Financial Help, Student Loans, Grants For Studying in Canada
We get several questions around studying in Canada and particularly around the financial aid system in Canada and the availability of scholarships and grants for students studying in Canada. Generally most questions center around showing proof of funds to support oneself while studying in Canada, what are the options to work while studying in Canada, how to cover tuition costs and living costs while studying and working part time in Canada and finally the chances, procedure to apply for a student loan to cover tuition and other student expenses while in Canada and what are the immigration requirements as far as funding, tuition, student loans etc.
Studying in Canada is increasingly becoming popular with a large number of students applying to universities in Canada to do their graduation or post graduation courses. What is attractive is the relative cost of education when compared to the Unites States, the quality of education and the value and recognition that a degree from a Candaian University holds. Apart from these reasons you also have financial help and scholarships that are available to students considering studying in Canada. Below are some of the scholarship, financial aid options you should look into to help you out financially during your courses.
- Canadian International Development Agency Scholarships (CIDAC) - They have a number of scholarships that could be used if you plan on studying in Canada.
- International Council for Canadian Studies - Offers several internships, graduate and post graduate research assistantships that can be availed as a graduate or post graduate student.
- International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Funding
- International Scholarship Programs for Study in Canada - International students aiming to study in Canada can tap this aid from the Government of Canada.
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program (OGS) - Only available for your post graduate or Master’s program.
- Quebec Exemption from Differential Tuition Fees - The Québec province government offers an exemption from the additional financial contribution to students who qualify.
- Québec Merit Fellowships Program for Foreign Students - Only available for Doctoral and Post doctoral studies.
- The Rotary Foundation’s Ambassadorial Scholarships - Offers a large number of scholarships to students that qualify.
- Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories - Offers research assistantship to promising engineers and scientists.
- The Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships Programme - Available only to doctoral candidates ain the field of social sciences and humanities.
Financial help in Canada is available. As with everything it requires you to do your research and plan well in advance to apply for financial aid.
No Related Articles.
As a parent of a student studying in Canada, I too was concerned about the requirements to apply for a Canadian Study Permit. It’s not as scary as it sounds, but it definitely helps to call and speak directly to an agent at the border crossing where you plan to complete the application. I’ve never found any of the Canadian agents less than extremely helpful, understanding and kind.
For our family, the easiest avenue was for our son to use my financial documentation (since he is considered a dependent for tax purposes) as well as his own financial support material (e.g., his student loan promissory notes).
As far as student loans, yes if the Canadian school is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, you are eligible for U.S. Stafford Student Loan. If you’re a dependent, your parents are eligible for the Parents PLUS Loan. Those two U.S. government loans are the most popular due to their attractive terms and conditions. Both require completion of the FAFSA (deadline this June – for next fall). Depending upon where you live, you might also be able to apply for the federal loans through your state’s own financial authority (reduced interest rates, etc.). An alternative is to look into private student loans, but be diligent when researching their terms and conditions.
There are two pages on the website below which will help guide you. The LEGAL DOCUMENTATION page has some links under the "Additional References" section to locate the border agency where you’ll be crossing so you can call and ask for specific information about your financial obligation to complete the Canadian Study Permit. The EDUCATIONAL FUNDING page will guide you through the FAFSA process and how to apply for financial aid for Canadian Schools. There is a link at the bottom of the page that lists Canadian schools recognized by the U.S. Department of education which also has their federal school codes – which is needed to complete the FAFSA application. The other pages on the website might help, as well (there’s even a suggested packing list – ha!).
Good luck and enjoy Canada!
in any way u need to survive the first 6 months. u r allowed to have only one student loan. but remember once u start working u ll have to pay it off. in most colleges after the first sem u can try for a partial or full scholarship (in form of writing an essay). if ur college offers that do try for one. i havent reached that stage of education yet but i go to open doors and seek information all the time because i plan to study abroad just like u. biggest problem is always the financing. in case u cant get a scholarship, a student loan or any help from somewhere, maybe u should consider selling or renting any property u have. education is worth it every sum and effort…… simply dont give up n try everything that comes in ur mind starting from the classical student loan.