Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries
Post-secondary education is expensive. Financial assistance is available in various forms including scholarships, awards, bursaries, government loans (OSAP) and student bank loans.
Scholarships
Scholarships and awards are financial gifts that are provided by educational institutes, private companies, community agencies and donors. Generally, scholarships are awarded to students based on high academic achievement but additional criteria may also be required. Such criteria may be demonstrated school and/or community leadership. Awards may require high academic achievement but often acknowledge significant contributions that you have made outside of the classroom. When applying for a scholarship or an award, you may need to provide:
- Current resume
- Current transcript
- Reference letters (provide sufficient time for people you are asking to write a letter on your behalf)
- Personal profile
- 500 or longer word essay
Where to Look for Scholarships and Awards
The following websites provide scholarship information:
- https://scholartree.ca/
- https://www.scholarshipscanada.com/
- www.ontariocolleges.ca
- https://www.ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca/
- https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/community/awards/#tabs-111
- specific sites provided by the college or university to which you are applying
In addition, check:
- Financing Your Education: Scholarship/Awards/Bursaries/OSAP section of the Guidance: Nora Frances Henderson HUB course https://hwdsb.elearningontario.ca/d2l/le/lessons/24040675/units/203598178
- Parents’, or your, place of employment
Bursaries
Bursaries are monetary gifts awarded to students who typically demonstrate financial need or hardship. The above sources for scholarships also apply to bursaries.
Government Loans (OSAP)
The Ontario Government offers financial assistance to students by means of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loan. You must apply for OSAP and disclose personal financial information. Based on determined need, you may/may not receive assistance. The loan must be repaid and is interest free until six months after graduation. After the six-month period, interest is charged. In certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a debt-relief payment option.
The OSAP website is
https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program
Updated on Friday, October 27, 2023.