.
This will be invaluable as you build out your network and work on securing a job post-graduation.
What It Means To Be An At-Risk Student: Students from low-income families are considered at risk because of how many barriers stand between them and success.
It doesn’t matter if those barriers come from poverty, lack of resources, unstable housing situations, single-parent homes, or any other factor—the fact is that these students face unique challenges to succeed.
There Are No Dumb Questions
With government-sponsored grants, there are almost no dumb questions. If you think your college isn’t offering enough financial aid or if you’re looking for an additional source of income to get you through another semester, apply for a government scholarship in Canada.
There are dozens of programs available; find one that fits your needs and start doing your research today! Here are some tips on how to do it:
One way is to highlight key skills or attributes that make you stand out from other candidates. Another is by emphasizing your leadership qualities.
And still, another is by showcasing any honors and awards you have received over time—it never hurts to list something extra on your resume when applying for scholarships!
READ: Apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide
Allow New Experiences And Opportunities Into Your Life
One of the reasons why students choose to study abroad is because it allows them to engage with new cultures and countries.
Allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone when you apply for a scholarship in Canada by allowing new experiences and opportunities into your life.
If you’re worried about how you’ll pay for a Canadian college, don’t be! Scholarships can help pay for school just as much as financial aid at home.
The key to finding scholarships is knowing where to look. Start with your country’s embassy or consulate; they may have information on scholarships available only to citizens of their country.
Another good place to start looking for scholarships that are specific to Canadians is Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). CIC offers a variety of resources including tips on applying for scholarships through post-secondary institutions in Canada and lists several other websites that offer information on Canadian government-sponsored awards. Remember: not all scholarships are created equal, so do your research before deciding whether or not to apply.
And always remember that it never hurts to try – if you get rejected from one award, keep trying until you find one that fits your needs. There’s no such thing as too many options when it comes to financing higher education!
Gain Valuable Professional Experience And Skills That All Employers Want.
The best reason to apply for a government scholarship is that it’s an opportunity to get real-world experience in your industry.
And these days, employers value professional experience above almost anything else. If you want to develop valuable skills while at school and impress your future boss, consider applying for a government scholarship.
The skills you gain through research and planning will be attractive to prospective employers when you enter their workforce after graduation.
Apply early: One of our biggest pieces of advice is to apply early. Most scholarships have deadlines between November 1st and March 31st (depending on location).
So if you don’t plan on applying until January or February, you might miss out on some great opportunities.
That said, there are some scholarships with later deadlines (March or April), so keep an eye out for those as well! Do Your Research: It’s important to do your research before you apply.
Make sure you understand what each organization offers and how they distribute their funds.
Also, make sure you read up on past winners – what made them stand out? What was unique about their application? This can help give you ideas for your own submission! Don’t Forget To Network!: Finally, we can’t stress enough how important networking is during your search for a government scholarship.
Remember, many applications require letters of recommendation from professors or professionals within your field.
Ask around to see who would be willing to write you a letter; chances are someone knows someone who works at one of these organizations and could put in a good word for you!
READ: Netherlands Scholarships and Grants for International Students 2023
Why is Applying for scholarships Important?
Scholarships are a great way for students to earn money for school, but not all students know about or are aware of how important it is to apply for them.
There are tons of scholarships out there and some specifically target students with financial needs.
When looking for a scholarship, one of your first thoughts might be that only private organizations offer these kinds of opportunities.
However, in Canada, there are many government-based programs that give away thousands of dollars each year. By filling out an application form (which can be found online) and submitting your documents, you could be well on your way to earning thousands upon thousands of dollars toward your education costs.
