Once you have been accepted into university and sorted out your fees, either with a government loan or other type of financial assistance, you may still find yourself in need of extra cash.  If you don’t want to have more debt hanging over you, it may be a good idea to look at lines of credit offered by banks, rather than a personal loan.

While loans don’t need to be paid back until after you graduate, they do incur interest from the day you sign for one. A line of credit, on the other hand, is an amount of money agreed upon by you and the bank on which you can borrow, pay back and then borrow again up to you credit limit.

How does a line of credit work?

It is actually a pool of money that you can dip into when in need, to cover costs such as food, clothes, books and anything else that you require. Lines of credit work really well for students who can economise and are not too reckless in their spending habits, but it is best to see it as a safety net rather than a free hand out. You do have to pay interest on what you borrow, although the good thing is that, if for example, your line of credit has a limit of $10,000 and you only borrow  $2,000, you only need to pay back what you borrow plus interest.

If you have a loan, you have to pay interest on the total amount allocated to you, whether you spend it all or not.

What else do I need to know?

Although the interest rates on lines of credit are usually lower than the interest rates on government student loans, you need to start paying off that interest as soon as you borrow money. With a state loan, you don’t need to start paying interest until you have finished your studies, and there is also a 6 month period of grace after that before you need to start making repayments. You may also need someone to co-sign your line of credit application, who will also be responsible if you can’t pay back the debt.

Before applying for a student line of credit

Check to see if you are  entitled to any scholarships or grants from the Government of Canada, your territory or province, your university or private organisations. And finally, always ask for financial advice from your university finance department and shop around for the best deals - you won’t regret it!

For more information on scholarships, see our article entitled How to get scholarships in Canada.

Sources

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA: https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/loans/student-lines-credit.html

Date accessed: (March 08, 2020)

SCHOLARSHIPS CANADA:  https://www.scholarshipscanada.com/News/8/1412/Alternate-Aid-Options

Date accessed: (March 09, 2020)

INVESTOPEDIA: https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/110614/what-difference-between-loan-and-line-credit.asp

Date accessed: (March 09, 2020)

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Online learning whether it’s a high school diploma, university degree or a course, has its benefits. Today, online learned has gained tremendous popularity and as a result its quality has enhanced. One of the major benefits of online learning is that it allows you to advance in your career as well as other skills and hobbies due to the greater flexibility that you have. You would easily be able to fit your schedule around your learning as you don’t have to attend a class at a specific time. The main benefit from this greater flexibility is that you would be able to gain more work experience and learn new skills that would help you advance in your career.

Another main benefit is that you would be able to choose the environment in which you would like to study in. It can be in a coffee shop, in your bedroom or even while working out! This also means that you are saving lots of time as you wouldn’t need to commute to classes. Not only does that save time but it saves money as well. The costs of housing and transportation would be eliminated, which gives the opportunity for more people to attain a degree from that university and gives the chance to increase your savings. Besides that, if a university student wants to attend summer classes but is spending the summer away with their family or is working a summer job, then online learning would be the solution. The student would be able to take the classes online and then transfer their credits to their university. This would help students continue their learning as well as finish university at their own pace, whether that is faster or slower.

Online learning teaches you self-discipline and responsibility as you are on your own physically.  You would need to self-motivate yourself and manage your time properly in order to stay focused on deadlines. These skills wont only benefit you during your studies, but they will also be an advantage in the workplace that would make you stand out.

Other than that, attaining your education online gives you more options regarding what you want to study. You would be able to choose the field that you are truly interested in without any location restrictions.

Some might assume that online learning means no interaction whatsoever with other students and professors. But that is not the case, as online courses provide chat forums or any form of discussion sites through which students would discuss class material, exchange ideas and learn from each other. Furthermore, students can join virtual study groups on Google Hangout or Join Me. This would all help you in exchanging ideas and get questions answered on topics that you were stuck on.

All in all, online learning provides several benefits that would help you save money, time, focus more, develop new skills, have greater flexibility and convenience, study at your own pace, learn self-discipline, responsibility and self-motivation.

