Ontario University offers numerous scholarships for university students in 2024, many of which don’t need to be repaid. These “free money” opportunities can help pay for tuition, books, living expenses, and more.
To qualify for most Ontario scholarships in 2024, you’ll need to be an Ontario resident attending a university in the province. Many also require a minimum admission average and consider financial need, areas of study, extracurriculars, and community involvement.
1. Admission Scholarships
When you apply to an Ontario university, you’re automatically considered for admission scholarships – no separate application needed. Amounts vary but can be $2,000-$10,000 per year. The higher your admission average, the bigger the scholarship.
2. In-Course Scholarships
Once in university, don’t stop applying! In-course scholarships are awarded for high grades, leadership, athletics, arts, and research. Ask at your school’s financial aid office about options and deadlines.
3. Bursaries
If you have exceptional financial need, bursaries provide funding with no obligation to repay. Ontario bursaries for 2024 often range from $1,000 to $15,000 per year. Check with your university’s student finance or awards office for applications and eligibility.
With plenty of “free money” up for grabs, applying for Ontario university scholarships is well worth your time.
Top Merit-Based Scholarships for Ontario Universities
When it comes to scoring free money for college, merit-based scholarships are where it’s at. Ontario universities offer some of the most generous merit scholarships in Canada.
Here are a few of the top ones to apply for:
1. President’s Scholarships
Offered at many Ontario universities, President’s Scholarships recognize top high school students with averages over 90% or 95%. Awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year and are renewable for up to 4 years. Some cover tuition, books, and living expenses – that’s a sweet deal!
2. Deans’ Scholarships
For students with slightly lower averages, in the mid to high 80s, Deans’ Scholarships offer $1,500 to $5,000 per year. While not quite as generous as the President’s, a few thousand bucks is still worth applying for.
3. Entrance Bursaries
While not technically scholarships, entrance bursaries provide much-needed funding based solely on financial need. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 for first-year students. To qualify, you must demonstrate significant financial hardship. Entrance bursaries don’t need to be paid back – free money to help pay for books, supplies, or living expenses.
The key to scoring one of these merit-based scholarships or bursaries is to apply early, build a strong application highlighting your grades, extracurriculars, volunteer work, and future goals. You should also apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances. With some time and effort, you could fund a big chunk of your university education through merit-based scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Now that’s free money worth fighting for!
Need-Based Scholarships and Bursaries for Ontario Students
Need-based scholarships and bursaries provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need. Many Ontario universities offer funding based primarily on your family’s income and financial situation. These need-based awards do not require top marks or any special skills, talents or attributes. They aim to help ensure access to post-secondary education for students facing financial barriers.
1. Ontario Student Opportunity Grant
The Ontario Student Opportunity Grant offers up to $6,000 per year for university students in financial need. There are no restrictions on what program you choose to study. The grant amount depends on your assessed financial need, tuition amount and family income. You must complete the Ontario Student Assistance Program application to determine your eligibility.
2. University-Administered Bursaries and Scholarships
Most Ontario universities provide bursaries, scholarships and other aid for students facing financial difficulties. Awards are distributed based on financial assessments, including family income, expenses and assets. There are often faculty- or program-specific bursaries for students in particular areas of study. The values and criteria for these awards vary, so check with the financial aid office at your chosen university for details.
3. Private Bursaries and Scholarships
A number of private organizations offer bursaries and scholarships for Ontario students in need of financial assistance. These include awards for rural students, single parents, students with disabilities and other groups. Some are affiliated with certain ethnic, religious or cultural communities. The criteria and amounts vary for each award. You’ll need to research the options and apply separately to any private bursaries or scholarships for which you may be eligible.
While need-based aid won’t cover all of your university costs, any amount helps when paying for post-secondary education. Make sure you explore all opportunities for free money and apply as early as possible to increase your chances of receiving funding. Need-based scholarships and bursaries, combined with student loans and other resources, can make the difference in being able to pursue a university education.
Deadlines for Applying to Ontario University Scholarships in Canada 2024
The deadlines for applying to Ontario university scholarships in Canada 2024 can vary, so it’s important to stay on top of them. Some scholarships have hard deadlines in the fall or winter for the next academic year, while others have rolling deadlines throughout the year.
1. Ontario Scholarships Application Program (OSAP)
The main provincial scholarship program is OSAP, which includes the Ontario Student Opportunity Grant, Ontario Student Access Guarantee, and other grants and bursaries. The OSAP application opens in spring and the deadline is typically in late June for funding in the fall. It’s best to apply as early as possible to increase your chances.
2. University-Specific Awards
Most Ontario universities offer entrance and in-course scholarships with deadlines between December and March for funding in September. These include renewable awards for top students as well as one-time bursaries based on financial need or program of study. Check with the universities you’re interested in for their specific deadlines.
3. Private Donor Awards
Various charitable organizations, private companies, and wealthy donors offer scholarships for Ontario university students. These have deadlines ranging from October through May for funding in September or January. Some examples are the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership, Scotiabank National Scholarship, and Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation awards. You’ll need to research the eligibility criteria and deadlines for any private awards you want to apply for.
4. Ongoing and Short-Notice Awards
Some smaller awards, bursaries, and scholarships pop up throughout the year, often with short turnaround times. It’s a good idea to check sites like Yconic, Universities Canada, and Scholarships Canada regularly for new opportunities. You never know when something may appear that you’re eligible for, but you have to act fast to meet the deadline.
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Conclusion
Keeping on top of the various deadlines for Ontario university scholarships and applying as early as possible for the major awards are two of the best ways to maximize your chances of receiving free money for school.