A guide for newcomers on scholarships, grants, and support programs
By: Josephine Naghavie
Published on: December 20th, 2024
Embarking on a new academic journey brings excitement and challenges, especially for people new to Canada and taking their first steps into the educational world. The financial strains of higher education can be worrisome when finding your footing in a new country. However, the silver lining is that Canada offers many options for scholarships, grants, and support programs. Read ahead to learn about the resources available to help you turn your academic dreams into a reality.
Scholarships
Scholarships acknowledge students for their academia, talents and exceptional qualities. Individuals new to Canada with academic records, extracurricular activities, or unique skills can qualify. Institutions, private organizations, and government bodies frequently offer scholarships. These scholarships are geared towards students facing financial challenges and can alleviate the financial burden of education.
Many websites, such as Scholarships Canada match students to scholarships they are eligible for. The Government of Canada also provides links to many available undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral scholarships, awards, and bursaries.
Scholarships are also available to those who excel in sports and academia or display other talent. For example, if you are good at a sport, you can qualify for various sports-related scholarships. This way, you can continue to play on a college or university team, alleviate that financial burden, and pursue your goals.
OSAP
In Ontario, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) allows individuals to apply for financial aid from the government. You will need proof of the academic institution you are attending, confirmation of your enrollment, financial history, and income to apply for this program. This program, funded by the government, will process this information accordingly.
Based on the information provided, the government will either issue you a loan or a portion of a grant. You will be required to pay back the loan after you graduate, but OSAP has various payment options that make it more manageable.
However, you will not have to pay back any grants OSAP provides. This is the most attractive option for new students coming to Canada as you will not have to repay the aid given to you.
Canadian government scholarships
The Canadian government provides many opportunities for international individuals to obtain their education degrees or to further their learning opportunities. For example, Canada offers francophone scholarships for newcomers who speak French. There are also various international scholarships that are available for newcomers to apply for.
Research and project-based scholarships
If you are interested in following a specific path in your academia, research-based scholarships are an option. These scholarships and grants are given to students who want to explore research-intensive fields.They are also available for individuals who wish to earn their Master’s or PhD (doctorate) in a specific field supporting innovative projects and studies.
Universities, research institutions, and government bodies provide these grants to encourage new students to come to Canada to contribute to the academic and scientific community. To learn more, you should research the university and field you are interested in for specific details on available scholarships. They can vary depending on the field and university, so it is important to review the necessary qualifications and application processes.
These research positions also sometimes provide mentors, meaning you would work with a professor or another researcher. They can support you throughout your academic journey by providing guidance and advice.
Project-based scholarships are an option for students who want to explore a specific project they are interested in. These projects range from community service to entrepreneurial ventures. These grants might take a little longer as universities and colleges require additional information about the project you wish to explore. If you are interested, ensure you are prepared to provide the necessary information.
The Immigration Education Society (TIES)
The Immigration Education Society (TIES), is a not-for-profit registered charitable organization and provides applications geared toward new students coming to Canada. Language and integration support programs for international students play a significant role in overcoming language barriers and adapting to new cultures and academic environments.
This program typically includes language courses, cultural orientation sessions, and networking opportunities alongside the financial funding for education. TIES fully understands newcomers’ needs and fills gaps that other scholarships or education aid do not.
Tips on successful applications
Although there are many to choose from, scholarships and grant programs often have specific deadlines, emphasizing the importance of initiating the application process early. Early starts enable new students to gather necessary documents, create required essays, and submit applications well before the cutoff dates. This ensures they will receive financial support on time.
Customizing your scholarship and grant applications is always important as it highlights your personal experiences, goals, and achievements. This significantly increases the likelihood of your success as it showcases a genuine commitment to each program’s values and objectives.
Seeking guidance from academic advisors when writing your applications or essays can also be helpful. Academic advisors are often available for appointments at colleges and universities and may even offer virtual meetings. Teachers and mentors can also offer valuable insight, review your application materials, and provide feedback.
Your path to a brighter academic future
Scholarships, grants, and support programs offer not only financial assistance but also propel personal and academic growth. Actively pursuing these opportunities enables newcomers to transform aspirations into achievements, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a brighter future. As the educational realm becomes more inclusive, these programs play a significant role in empowering diverse individuals to pursue and excel in their chosen fields.