There are thousands of scholarships out there, just waiting for someone to claim them.
Where do you find them?
First, check with your high school guidance department. They may have a package of scholarships and bursaries that you can apply for through the school board or the community.If you have a part-time job at a company, ask a manager or a supervisor if they have any scholarships available for employees. Ask you parents/guardians too if their work provides any bursaries for the children of employees. You may be surprised at what is out there!
If you volunteered on a regular basis with a particular service club, you may qualify for a bursary as well. This may be provided to you through your school, but if not, check with a member of the club to find out for sure. If your parent/guardian or even a relative is a member of a service club you may also qualify for a bursary/scholarship through that connection.
Insurance companies also offer scholarships. Talk to a guidance counsellor to see if they have any information for you or contact the company yourself.
Also pay attention to any community events or school competitions that offer scholarship money as prizes. Even if you don’t get the award, you will still gain a valuable experience.
There are also online scholarship databases that match you with the scholarships/bursaries that you qualify for. All you have to do is create an account and answer a few quick questions.
Who can apply?
You can apply for scholarships before you enter post-secondary education and while you are studying in a post-secondary program. The scholarship/bursary will specify who can apply for the award so be sure to read the requirements.
How do I apply?
The application process for scholarships varies from award to award. Sometimes you may have to complete an essay, write a poem, draw something or sometimes it can be as simple as putting your name down. How to apply for the bursary/scholarships while be expressed in great detail in the description or award summary. Be sure to read the information provided carefully. If you are confused about something, contact the company or person in charge of the award.
When to apply?
Deadlines for scholarships vary and will be specified on the award’s summary.
Scholarships for the upcoming school year don’t start to appear until late spring. But always double check the information provided on application description.
