Some scholarships need an application, while others are awarded automatically. Automatically awarded scholarships are mostly based on academic merits. Most times, exceptional students are offered scholarships to further their education. In this case, the scholarship may be fully funded or partially funded, where the total cost is covered, or only a fraction of the cost is covered. In cases of scholarship that needs application, the applicants have to apply for available offers.
Scholarships, which are non-repayable financial grants, are one method that international students can get assistance in order to finance their studies in Canada. They are usually given to students who have excelled academically, though some also reward volunteer and employment experience. Some scholarships are fully funded, while some other are partly funded.
Scholarships for international students wishing to school in Canada are restricted, very competitive, and largely accessible at the postgraduate level. Each scholarship has its qualification criteria and what is required of each applicant before they can be considered for such scholarship; without meeting these requirements, applicants should just forget about it. Nonetheless, here are some pointers and resources to assist you in exploring this option.
Do More Research
As earlier stated, some scholarships are awarded automatically. At the same time, you may have to apply to get some, but whichever method you may take, one thing is essential: researching the scholarship before applying. So learning more about the details of the scholarship is as important as applying for the scholarship. Find out if you are eligible and what is required of you.
Taking Time to Understand the Requirements:
It is essential to understand the requirements of the scholarship you are applying for; scholarships in Canada or any other country have some special requirements that applicants have to meet before they are considered. When you don’t fully understand the requirements, you may tender your application with high hopes for scholarships you are not eligible for. Also, carefully studying the terms and conditions of the awarding entity will help you stand a better chance of getting the scholarship.
Making Contact with the University of Choice:
Request information on international student scholarships and any application guidelines from the university’s financial aid office you desire to attend. Getting adequate information about the scholarship doesn’t hurt. Instead, it increases your chances and places you in a better position to gain such a scholarship by exposing you to the “what” and “whatnot” of the scholarship offer.
Look into other Possibilities
Learn about scholarships offered by the federal and provincial governments, private foundations, and non-profit organizations in Canada.
How Scholarships Work
Scholarships are financial aids given to certain students, mostly based on academic merit. However, other criteria may include needs, the field of study, race, etc. Sometimes scholarships can be a one-time payment or may be renewable. It is not repayable since it’s not a loan. They can come as student’s tuition waivers or grants. Scholarships can be fully funded or partially funded; fully-funded scholarships cover all the costs of student education, from tuition, lab fees, library fees, accommodation, transportation, and so on. On the other hand, partially funded scholarships only cover a part of the cost, and the applicant covers the rest.
Things Needed to Apply for a Scholarship
Do you wish to further your study but don’t have the financial strength, applying for scholarships can help you actualize your dreams of getting that degree.
Starting Early
Scholarships take quite a bit of time to process; as soon as you have made up your mind on what you want to study, the next step is to start the process of applying. Most scholarships deadlines close early, and their process can be tedious. So starting early is essential.
Looking for the Right Ones: There are numerous scholarships out there; finding the right one is essential as not all of them are based on academic excellence; some are based on countries, areas of expertise, race, etc.
Applying
After getting acquainted with the scholarship details and ensuring that you have made the right choice (making sure you are eligible), then the next step is to start the application process by providing the application documents. Most times, they include:
• Degree certificates may apply to people who are seeking scholarships for their Masters or Ph.D. A certificate of previous education is one of the first things needed to start the application.
• Recommendation letter, this is the core necessity of any scholarship application. The first important thing to do regarding a letter of recommendation is to study the scholarship guidelines pertaining letter of recommendation; some do not accept a general letter of recommendation. So getting a strong and genuine letter of recommendation from your school or employer is very important.
• A language certificate is essential if the program you are trying to apply for is not in your native language. This is proof of your proficiency in the English language. This can either be IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge for the English language.
• Your passport or ID is among the list of documents needed; you must make sure your passport validity will still exceed 6 months even after your departure.
• A motivation letter is usually a one-page letter that should not exceed 400 words stating why you have chosen the particular degree program and your career goals. It is essential, to be honest in your letter of motivation.
• Curriculum vitae, this doesn’t need much explanation; even if you aren’t working, you can add your study experiences, qualities, skills(computer and social skills), Interests, achievements, and even the languages you know.
Canada is among the most sought-after countries for students, especially on the international scene; the reason for this is not far-fetched. One of those reasons is that Canada is a host to some of the world recognized and highly rated educational institutions that offer quality education at competitive prices. Again, opportunities abound in Canada for international students who wish to work and study. Canada also has a plethora of courses and offers lots of opportunities to international students. If not for these, Canada wouldn’t be hosting more than 572,000 international students each year.
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