Sources:

https://online.illinois.edu/articles/online-learning/item/2017/06/05/5-benefits-of-studying-online-(vs.-face-to-face-classroom)

Date accessed: (December 5,2019)

https://www.straighterline.com/blog/34-top-secret-benefits-of-studying-online/

Date accessed: (December 6,2019)

https://oedb.org/ilibrarian/10-advantages-to-taking-online-classes/

Date accessed: (December 6, 2019)

There are various factors to take into consideration when applying for a loan through the government of Canada. To begin with, applicants should be advised that the Canadian government uses a logarithm to calculate the amount of funds they choose to allocate to selected applicants, in keeping with various considerations, including the demographic profile of applicants, applicants' total household income, the cost of the program for which prospective students are applying, and other auxiliary considerations. One of the notable advantages of applying for funding through the canadian government is the government's lenient policy vis-à-vis loan repayment. That is, if selected, loan recipients are only required to begin to pay off their loans after having completed their academic course of study. However, students are advised to exert due diligence when utilizing their allocated funding, and are strongly advised to adhere to a predetermined budget whenever possible.

How does it work in my province?

The provincial and territorial branches of the government of Canada work hand in hand to dispense grants and loans to selected applicants. In Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, federal and provincial bodies collaborate with one another, dispensing Integrated Student Loans to select students enrolled in post-secondary institutions. In Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, consolidated student loans are available alongside province- and territory-specific financial programs and incentives. The provinces of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Quebec are excluded from this list, however, as these provinces are know to have their own unique student loan programs. Bear in mind that the Yukon only provides consolidated student loans and territorial grants to permanent residents.

What if my funding is insufficient?

In the event that the recipient of a Canadian student loan deem their funding to be insufficient, students are advised to reapply for additional funding through their local student bureau prior to the commencement of the school year. Students are advised to bear in mind that the precise amount of allocated funding may differ from one year to the next, and that funds, unlike grants, are required to be repaid to applicants in full. Moreover, as not all applicants for Canadian student loans are selected in any given year, prospective students are advised to allow sufficient time prior to the start of their school term to ensure that they can secure alternative sources of funding if required. Applying for student lines of credit and investing in savings' accounts are two common avenues through which students often fund their studies in Canada. Student lines of credit are especially prized for boasting low interest rates, which require students only to pay interest on credit amassed while enrolled in a given program.

When am I required to pay back my loan?

In the case of government student loans, selected recipients are only obliged to begin repaying their loan after they have graduated from their respective programs. However, loan recipients are obliged to provide written documentation to the necessary government bodies each academic term as proof of their continued enrollment in their course of study. To this end, students are expected to bring an official form to the registrar’s office associated with the post-secondary institution at which they are enrolled at the start of each semester. Furthermore, the canadian student loan program allows recipients a grace period for the first few months following graduation before expecting them to begin to repay their loans. The interest rate associated with government students loans is deliberately low in the effort not to discourage prospective students from a wide range of income brackets and socioeconomic backgrounds from applying. To this end, loan recipients are permitted to pay off their loans in stress-free repayment programs over the period of several years when necessary.

Every year, thousands of students benefit from grants and bursaries in order to fund their studies in Canada. If you are interested in applying for a Grant or Bursary in order to enable you to study at a Canadian University, there are a few things you need to know.

Applying for Grants and Bursaries

Bursaries are usually awarded by universities based on a student's financial needs, so you need to make sure that you can make a convincing argument of your financial situation and provide evidence to support your application. Government Grants are also awarded through the Canada Student Grants Program, and are available to students from low and middle-income families who are enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at a designated post-secondary institution.

Deadlines for Grants and Bursaries

Deadlines are really important as many grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. That’s why you need to complete your FAFSA early. After making sure that you get your application in on time, if you are awarded a Grant or Bursary, you need to confirm that you accept it by the date specified on your offer letter, otherwise you will lose it.

Are Grants and Bursaries Taxable?

Generally speaking, Grants and Bursaries aren’t considered to be taxable income if the funds were used to study or do research on a degree program. However, they may be subject to tax if they were awarded for general living expenses to a non-degree student. To file your taxes, you need to fill in the relevant section on your tax return with a T4A, which will be issued from your university. 

