Financial awards & bursaries FAQ

Financial awards & bursaries FAQ

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.