Scholarships and Bursaries
Ancaster High School
October 1st, 2014
What is the Difference?
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Scholarships
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Marks are most important
Something you “win” by competing or achieving a
certain average
Bursary
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Financial need most important
It is more like a “gift” for a need
How Much Will School Cost?
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Each university or college requires tuition and
fees.
These can vary between institutions and
areas of study.
Each institution will also charge “student fees”
that are in addition to tuition.
Books, food, housing, parking…. Are all extra.
Average Costs
McMaster University
5. Business &
Commerce
$8,145.00
$1,145.59
$9,290.59
7. Computer,
Electrical
Software Eng.
$9,664.71
$1,135.60
$10,800.31
5. Business &
Commerce
$14,847.69
$1,153.87
$16,001.56
7. Computer,
Electrical
Software Eng.
$10,860.90
$1,074.40
$11,935.30
Queen’s University
Types of Scholarships and
Bursaries
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Require a nomination vs. direct applications
Renewable vs. non-renewable
Guaranteed vs. application required
School based vs. community based
Merit based vs. needs based
Contests
Scholarships Based on Merit
Requiring an Application
These scholarships are the focus of this
seminar because they require time, planning,
and often other people.
Step 1

Build an academic and personal record
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–
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This process has already begun and should not
stop until you are finished with college or
university.
Grades may be important in high school, college,
and university.
Community involvement may play a key role in
scholarships.
Leadership may help you out-compete other more
academic candidates.
Step 2

Be prepared
–
–
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Start researching NOW and don’t stop. New
opportunities may be just around the corner or
they may be just about to expire.
Create a resume that includes all your areas of
strength.
Build your list of references from a variety of
areas, who knows specific things about you in
various capacities.
Step 3

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Meet your deadlines – apply early.
Build in time for:
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–
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Letters of reference to be written
Mailings, required documents to be produced
Get a friend/adult to PROOFREAD.
Don’t make your poor planning someone
else’s emergency!
Step 4
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Be appreciative

Say thanks to those who were a part of your
application… even if you don’t get selected.
How to Find These Scholarships
(University Based)

www.electronicinfo.ca

Go to the university brochures/websites and look
under “scholarships and financial aid”
McMaster University
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http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/entrance.html
University of Toronto

http://apply.utoronto.ca/admawards/html/awards/mainawdpage.htm
How to Find These Scholarships
(Community Based)

Try a website designed for scholarship
searches such as:
Scholarships Canada
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http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/
Student Awards
–
http://www.studentawards.com/
How to Find These Scholarships
(Community Based)
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Ask your parents/guardians
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Employers may offer scholarships.
Service groups or community organizations may
have scholarships for children of members.
How do we help find scholarships?
Check the Ancaster High School Website:
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Start with the “Scholarship” page on the Student
Services area
Scholarships by Month gives some specific items with
reference to their due dates
Competitive Scholarships
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TD Scholarship for Community Leaders
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
University of Toronto National Scholarship
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School sponsorship only, 4 per school
Queens’ Chancellor’s Scholarship
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School sponsorship 1 per school, or direct applicant
Western University National Scholarship
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Direct applicant
School sponsorship only, 1-2 per school
Schulich Leader Scholarships (STEM)
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School sponsorship only, 1 per school
School Sponsorship
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Many of the very large scholarship funds ask
schools to choose a school-sponsored
applicant
Deadlines to seek school sponsorship are
weeks before the actual scholarship deadline
Check the Student Services’ website and
listen for announcements
The Reference Letter
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Make sure the person writing the letter:
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Knows the criteria (photocopy the criteria page for them)
Matches the criteria! (Subject teacher? Coach?
Employer?)
Provide the writer with:
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a list of your accomplishments
a copy of the scholarship application
an idea of what you expect in that letter
a copy of your resume
Scholarship Tips
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Don’t be afraid to apply BUT make sure you
do fit the criteria
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If you want the money, put in the time
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Hourly wage vs scholarship potential
How many hours of working at your job would it
take to earn the $$ offered in the scholarship?
More Scholarship Tips
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READ instructions carefully!
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Be EXACT in the format, quantity of words,
presentation of the application
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Extra does not mean better
Make a GREAT impression
Who Can Help?
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Your Guidance Counsellor
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Other teachers, coaches, group leaders
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Family
Who Can Help?
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Other scholarship WINNERS
Scholarship Forums
People in the community (especially those
involved with community events/groups)