Do I have to pay back a Grant or a Bursary?

Grants and Bursaries are awarded on the basis of financial need, but do not have to be paid back, unlike student loans. Having said that, there may be instances where you will be required to repay part or all of the grant funds. For example, if you withdraw from school before finishing the enrollment period that you got the money from or change from full-time to part-time study, you will need to repay whatever the university demands.

Am I entitled to a Grant or Bursary if I have a disability?

Financial help in the form of Government Grants is available if you meet the requirements and include all relevant medical certificates and documents in your application. If you want to study at a university in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut or Quebec, you will have to make an application to these provinces directly.

Does my Grant or Bursary cover me for each year of study?

You will need to apply for a renewed grant every new academic year. If your circumstances change from one year to the next, you will need to fill in all of the necessary details each time you apply. Similarly, merit-based grants may not be guaranteed every year either and  may depend on your GPA or or other criteria.

If you are offered grants for college, make sure you understand all the requirements and how you can qualify in the future!

For more information on Bursaries and Sponsorships, you can read our article here.

Sources:

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans.html

Date accessed: (March 30, 2020)

CAMPUS ACCESS: https://www.campusaccess.com/financial-aid/canada-student-grants.html

Date accessed: (March 30, 2020)

UNIVERSITYSTUDYCA:

https://www.universitystudy.ca/plan-for-university/scholarships-grants-and-bursaries-for-canadian-students/

Date accessed: (March 30, 2020)

INTUIT TURBOTAX: https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tips/when-to-claim-bursary-grants-5586

Date accessed: (March 30, 2020)

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Canada is an amazing place to study, where you will discover new friends, new experiences and new horizons. It’s a hub of excellence in learning, with state-of-the-art facilities, highly trained academic staff and a wide range of study courses for all.

Why study in Canada?

It has some of the best universities in the world and is ranked at #1 for quality of life. Here, you will find the perfect balance of study-living and leave with an education from one of the top internationally recognised institutions in the world.

Whether you choose a big city campus or a smaller community college, you will be welcomed with open arms and join thousands of International students, just like yourself. With great education and career opportunities, your future just got brighter!

And not only that! Canada is a truly beautiful country just waiting for you to explore. Do you want to discover the great outdoors, try your first attempt at skiing, or just enjoy the rich wildlife? Or maybe you want to dive into the vibrant city life and experience the multicultural vibes - you can do it all!

Outstanding Education in Canada

Canada has been offering top quality education for years and is now recognized the world over as having an outstanding education system, with academic excellence at it heart. Out of its 250 universities, 11 were on the list of the world’s best in 2018, meaning that your education carries prestige wherever you go.

You will study in modern facilities, where cutting-edge research is carried out with highly qualified academics, giving you the opportunity to excel! The world really is your oyster with the opportunities on offer. This is your chance to follow your dreams and achieve your goals in an environment that encourages you all the way.

A unique cultural experience

Canadians are warm and hospitable, and are eager to share their culture with you. Our universities and colleges hosted over 600,000 International students in 2019, so you will be immersed in a diverse world and get so much more out of it than just a degree. We believe that education is not only about attending classes - it’s about making new life stories! And Canada is also known for being one of the safest countries in the world for International students, with a society based on respect for human rights and democracy.

Quality of life and cost of living

Canada is a fantastic place to study, live and work, with great university cities organised around student life, and a relatively low cost of living compared to other Anglo-speaking countries like the US or the UK. Student discounts on travel and in stores makes things easier on the wallet, and there are plenty of organised  activities for you to try out, things to see and places to go. Studying in Canada promises to offer you a unique experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Your success is our goal

No matter how long your course of study in Canada, we equip you with the knowledge and skills to go even further. You may decide to stay and embark on your career here, and there is plenty of information and guidance about how to do just that. Our mission is to help you to grow, learn and succeed and with a qualification from one of our universities, you are definitely on the right path.

So, what are you waiting for? Discover new horizons in Canada!

