Written by Lindsay (she/her), student
Worried about tuition costs? We’ve got you covered! Scholarships are a great way to help pay for your education.
Most universities offer scholarships for new students and students in their upper years. At Waterloo, we offer a variety of entrance scholarships and you’re automatically considered for a ton of them, so you don’t even need to apply!
Where to find scholarships
University databases
Universities often have their own scholarship databases. At Waterloo, you can explore the entrance awards we have available. Once you’re enrolled, the undergraduate awards database is an excellent resource for ongoing scholarships based on athletics, financial need, volunteer participation, and leadership.
ScholarshipsCanada.com
This website lists over 99,000 awards! You can create a profile to match scholarships to your interests and save them on your dashboard. Some scholarships require applications, essays, or references, so be sure to read the criteria carefully. Scholarships vary widely in value, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. One standout is the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership, which awards $70,000 over four years.
Ontario Universities’ Info
This is another helpful resource, allowing you to filter scholarships by university, name, amount, and deadline. Waterloo lists many scholarships here, including those for both first-year and upper-year students.
Cultural organizations
Don’t forget about scholarships offered by cultural organizations or community groups. These can be less competitive and tailored to specific backgrounds or affiliations, so it’s worth exploring options relevant to your heritage or community involvement.
Part-time jobs and parental employers
If you or your parents have a job, check to see if your employers offer scholarships. For example, McDonald’s has a scholarship program to support its employees’ education. It never hurts to ask!
Tips for applying to scholarships
Start early
Deadlines vary, so it’s crucial to begin your search early and set reminders for key dates. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application and any additional components, like essays or reference letters.
Be descriptive
When filling out applications, be specific and detailed. Don’t be shy — brag about your accomplishments! Provide concrete examples that highlight your strengths and achievements. The more specific you are, the stronger your application will be.
Consider competition
Scholarships that are worth less often have less competition. Similarly, scholarships that require more work like essays or detailed applications tend to attract fewer applicants. Don’t shy away from these opportunities!
Treat it like a job
Finding and applying for scholarships can be time-consuming. Set aside regular time each week to work on applications. The effort you put in can really pay off!
In high school, I treated scholarships like a part time job. Every weekend I would pick a different scholarship to apply to and it really paid off for me. I ended up being able to fund my first year of university because of it!
Edit carefully
If your application includes an essay or responses to questions, make sure to edit it carefully before submitting. Consider asking a parent, teacher, or guidance counsellor to review it for you. A second set of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.Research, research, research
Spend time researching scholarships that are available to you. There are so many options out there, and it’s easy to miss opportunities that might be a perfect fit. The more you know, the better your chances of finding scholarships that suit your profile.Follow these tips to help you start finding and applying for scholarships. Good luck!
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