On this page:
- What are Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries?
- How can I find and apply for Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries?
- How can I get nominated for a scholarship?
- How else can I fund my post-secondary education?
- Resources to help you budget for post-secondary
1. What are Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries?
Awards An award is a loosely defined term referring to awards that are neither scholarships nor bursaries. In certain cases, awards may be plaques or recognition certificates, while in other cases awards may be professional memberships coupled with cash prizes.
Scholarships A scholarship usually recognizes academic excellence, but not always. Some are for community involvement, a specific field of study, for specific talents or hobbies, certain ethnic backgrounds or for groups that your relatives may be part of. In certain cases, financial need may be considered as a secondary criterion to decide between candidates of approximately equal achievement.
Bursaries A bursary is an award that is distributed based on financial need. Bursaries may request that applicants meet certain geographical or demographic requirements.
2. How can I find and apply for Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries?
Start by visiting the websites below, they offer opportunities for every post-secondary pathway!
Also, stay tuned to the Grade 12 Google Classroom, where details on select Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries will be posted as they become available.
 | Ontario School Counsellors Association. Links to Business & Industry Scholarships. Scholarships & Financial Aid – OSCA – Ontario School Counsellors Association |
 | A comprehensive list scholarships offered to Ontario students entering their first year of university. https://www.ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca/scholarships Search for scholarships by University, amount ($), or Scholarship name (which often identifies the nature of the scholarship and if you are a good fit). |
 | Contact the Financial Aid or Student Awards office of Colleges you are applying to https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/colleges/paying-for-college |
| APPRENTICESHIP FUNDING | You can “earn while you learn!”. Information about government loans and grants can be found https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/support-skilled-trades-apprentices/funding-opportunities.html |
 | A one-stop shop for your scholarship, bursary and awards inquires! Get information sent straight to your inbox. Read success stories and helpful articles on how to apply. https://studentawards.com/ |
 | Brings students and scholarship providers together, simplifying the process, making post-secondary education more accessible. https://scholartree.ca/ |
 | Research, discuss and find funding for education. Searching made simple! Become a member, access tools and resources and get matched to scholarships and awards. https://yconic.com/ |
 | Login to your myBlueprint account and look under Tasks for prizes and scholarships. |
3. How can I get nominated for a scholarship?
Details regarding scholarships that require a school nomination are posted to the Grad Google Classroom throughout the year. Please follow the directions given there.
4. How else can I fund my post-secondary education?
| Ontario School Counsellors Association. Links to Financial Aid pages of each Ontario College and University can be found here Scholarships & Financial Aid – OSCA – Ontario School Counsellors Association |
 | Ontario Student Assistance Program. Online estimator tools can help you determine how much aid you are likely to receive: https://osap.gov.on.ca/AidEstimator2223Web/enterapp/enter.xhtml How to apply for OSAP, with links to register and start the process: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap |
| EMERGENCY LOANS | Short term (90 day) loans are offered by most post-secondary schools to cover tuition while you wait for OSAP. If this is needed, contact the school’s financial aid office. |
 | You may be able to use Aeroplan, TD, American Express or CIBC loyalty points of your own or from your parents to pay for your education. Learn more at https://www.higheredpoints.com/ |
5. Resources to help you budget for post-secondary
 | Budgeting information from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, including costs to include in your budget; sources of income; tax deductions and tax credits for students. Budgeting for student life – Canada.ca |
 | Learn about budgeting, saving, borrowing, credit profiles and keeping money safe. Try the interactive Lifestyle Reality Check budgeting web app. About Your Money Students – a free financial education seminar program for Canadian students | About Your Money Students – a free financial education seminar program for Canadian students (cba.ca) |
| | Login to your myBlueprint account and go to Money to learn about budgeting and finance. Use the Budgets tool to create your own budget. |