Sources:

EDUCANADA: https://www.educanada.ca/why-canada-pourquoi/reasons-raisons.aspx?lang=eng

TOP UNIVERSITIES: https://www.topuniversities.com/qs-world-university-rankings

UNIVERSITY STUDY in Canada:

https://www.universitystudy.ca/plan-for-university/eight-reasons-why-university-studies-in-canada-make-sense/

STUDY IN CANADA: https://www.studyincanada.com/AboutCanada/Index.aspx

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What's the difference between scholarships and bursaries?

A scholarship is a financial award that may be granted on the basis of your academic or athletic achievements, or by taking into consideration any extra-curricular involvement and special abilities. A bursary is a financial award given to students in financial need. During the application process, you will need to prove why you require financial assistance, accompanied by supporting documents.

Is it easy to get a scholarship?

Some scholarships are awarded automatically to students with a high academic performance and there can be a lot of competition. Other scholarships require you to make an application, which you will find on the university's website.

Is it easy to get a bursary?

If you fall into the category of someone who has a financial need, you can apply for a bursary. Your application will also be considered based on any statements that you attach as evidence of your financial situation. If you are a new or returning student, check the university’s website to see when they are accepting applications and what deadlines have been designated. Applying for a bursary doesn’t guarantee that you will be awarded one.

What scholarships or bursaries are available to new students?

If you are a new student and have been accepted onto a Bachelor’s program, you may be eligible for an Entrance Scholarship or Entrance Bursary. The faculties process applications for Entrance Scholarships during the admissions period in spring/summer and the selection is usually automatic, based on your academic standing.

If you have been accepted onto a Bachelor’s program and are interested in receiving an Entrance Bursary, you need to make an application online in spring detailing why you need financial aid, along with any supporting documents. Acceptance into the university does not guarantee that you will automatically receive a bursary

Are there any scholarships or bursaries available for returning students?

Returning students can apply for In-Course Scholarships and In-Course Bursaries, which are automatically allocated each fall according to Assessment Grade Point Average. For In-Course Bursaries, applicants must submit an application online in spring accompanied by supporting documents.

I’m an international student. Can I still apply for a scholarship or bursary?

Each year several scholarships and bursaries are available for international students, with varying criteria at most universities. You can check on each university website to see if there is something that is open to you.

When is the decision made to offer scholarships?

For Entrance Scholarships, the Faculty usually makes the decision during the admissions procedure from spring until summer. If you are applying for an In-Course Scholarship, you should hear from the university in October, once the Undergraduate Awarding Body has come to a decision.

When is the decision made to offer bursaries?

Usually the decision to offer Entrance Bursaries is made in July and applications for In-Course Bursaries are assessed later on, around August.

Who decides which students receive scholarships?

The university’s Undergraduate Awards Office informs the Faculties about any available scholarships and their value for Entrance Scholarships. The Faculties will then assess applications and select scholarship recipients during the admissions period. In-Course Scholarships are awarded by the Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards Committee based on a top Last Annual Grade Point Average.

Who decides which students receive bursaries?

A Committee made up of staff from different departments within the university  will select suitable candidates for Entrance Bursaries and In-Course Bursaries, with the approval of the Undergraduate Awards Office.

Can a department recommend someone for a scholarship or bursary?

In most cases, the departments do not  make individual recommendations for scholarships or bursaries, although they may occasionally be asked to give candidate evaluations by the Undergraduate Awards Office.

How will I be notified if I am awarded a scholarship?

If you are successful, the decision about your Entrance Scholarship will be sent to you in a letter by the Faculty although you may not receive any notification if your application was unsuccessful. Recipients of In-Course Scholarship awards  will also be notified in writing. If you have not heard anything concerning your application, you should contact the university.

How will I be notified if I am awarded a bursary?

You will be notified in writing as soon as the selection committee has made its final decision.

How much money will I receive for a scholarship or bursary?

Each available scholarship and bursary is for differing amounts and will depend on the awarding body. The average value usually ranges from about $1,200 to $2,400, but some begin at $500 and could be in excess of $7,000.

How many scholarships or bursaries can I get?

Usually, you will only be entitled to one scholarship or bursary at a time, although exceptions may be made if the awarding Committee determines that the award you already receive is of a low value.

What are the requirements for receiving a scholarship?

