Bursaries for Students in Canada
Bursaries can help eligible students manage the financial pressure of post-secondary education. Unlike student loans, bursaries generally do not need to be repaid and are commonly awarded based primarily on demonstrated financial need.
What Is a Bursary?
A bursary is a form of financial assistance commonly awarded to students based primarily on financial need. It can help reduce the financial gap between a student’s available resources and the cost of attending post-secondary education.
Bursaries may be offered by colleges and universities, charitable organizations, foundations, community groups, professional organizations and, in some situations, government or public-sector programs.
Bursaries Students May Encounter
Entrance Bursaries
Some institutions offer financial assistance to newly admitted students who demonstrate financial need. Application timing may be linked to admission or may require a separate financial-aid application.
In-Course Bursaries
Current students may be able to apply for bursaries during their studies if they experience financial difficulty or have an assessed funding shortfall.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Some institutions maintain emergency funds for students facing unexpected financial hardship. These programs often have separate eligibility criteria and may be intended for urgent or exceptional circumstances.
Program-Specific Bursaries
Certain bursaries may be restricted to students enrolled in particular faculties, programs, professional fields or levels of study.
Community & Foundation Bursaries
Charitable foundations, cultural associations, employers, professional organizations and community groups may also provide need-based financial support.
Bursaries for Specific Student Groups
Some funding is designed for particular groups or circumstances. Examples can include students with disabilities, Indigenous students, students with dependants, students facing financial hardship or, where an institution specifically provides for it, international students.
What Can a Bursary Help Pay For?
The value and permitted use of bursary funding depend on the institution or organization providing the award. Depending on the program, financial assistance may help students meet costs such as:
- Tuition and compulsory fees
- Textbooks and academic materials
- Accommodation
- Food and essential living expenses
- Transportation
- Technology required for study
- Childcare or dependant-related costs
- Other approved education expenses
A bursary may cover only part of a student’s financial need, so students should continue building a complete education budget rather than assuming an award will cover every expense.
What May Be Required When Applying
Because bursaries are usually based on financial need, students may be asked to provide information that helps the institution assess their financial circumstances.
Financial Needs Assessment
Applicants may need to complete an institutional financial-aid form showing income, resources, education expenses and expected funding.
Income Information
Depending on the bursary, students may be asked for income information or supporting documentation related to their financial situation.
Education Budget
Some institutions may assess tuition, accommodation, transportation, books and other reasonable expenses against the resources available to the student.
Personal Statement
Some bursaries ask students to explain their financial circumstances, unexpected hardship or other relevant factors.
Enrolment Information
Students may need to demonstrate that they are registered or accepted into an eligible program and meet the required course-load conditions.
Bursary vs. Scholarship vs. Grant
Bursary
A bursary is commonly awarded primarily on demonstrated financial need. Academic or other requirements may still apply, but financial circumstances are usually central to the assessment.
Scholarship
A scholarship is often based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, talent or other merit-based criteria. Some scholarships also consider financial need.
Grant
A grant is another form of non-repayable financial assistance. Government student grants and institutional grants can have specific financial, residency, enrolment and program eligibility requirements. The terms are sometimes used differently by different institutions, so students should always read the actual eligibility criteria.
Can International Students Receive Bursaries?
Some Canadian colleges and universities offer bursaries or other need-based assistance that may be available to international students. However, international-student eligibility varies significantly by institution and award.
A bursary available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents should not be assumed to be available to a student on a Canadian study permit. Students should check the exact citizenship, residency and enrolment requirements before applying.
Bursaries Should Be Part of a Larger Financial Plan
International students studying in Canada should not build their entire financial plan around receiving a bursary that has not yet been awarded.
EduCanada advises students to plan for tuition and living costs, while Canadian study-permit applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on work in Canada.
IRCC also requires applicants to demonstrate funds for tuition, living expenses and transportation. For programs longer than one year, applicants must show how they plan to finance the full duration of their studies. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Tips for Finding Bursaries
Check Your Institution’s Financial Aid Office
Start with the official financial-aid, awards and bursaries pages of the institutions you are considering.
Search for International-Student Eligibility
Do not assume every bursary is available to international students. Look specifically for citizenship, residency and student-status conditions.
Apply Early
Bursary funding can be limited and deadlines may vary throughout the academic year. Applying early can help ensure you do not miss an opportunity.
Prepare Financial Documents
Keep relevant financial information organized so that you can complete needs assessments accurately and meet documentation deadlines.
Search Beyond One Type of Funding
Combine your bursary search with scholarships, grants, institutional awards and other appropriate funding sources. EduCanada confirms that international students may find scholarship, fellowship or grant opportunities through governments and educational institutions. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Planning the Cost of Studying in Canada?
Newman Global Education Group can help you compare Canadian institutions, understand education costs and identify financial-aid questions to ask before choosing a program.
Bursary availability and eligibility are determined by the institution or organization providing the award, and financial assistance cannot be guaranteed.
Talk to Newman Global Education GroupHelpful Funding Resources
EduCanada — Study Costs & Funding for International Students
EduCanada — International Scholarships & Funding
EduCanada — Search for Funding Opportunities
Government of Canada — Canada Student Grants and Loans