Scholarship FAQ

Why are scholarships available?
Who is eligible for scholarships?
Who administers scholarships?
How do I get a scholarship?
How long do scholarships last?
Who can help me find more scholarship information?

Why are scholarships available?
It seems too good to be true - all this money offered out of nowhere just for you. But, scholarships have a distinct purpose. They are available to not only foster your reputation, but also your school's. Awards and scholarships are a way of attracting and keeping students that will make valuable contributions to an institution. Scholarships, like internships and fellowships, can also be a way of preparing students to be productive representatives of their college or university upon graduation. Or, sometimes scholarships are awarded by companies to help employees and their families fund their education.

Who is eligible for scholarships?
There's a scholarship out there for everyone. They are awarded at all levels for students of all disciplines and backgrounds. Some you may have to apply for, while others you may automatically be considered for. The criteria for these awards vary. Academic achievement is not always mandatory for eligibility. Often, students who participate in school or community activities can win scholarships based largely on their extra curricular involvement. Likewise, students with specific talents, hobbies, ethnic backgrounds or family affiliations can meet award qualifications.

Who administers scholarships?
You may think of schools as being the only administrators of awards. However, there are many other kinds of institutions and groups that provide and facilitate scholarships. Sometimes you have to apply directly to these organizations, not your school. Examples of administrators include governments, trade unions, companies, corporations and individuals.

How do I get a scholarship?
Apply. It's that simple. Many students assume that they won't win, so they don't bother to apply. That's why many scholarships go untouched each year. Once you've identified which awards you qualify for, read over and carefully fill out the applications, gather any additional documentation and send them in early. Check out our Cool Tips and Application Checklist to find out more about how to apply for scholarships.

How long do scholarships last?
As if getting money isn't good enough, there are scholarships that extend beyond the initial amount that you were awarded. These scholarships are renewable. Yet, many of them are conditional upon maintaining a high academic average or an uninterrupted course of full-time studies. Some of these scholarships renew automatically, while others do not. The number of years or semesters that they last also differs.

Who can help me find more scholarship information?
There's lots of help out there - it just a matter of talking to the right people. If you're a high school student, you can speak to your guidance counsellor or contact the financial aid officers at the colleges or universities you're considering. If you're already in university, you can speak to either your school's financial aid officer or your department. Don't be shy - that's what they're there for!