In most cases, scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic performance. For scholarships where an application is required, the selection Committee will take into account things like your academic performance plus additional factors, depending on the merits of other applicants applying for the same scholarship.

What are the requirements for receiving a bursary?

Bursaries are awarded by the selection Committee based on several factors, including first and foremost the financial situation of each applicant, as well as their academic performance. Personal statements and supporting documentation are also taken into consideration, and assessed in respect to applications from other bursary seekers.

How do I confirm acceptance of my scholarship or bursary?

If you are fortunate enough to be granted an Entrance Scholarship or Entrance Bursary, you will receive an offer letter informing you of the deadline for acceptance. If you miss the deadline, the offer will be cancelled. If you are awarded an In-Course Scholarship or In-Course Bursary, a deadline will be stipulated in the written offer that you receive.

Am I eligible for a scholarship at a university if I already have one from another source?

Your eligibility for receiving a scholarship from a university will not necessarily be affected just because you are already receiving financial assistance from another source.

Can only students who are enrolled in full-time study receive a scholarship or bursary?

Most scholarships and bursaries are awarded on the basis that the applicant is enrolled in a full-time study program and that he or she meets the full-time credit load requirement. In some cases, scholarships and bursaries may be available to part-time students, in which case the student's credit load will be viewed accordingly.

Do I have to pay tax on a scholarship or bursary?

You are obliged to declare your scholarship or bursary funds on your tax return in the appropriate section. You should receive a T4A tax slip from your university for this purpose.

Can I renew my scholarship or bursary?

Scholarships and bursaries are usually one-off awards and not automatically renewable. However, you should contact your Undergraduate Awards Office on the off chance that yours may be renewable, based on certain criteria.  

Can I regain my scholarship or bursary if I lose it?

Most likely, no, unless you feel that it was lost due to extenuating circumstances (such as illness etc.), in which case you should contact your Undergraduate Awards Office.

Will one university match a higher entrance scholarship from another university?

Each university has its own criteria for the amount of funds awarded, which are set and most likely not open to negotiation.

Can I transfer my scholarship or bursary to another university?

Usually, Entrance Scholarships and Entrance Bursaries are not transferable and the awarding university will expect you to complete one year of study at its school before considerations can be made for transferring you to an In-Course Scholarship or In-Course Bursary.

Are graduate students eligible for scholarships or other awards?

Your Undergraduate Awards Office can inform you of any additional awards that may be open to existing students or for those seeking postgraduate study.

When do I need to apply for an undergraduate scholarship or bursary?

Although each university is different, the application deadline is usually around May of each year for Entrance Scholarships and September for In-Course Bursaries.

Can I apply for a scholarship or bursary if I am on an exchange or a work term?

If you are on an Authorized Exchange Programs or Work Study Semester, you can still apply for a sponsorship or bursary, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Where can I find out more?

Make sure to check the university website regularly in the section dealing with news about awards.

Accreditation is how a school or program is evaluated, based on a set of standards. These standards tend to fall under certain criteria: the school’s “mission” or objectives, its student admission requirements, student services, value of education and the reputation of its faculty. Accreditation determines the value of your education, which ensures that your degree is recognized by other universities, employers, associations and governments worldwide. Additionally, accredited schools have certain benefits, such as some types of financial aid and the ability to transfer your credits to another school for further education. Moreover, there’s a kind of accreditation, known as “programmatic accreditation”, which you should look for if you are going into a career-focused program, as it’s an accreditation focused on one specific program.

There are different accreditation programs, with the top six US agencies being Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Northwest Commission of Schools and Colleges, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, you should be aware that if you require a US Student Visa then you can only apply to SEVP-approved institutions. SEVP which stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Program, is a certification by the Department of Homeland Security and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

It’s important to note that some schools don’t fall under the traditional process for accreditation and therefore don’t qualify for accreditation. Although people tend to worry about the quality of education of online schools more than others, online learning programs actually qualify for accreditation just like any other program. There are some steps that you can take in order to find out whether a school – online or not - is accredited. First of all, you should search the US Department of Education database which entails a “Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs”. If the school you’re looking for doesn’t appear, then try entering it in a different format. For example, enter the school’s full name instead of its abbreviation. After finding the school, learn more about the accreditation that it’s received as well as the contact information for the agency which is the institution that is responsible for the university’s accreditation. However, don’t rely entirely on this database, as it may not include all schools; it may be incomplete or dated.

