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.