Entrance awards
Given by a college or university when you are admitted. Some are automatic, some need an essay. Read the stacking rules.
Funding
Scholarships: plan as if you will not get one
Awards exist, but many are partial and competitive. Build a plan that works without them, then treat any award as a bonus.
- Independent counselling
- Free first consultation
- Walk-in office, Brampton ON
Until an award is in writing, it is not part of your budget.
Build your core plan from the college's fee schedule and your family's funds. Add scholarships only when you have them in writing.
Open the cost guideLook in more than one place
Look in more than one place
Look in more than one place
A good first source is usually the college or university you are applying to. Check the program page, the international admissions page and the student awards office.
Outside the college, look for provincial programs, home-country sponsors and professional associations in your field. Always read the funder's own page. Names and rules change.
Where we fit
Funding for a study permit is an immigration matter. Read the IRCC page and speak to a licensed professional. We help you choose a program. We do not apply for awards for you.
Start at the college
Its own pages list awards that general websites miss.
Types of aid
Labels differ by college. Check whether an award is automatic, competitive or limited to certain students.
Types of aid
Types of aid
Labels differ by college. Check whether an award is automatic, competitive or limited to certain students.
Program or faculty awards
Tied to one department or program. Deadlines can come before the general application deadline.
Government and sponsor programs
Some home-country programs ask you to return and work there afterwards. Read the terms and declare them honestly.
Graduate funding
Master's and doctoral programs may offer teaching or research work. Ask what is promised in writing.
Bursaries from the student office
International student offices often list smaller awards and emergency funds with their own rules.
One habit for all of them
Read the funder's own page, not a summary on another site.
Applying well
Applying well
Applying well
Reviewers read many applications. Clear, specific and on time is what helps.
- Convert every deadline to your local time zone.
- Write each essay for that award's criteria. Reviewers notice recycled text.
- Ask referees early and give them your résumé and the award details.
- Check word limits and file formats, and paste your text into a plain document first.
- Upload a day or two early and keep the receipt.
- Give one specific example per point rather than general words about leadership.
When to do what
Four moments, in order.
When to do what
When to do what
Four moments, in order.
- Step 1
Well before you apply
List awards you could be eligible for. Note each deadline next to your application deadlines.
- Step 2
When you apply
Ask whether you are considered automatically. Ask who writes letters for you, and how early they need to know.
- Step 3
After an offer
Read how the award is paid and what you must keep up, such as a grade level or course load.
- Step 4
After you arrive
Visit the international student office. New awards and bursaries are posted during the year.
Questions to ask the college
Bring these to every college and note the answers side by side.
Questions to ask the college
Questions to ask the college
Bring these to every college and note the answers side by side.
| Ask | Why it matters | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Which awards can an international student apply for? | Some awards are for domestic students only. | Award pages and the international admissions page. |
| Are they automatic, or do I apply separately? | A separate application has its own deadline. | The award page or admissions office. |
| Can I hold more than one award at the same time? | Stacking rules differ by award. | The award terms, in writing. |
| What must I keep up each year? | Many awards ask for a grade level or course load. | The award terms. |
| Is it paid to the college or to me? | It changes when you can use the money. | The student awards office. |
| Where are bursaries posted after I arrive? | New funds appear during the year. | The international student office. |
Declare any award, as each form asks
Say it plainlyDeclare any award, as each form asks
Tell the college and your forms about any award, as each form asks. Hiding aid can cause problems with the award and with your wider file.
Read the study permit guide and speak to a licensed professional for immigration questions.
Mistakes to avoid
Mistakes to avoid
Mistakes to avoid
None of these need special skill to prevent. They need an early start.
Plan togetherPaying rent from an award you do not have yet
Plan tuition and living costs without it, and treat an award as a bonus.
Not declaring an award
Follow the instructions on each form and each award's rules.
Uploading at the last minute
Portals fail. Finish early and save the confirmation.
General essays
One specific, dated example is stronger than a list of qualities.
Your funding plan on one page
Your funding plan on one page
- Your profileGrades, activities, work and any financial need.
- Plan without awardsTuition and rent covered by funds you already have.
- Matching awardsRead each award's eligibility on the funder's page.
- Consistent storyEssays, references and your application should agree.
An award is a bonus. A plan that works without it is the plan.
Immigration questions go to IRCC or a licensed professional
Visa Master Canada is an RCIC partner you can retain directly. We do not give immigration advice.
Funding questions
Awards are competitive. Immigration funding rules are set by IRCC.
Independent advice
Study Master Canada provides education counselling and, with your approval, prepares and submits your college applications. We do not give immigration advice or prepare immigration applications. Regulated immigration work, including study permit applications, appeals, spouse work permits and PR pathways, is handled only by a licensed RCIC partner, Visa Master Canada, when you retain them directly. We are not affiliated with any government.
Talk to a counsellor before you decide
A free first conversation about programs, costs and next steps. No obligation, and you make every application yourself.
Book free counselling
Mon–Fri, 9:30am–6:30pm ET. Walk-in office: Unit 1805, 83 Kennedy Road South, Brampton, ON L6W 3N7.