If your school isn’t found in the US Department of Education database, then you can either check the school’s website and contact them directly, or check the six main accrediting agencies mentioned above. Although these agencies are based in the US, they can help you in gathering more information about schools outside the US as well. If you contact the school directly, you should definitely ask for proof of the accreditation to ensure that you are not getting scammed.

There are some red flags that could possibly indicate that the school you’re interested in isn’t accredited. These include an up-front requirement of a significant financial commitment and pressure to enroll, or even a lack of any evidence of student services at the school. It’s also important to check whether the accreditations for any particular school have been renewed and are current.

Sources:

https://www.50states.com/college-resources/accreditation.htm

Date accessed: (November 09,2019)

https://www.topdegreesonline.org/faq/how-can-i-find-out-if-an-online-college-is-accredited/

Date accessed: (November 09,2019)

https://online.maryville.edu/admissions/accreditation-guide/

Date accessed: (November 09,2019)

Online degrees are now provided by two-year community colleges and four-year universities entailing both associates’ and bachelors’ degrees. There are different formats for online degrees, which include a fully online program (which is self-explanatory) and the “hybrid” program. The hybrid program combines both online and campus-based classes. It is most suitable for majors that need hands-on-classes, such as engineering, as well as those that require internships.

Due to the flexibility of online degrees, the length of the program can vary greatly as they are self-paced; they can be as fast or slow as the student desires. Typically, an online bachelors’ degree takes two-and-a-half years, which is much less than time than needed for on-campus students. While an online masters’ degree usually takes two years to complete, it can be completed more quickly at certain universities that offer more intense accelerated programs.

Enrolling in an online degree is similar in some ways, yet different than enrolling in traditional campus-based degree programs. Students are required to submit an application including transcripts and proof that they meet the program’s requirements. After acceptance, students meet with an online advisor to confirm their selection and register for the program. As for the admission requirements themselves, they are wholly dependent on the institution itself - not on whether it’s a traditional degree or an online degree.

Virtual classrooms are conducted through a website that integrates email, streaming audio and video, forums and instant messenger. In some cases, universities use a Voice Over IP to create a more traditional learning experience to allow both students and professors to engage in real time. When it comes to class participation, this tends to occur through students’ posting on class discussion boards a specific number of times, or by working on assignments or projects with fellow students. However, in a hybrid program, students can participate during the days when they attend physical classes.

Exam-taking for an online degree can be done in numerous ways. The first option is the regular proctored in-person exam, which would be possible if the students live near campus. If that is not to be the case, there would be arrangements made such as designated official schools nearby or testing centers for the exam. Another option would be to do online exams that are monitored through webcams or other software. The third option and latest option is an online exam monitored by computers. This is the most flexible, but it requires the student to have a computer, reliable internet connection, webcam and microphone. 

Online degree programs share some similarities with traditional degree programs but are different in their own way. We can safely say that the process of enrolling in an online program is very similar to that of a traditional program. The learning style itself, and exam-taking, are the major difference between the two.

Sources:

https://study.com/articles/How_Does_an_Online_Degree_Work.html

Date accessed: (November 23, 2019)

https://www.usnews.com/education/online-learning-lessons/articles/2016-05-20/3-ways-online-students-might-take-exams

Date accessed: (November 25,2019)

If you are looking for a scholarship or financial aid for your studies, there are literally hundreds of online sources, with both government funding and private funds available.  What you don’t want to fall victim to is some sort of scam, which may ask you to pay for the service of applying for a scholarship or even asking you for some sort of deposit.

Here are some useful tips if you want to avoid scamming altogether.

