How to Get Scholarships in Canada for Undergraduates: The 6 Best Ways

Getting a scholarship is exciting. That moment of opening the email that tells you that you have been granted a scholarship fills anyone – yes, even the well-to-do- with excitement that borders between gratitude and a surge of self-confidence. It is like a merger of the feeling you get when you receive a gift and that which you get when you earn your first pay. You can experience this excitement if you know how to get scholarships in Canada for undergraduates.

There are various scholarship programs available in Canada for undergraduates but getting a scholarship in Canada is not a walk in the park. The competition can be fierce and while this only makes it more gratifying when you do get the scholarship, having the right knowledge of how to get scholarships in Canada for undergraduates can give you an edge over others.

In this article, we will be answering the question of how to get scholarships in Canada for international students by pointing you to 5 simple but effective ways to go about applying for the scholarship.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

How to Get Scholarships in Canada for Undergraduates

For students who are interested in studying in Canada, here are some tips on how to get scholarships in Canada for undergraduates:

#1. Research

This is the very first step in how to get scholarships in Canada for undergraduates. Canada offers various scholarship opportunities for undergraduates and each of these scholarships has different funding prices, requirements, and scope. Some scholarship programs may appeal to you while some may not. Make a list of the scholarship programs that appeal to you and suit your needs and then do further research on them.

Researching the Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students will not only fuel your drive but will also give you a clear idea of what the various scholarship programs that you may aspire to require of you. And this leads us to the second step in how to get scholarships in Canada for undergraduates.

#2. Understand the requirements of each scholarship program

Scholarship requirements are the conditions that a student must meet in order to be eligible for a scholarship. Though they vary based on the scholarship, some frequent requirements are as follows:

Academic achievement: Many scholarships demand a minimum grade point average from applicants.
Test results: Some scholarships demand that applicants have taken and successfully passed standardized exams like the SAT or ACT.
Financial necessity: Some scholarships are need-based, meaning that recipients must show a need for the money.
Extracurricular activities: Participation in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, or volunteer work may be a requirement for some scholarships.
Personal qualities: Some scholarships could need applicants to demonstrate traits like innovation, leadership, or involvement in the community.

The requirements listed above are only general but every scholarship program has its specific requirements.

Note the specific requirements for each of the scholarship programs you had written down from step one. Make sure you understand what each requirement means and find out if you currently meet those requirements. If you do, kudos. If not, ask yourself this one question: Can I work towards meeting this/these requirements? If yes, get to work. If no, rule out that scholarship program and seek out another. As we already said, not meeting any of the scholarship requirements can disqualify you from getting the scholarship. So why bother going on with the application process when you will still get disqualified? There are many other scholarship programs you can seek out so spend the time doing so instead.

#3. Write a strong application

This is the third crucial step in answering the question of how to get scholarships in Canada for undergraduates. Some scholarship programs require that you write an application letter. This is your chance to stand out from a heap of applicants and state why you should be considered for the scholarship program. Your application should be properly formatted and free of mistakes. Additionally, it needs to highlight your accomplishments in school, extracurricular activities, and character traits.

The following advice will help you write a strong scholarship application:

Be concise and clear. Make sure your application is simple to read and understand because the scholarship committee will be reading a lot of them.
Be precise. Don’t merely mention your academic accomplishments or involvement in extracurricular activities. Be specific when describing your extracurricular activities, academic accomplishments, and personal traits.
Be enthusiastic. Show the scholarship committee that you are dedicated to reaching your goals and that you are passionate about your education.
Proofread thoroughly. Make sure there are no mistakes in your application.

#4. Get a reference letter

In Canada, at least one letter of recommendation is often required for scholarship applications. A letter of recommendation should give the scholarship committee an unbiased evaluation of your character, extracurricular interests, and academic accomplishments.

It’s a crucial step in how to get scholarships in Canada for undergraduates, to choose someone who knows you well and can speak to both your character and academic potential when picking someone to write your letter of recommendation. The letter should be signed and include a letterhead. Here are some suggestions for letter writers:

Teachers: Those who have instructed you in a difficult academic subject can speak to your potential and ability in that area.
Employers: People who have worked with you in the past can attest to your professionalism and work ethic.
Volunteer mentors: People who have worked with you as a volunteer mentor can attest to your passion for serving others and the community.

#5. Start early

This is more of a tip than a step. Begin early. Start doing that research on the scholarship available to you in Canada and start noting down the requirements for your desired program early. If you do this early enough, you may be able to meet up with the scholarship requirements before you finish high school. All we are saying is this. You should not wait until you are done with high school to start taking all of the steps already listed above.

Another important part of starting early is this: start your application process early. Late applications are one of the factors that make it difficult to obtain a scholarship abroad, as early birds are given priority.

#6. Stay Eligible

While the above 5 points show you how to get scholarships in Canada for undergraduates, this final point speaks about maintaining the scholarship you have gotten your hands on. Yes, just like Salvation, it is very possible to lose your scholarship if you don’t maintain your eligibility.

The following are some typical causes for which students may no longer qualify for scholarships:

Falling short of the required GPA: To continue being eligible for many scholarships, students must maintain a specific GPA. You might have to give back the scholarship money if your GPA drops below the necessary mark.
Not remaining enrolled full-time: In order to continue being eligible for several scholarships, students must be enrolled full-time.
Changing your major: Some financial aid may be given for a particular field of study or major. The scholarship may no longer be available to you if you switch your major.
Not having the necessary financial need: Some scholarships are need-based, which means that recipients must show a need for the money. If your condition changes, which is a good thing, you are no longer eligible for it.
Having a criminal conviction: Some scholarships could demand that applicants have a spotless criminal background. It’s possible that the scholarship money will need to be repaid if you are found guilty of a crime.

It’s critical to attentively read the terms and circumstances of your scholarship to comprehend the prerequisites.

FAQs

What is the application process for scholarships in Canada for undergraduates?

The process to apply for scholarships at Canadian institutions often begins once you are admitted to a Canadian university. Keep these materials prepared before you begin filling out the scholarship application form since they must be submitted with it:

Acceptance letter
All of your academic transcripts
Certificates demonstrating your qualification
Intent letter: what motivates your desire for this scholarship?
Scores on aptitude tests (GMAT, SAT, GRE, etc.)
IELTS, TOEFL, and other proof of English proficiency especially for international students
Results of medical tests (optional)

When you’ve completed your scholarship application and attached all the required paperwork, you can turn it in by the due date.

When should I apply for a scholarship in Canada?

You should begin looking into Canadian scholarships 6 to 12 months before the commencement of your study. Each scholarship has a different application deadline, so be sure to check the dates before you apply.

How much percentage is required for a scholarship in Canada?

There are various scholarships with various requirements. To qualify for a scholarship, you must have a particular GPA. Most Canadian universities and colleges need a minimum secondary and higher school GPA of 3.0 or equivalent grade.

Conclusion

Higher education in Canada is a fantastic way to expand your horizons and acquire practical knowledge you can use in the workplace. After learning how to obtain a scholarship for study in Canada, you can take the required steps to qualify for a scholarship.