Financial Aid - Scholarships, Bursaries, Loans


	General Tips on Scholarships Scholarship Letters of Application Post-secondary Education and Training Upgrading Career Technical Centres Apprenticeship Entry Level Trades Training Public Post-secondary Institutions British Columbia Canada US and Foreign Countries Private Post-secondary Institutions Program Choices Distance Education Opportunities Tips on Post-secondary Applications How to Apply Financial Aid - Scholarships, Bursaries, Loans Frequently Asked Questions

Attending a post-secondary institution costs money. Luckily there are many sources of financial aid to help students and parents with the costs. This section will help you understand the types of financial aid available, find out specific information about thousands of scholarships and help you to apply for all types of financial aid. There are also specific tips on applying for scholarships and suggestions for letters of application.

The Ministry of Advanced Education has information about StudentAid BC. StudentAid BC helps eligible students with the cost of their post-secondary education through loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships and special programs. Most StudentAid BC programs are based on need, providing financial assistance where students and their immediate families do not have the resources to meet the costs of post-secondary education and basic living expenses. StudentAid BC also offers scholarships based on merit. StudentAid BC administers programs on behalf of the Government of Canada including Canada study grants, Canada access grants and the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation bursary.

Secondary Students can obtain information about a variety of awards available to BC students by searching BC Awards Online. This comprehensive, online database of scholarships, awards and bursaries includes awards available from government, post-secondary institutions, private industry, and non-profit organizations and is searchable by school district, career area, keyword or deadline date. This site also explains the differences between various types of awards.

The Canada Student Loans web site has general information about student loans and provides links to each province's student loan information site.

The Student Awards site will search for and provide information on financial aid tailored to your location and interests. Although free, the site requires that you register so that you can be emailed with information about financial aid. This site also has information for parents about tax aspects of post-secondary education expenses.

The Scholarships Canada web site has a searchable database for scholarships across the country. This site is free, but requires that you register so that you can be sent information updates about awards.

General Tips on Scholarships

Survey the range of scholarships available.
Determine which scholarships are realistically available by consulting the application criteria and deadlines pertinent to each scholarship.
Maintain a high Grade Point Average (GPA). Note those scholarships for which candidates are screened according to GPA. (In some cases the relevant GPA may be based on grades achieved in a specialty area over a two-year period.)
Begin the application procedure early in the school year (September, or no later than October). The process of acquiring an application form, completing the form, gathering letters of reference and recommendations, and returning all relevant documents can take a considerable length of time. Remember that applications for out-of-province scholarships may take extra time to complete.
Chart the scholarships for which you intend to apply, making special note of the deadlines for each. This exercise will help you establish your own personal timeline.
Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Note those for which you can make one application for several scholarships and those for which you must apply individually.
Apply for a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you do not have one. Recipients of scholarships are often required to have one.
Prepare a letter of application early in the school year. Review and rewrite this letter a number of times throughout the year. In many cases, the initial screening of candidates will be based on the letter of application. Make sure you keep a copy of the letter for future reference.

Scholarship Letters of Application

The content of your letter should follow the format suggested by the individual institution. Make certain that the letter is neat and legible and use 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, one side only. Include all relevant information, paying attention to details specified on the application forms. Keep the tone of the letter businesslike - be straight forward and concise. This letter should usually contain:

a brief outline of your interests, hobbies, and activities;
a brief summary of positions and offices held by you in school, youth organizations, and the community;
a short statement of your purposes in seeking to attend a post-secondary institution;
information concerning awards, scholarships, and prizes you have won in any field;
details of your employment in the last two years (including part-time and summer employment).

Last Update: July 09, 2007