Eligibility Requirements
Different scholarships have different eligibility criterion.
Some are about grades (‘entrance scholarships’) and are automatically calculated upon your acceptance at an institution. Some scholarships are focused on qualitative attributes such as, who you are, goals, experiences, etc.
Consider the following Application Tips when researching awards & scholarships:
- Research your options ASAP to familiarize yourself with deadlines and requirements (eg. mandatory essays), regardless of when you plan to attend University
- Apply well before the application deadline (late apps are not considered)
- Take the time to learn who will be reading your letter and address it to them directly (be cordial and polite, thanking them for their time in considering you for the award)
- Always apply if you qualify, regardless of your grades
- Scholarships and bursaries are awarded year round, so keep researching them
- Seek advice from older students; they may know potential providers not on your radar
- Community involvement reads very well on an application
- Look for smaller, obscure awards; these often have fewer applicants
- Keep a copy of your scholarship application, and essay (if applicable)
- Keep a copy of recommendation and transcripts on hand for additional apps
- Follow-up with award provider before the deadline to make sure your application was received
- Thank the donor, when appropriate
- If you move, advise the scholarship provider of your change of address
- As soon as an application has been made to a post-secondary program, research the institution’s website for the Scholarships and Awards Some awards (ie Entrance Awards for students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree program) do not require applications. Many awards (ie: require application and sometimes biographical essays, recommendations, etc. Deadlines are important.