1. Remember - no authorised and responsible institution will charge you anything for enquiring about financial aid, or for applying for funds.
2. Money up front/ Application Fee - Never send money up front for an application fee - if you are asked to do so, this is definitely a scam!
3. Loan Fees - When applying for a loan, if a company asks you for a loan fee before they will release the money to you, don't go through with it. Companies add fees to your loan balance and would never ask you to pay upfront.
4. Guaranteed Scholarships - There is no such thing as a guaranteed scholarship and any company that  says they will guarantee you one on payment of a fee will never get back to you.
5. Company/ Scholarship Names - If you see a scholarship service or company that is using words like "official", "national", "government" or other governmental or official sounding names be careful. They are most probably trying to sound official to cover up the scam.
6. Phishing schemes - It may be that you get an email, a phone call or an SMS message, asking you for details like your name, address, social security number etc, along with a  link to an application form on a website. This is actually a “phishing site” designed to steal your information. In general, you should never give your personal details to anyone, unless you trust them implicitly!
7. Lottery-based scholarships - If you are asked to complete a survey in return for entry into a prize draw (the prize being a scholarship) be very careful. The company providing the scholarship is making money off the information you provide by selling it to third parties. Your chances of winning are very slim and are not based on merit.
8. Ask yourself, "Is it too good to be true?" Although you may want to believe that your dream has just come true, use your common sense and do some research on the organisation involved.
9. In general, never pay money - Things like application fees and service fees will be free for legitimate scholarships and you will never be asked to pay money.
10. Check them out - If you have a scholarship offer that is asking for money up front, contact them personally. Real companies will be transparent in their services, location etc while scammers will usually be hard to get hold of.

Lastly, always make sure that you are applying to an authorised university and that you go through their official channels when you send your personal details. You can find a comprehensive list of secondary education institutions on UniRank

Sources:

COMPARITECH: https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/scholarship-scams/

Date accessed: (March 08, 2020)

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT: https://www.internationalstudent.com/international-financial-aid/scholarship-scams/

Date accessed: (March 08, 2020)

CAPPEX: https://www.cappex.com/articles/money/beware-of-scholarship-scams

Date accessed: (March 08, 2020)

UNIRANK: https://www.4icu.org/ca/a-z/

Date accessed: (March 08, 2020)

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Avoid scams when applying for scholarships in Canada

When it comes to selecting the online program that best suits you, there are a variety of factors to look at such as the field itself, learning formats, enrollment requirements, accreditation and certain technical requirements.

When it comes to the program and field itself, online programs are offered at different levels. There are online associates, bachelors, masters, doctoral degrees as well as course certificates. These degrees are available in different fields such as nursing, education, finance, social work and more. To determine which degree program a student should opt for, it depends on the previous degrees that the student has attained and the field that they are interested in. For example, some people just want to grow a specific skill and therefore opt for a course certificate. Others on the other hand, might want to expand their knowledge and expertise in a certain area and opt for a master’s degree program.

Other than that, there are different learning formats such as entirely online programs and hybrid programs. Hybrid programs consist of both online courses as well as on-campus courses. A hybrid program tends to be the optimal situation for those who want a full time on-campus education but don’t have the time to do so. While the entirely online courses tend to more suitable for those that don’t want to attend courses on campus or live far away or don’t have the time.

When it comes to enrollment requirements, it completely depends on the school that is offering the program. In addition, students should consider whether the school that they are applying to has certain credit transfer policies. Some schools award students who have work experience with some credits.

Just like any other program, online programs get accredited. Accreditation is a process through which learning institutions are evaluated based on a set of standards. There are six main regional accrediting bodies which are The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and The Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Whether the school or program in specific is accredited would be important for the student especially since some fields highly value accreditation. Thus, the student must look into what accreditation is best for their field and what the job requirements tend to be when it comes to accreditation.

Besides that, students need to consider certain technical requirements such as having a computer with internet access, certain software, drive, headphones and so on. This would be crucial in some cases as to get access to material, class discussions, activities, assignments and examinations.

All in all, students should look at several factors when looking at different online degree programs in order to be able to choose what is best for them.  

Sources:

https://study.com/articles/Finding_the_Online_Program_that_Best_Suits_Your_Needs.html

Date accessed: (December 17, 2019)

https://www.umeacademy.com/2019/09/24/how-to-find-online-degree-programs-that-best-suits-your-needs/

Date accessed: (December 18, 2019)