Applying for Scholarships
MACNEILL APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS 2024-25
Helpful Hints
See individual postings for scholarships under New Information side tab, (as scholarships are posted as they are updated).
Start researching scholarship options during grade 11 as the scholarship process begins early in your grade 12 year. Visit the scholarship and calendar sections of Ms. Mayer Career Centre Information Website: https://macneill.sd38.bc.ca/student/career-centre-information and Ms. Mayer Career Centre Facebook Page
- Volunteer on a regular basis, as many scholarships require a strong/consistent history of involvement as part of the eligibility
- Each award has unique criteria. You may have to complete an essay and/or provide school transcripts and references
- Consider a variety of smaller scholarships/awards as they may attract fewer applicants
- Have an updated resume and cover letter, that you can change for a specific scholarship
- Dedicate a specific time each week for your scholarship research
- Pay close attention to application deadline date/time, particularly if sending hardcopy documents
Types of Scholarships/Awards
1) Post-Secondary Scholarships (from the Institutions applied to):
These scholarships are contingent on accepting the offer of admission for that specific institution. The applications for these scholarships may be:
- Automatic (you are not required to submit a separate scholarship application) such as an Entrance Award
- General scholarship - applications may be required
- Faculty specific (e.g. only for Engineering students)
- Nominated - each school may nominate a limited number of students and then the student applies. (very competitive, and usually a large scholarship amount)
- Based on financial need (bursary)
2) Community, Provincial and National Scholarships – (out-of-school scholarships found on the Career Centre Website https://portal.sd38.bc.ca/public/y4q4m6k/Pages/default.aspx#/= , Ms Mayer Career Centre Facebook page, school bulletin boards))
Many groups offer scholarship/bursary opportunities to high school students such as unions, clubs, businesses, associations, sports groups, organizations and so on. Students should consider their individual situation to see if any opportunities are available through their skills, involvement or family. Criteria for each of these opportunities varies including artistic ability, academic performance, community service, leadership, athletics, financial need, etc.
Find a Match
Some websites will match a student with a variety of awards in their database. Register online for this option at: (Indicate if you are an international student)
Student Scholarships: http://www.studentscholarships.org/
Student Awards: http://www.studentawards.com/
Scholarships Canada: http://www.scholarshipscanada.com
ScholarTree: https://scholartree.ca/
3) In-school Scholarships (only for our school’s Gr. 12 students) These scholarships are school specific, from government, organizations and individuals who donate and make specific requirements for recipients. Students apply through the school’s website, completing one form for a variety of scholarships. These will be available Mar/Apr each year.
4) Student Loan Information ~ StudentAid BC
Applications for full-time and part-time studies will be available early-June, for classes that start in September. (Depending on family situation, students may receive some loan and some grant.) Be Prepared…..You can get ready now by registering with StudentAid BC and creating a StudentAid BC Account. https://studentaidbc.ca/
Scholarships For International Students
One place to try: https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/scholarship-advice/scholarships-study-canada#:~:text=Trudeau%20Scholarships%20and%20Fellowships%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Trudeau%20Foundation,selected%20institutions.%20University-specific%20scholarships%20to%20study%20in%20Canada Most universities will have entrance scholarships for international students, so this is a place to start.
International Scholarship Opportunities for Canadians
Thinking about going to the U.S. for post secondary? There are tons of grants, scholarships, and bursaries offered to students who look at expanding their horizons and growing their life experiences. The Government of Canada offers grants for students in Canada who go school in the U.S., there are restrictions that apply so ensure you do your research and see which Grants you can apply for. https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/index.aspx?lang=eng
There are a number of corporations that offer scholarships for the employees' family members, be sure to check the benefits guide for your family's employer to see if you qualify. There are Scholarships you can apply for from national companies who want to 'Give Back' to the community, ensure you do your research to see which ones apply to you. https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/corporate-scholarships/
4 Websites to Find International Scholarships (Various Countries):
Scholars4dev is a handy and easy to use website for international students to find scholarships. There are plenty of search options and categories that tell you exactly how many scholarships are available to you. You also need to check out their scholarship lists because they offer in-depth looks into scholarships specific to country, area of study and amount. If you want an easy laid out list of scholarships that you can quickly apply to, Scholars4dev should be your first stop. https://www.scholars4dev.com/#google_vignette
Not only is this website a scholarship portal it is also an excellent source of information if you're looking to study abroad. Studyabroad.com compiles the best scholarships from other websites and displays them in an easy to understand format. https://www.studyabroad.com/study-abroad-scholarships
Anyone who has ever looked for a scholarship knows what Yconic is, and it's for good reason. Yconic has one of the largest databases of scholarships and also acts as a social network for students. If you have any worries you can find a thread of other students going through the same thing and offering their advice. Plus, Yconic sends you email newsletters to update you on what scholarships are now available and which ones have deadlines coming up. There is also a feature that allows you to shortlist the ones you want to apply to. This makes organizing your scholarships a simple task. https://yconic.com/
Of course, you can always count on the Canadian government to have your back. Their website offers plenty of scholarships as well as their guidelines in a way that is easy to overview. However, it doesn't offer the ease of use that the other websites do. If you're willing to do a bit of searching through their website you'll be able to find many scholarships that are only available to Canadian students.. https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/index.aspx?lang=eng
Youth in Care Canada - Tuition Waiver
https://youthincare.ca/british-columbia/
Resource for Scholarships and Bursaries for Youth in/from care as well as a comprehensive list of post-secondary institutions that waive tuition or have reduced tuition for former youth in care.