General
If you have any questions or need assistance with applications please see
Mr. Choo in the Counselling Department.
Mr. Choo in the Counselling Department.
Topic outline
FAQ's About Scholarships
Many thanks to Calculus 12, French 11 & Principles of Math 12 students for taking valuable instructional time from their classes to contribute these questions!
Jump to section:
What is a Scholarship?
Applying for a Scholarship
Finding Scholarships
Eligibility and Requirements for Scholarships
What if I am awarded a Scholarship
Notes from Mr. Choo regarding Graduation and Scholarships
- What is a scholarship?
- A scholarship is an amount of money that a sponsor (e.g. organization or individual) has provided to financially assist a student’s post secondary studies by acknowledging specific aspects of the student’s resumé.
- A bursary is usually money that an organization or individuals have designated to financially assist a student on the basis of financial need.
- What types of scholarships are there? What is an entrance scholarship? And how big can they be? Is there anywhere you can apply that pays your way as long as you get a certain % in your classes at UVic?
- There are many kinds of scholarships:
- university entrance and renewable entrance scholarships
- scholarships by affiliation
- scholarships according to medical circumstances
- community scholarships for academic achievement and/or citizenship and/or community service and leadership
- scholarships by area of occupational interest
- scholarships by current skill area
- University entrance and renewable entrance scholarships:
Entrance scholarships are awarded by post secondary institutions in a student’s first year of an academic program. Some are based on marks only, others are based on marks plus other criteria. - An entrance scholarship is awarded only for a student entering first year.
- A renewable entrance scholarship would be an amount of money awarded in a student’s first year and then repeated in subsequent years if the student achieves and maintains a specified grade point average with a specified course load
- Scholarships by affiliation:
Some sponsors’ criteria include membership in, or affiliation to, a certain group. - Affiliation might be described culturally:
- Sons of Norway Foundation,
- Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society
- RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program,
- Khalsa Credit Union
- Affiliation could be defined by parents, family, extended family, etc.
- Others may specify that the student be a member of an employer or employees group. Others still may acknowledge those applicants that have family members in the Canadian Armed Forces or the health field.
- BCGEU
- CUPE 441: The Joe Nunn Scholarship
- Scholarships according to medical circumstances: e.g., Canadian Paraplegic Association, Muscular Dystrophy Canada
- Community scholarships for academic achievement and citizenship:
Many scholarships have criteria that reward students for a combination of high academic achievement and/or considerable community service: - Scholarships by area of occupational interest:
Many scholarships are provided to students going into specific areas of study: - Certified General Accountant
- Culinary Arts
- Engineering
- Heavy duty mechanics
- Nursing (e.g., Auxiliary to Saanich Peninsula Hospital)
- Scholarships by current skill area:
Many scholarships acknowledge a student’s excellence in a current area of skill: - Performing Arts (e.g., Sing for a Lifetime Bursary, Scotdance BC, Jerry Gosley Musical Theatre Scholarship, Phyllis Clarke Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts)
- Visual arts (e.g., Saanich Peninsula Arts and Crafts Society)
- Sports (e.g., BC School Sports Commission Scholarships, BC Soccer Association Scholarships, Tony Zsada Memorial Fund (rowing) & CFAX 1070)
- Entrance scholarships? At Camosun?
- Colleges usually don’t offer as many entrance scholarships as universities.
- Camosun offers the Thrifty Foods/Camosun College Foundation entrance scholarship
- I was wondering about the Passport to Education thing.
- The Passport to Education was discontinued in 2014.
- What types of scholarships are there for art and digital media, drafting and design, graphic communications? Do after school fine arts count for the Dogwood Scholarship?
- The Dogwood/District Scholarships, in this district, have accepted activities outside of school to be considered although preference is given to activities done as part of a school’s curricular and extra-curricular programmes.
- Are there any scholarships for music programs to UVic or any school that you wish?
- The District/Authority scholarships include scholarships based on fine arts. Fine Arts include music.
- The UVic website and District Scholarship handbooks also have information about some music related scholarships.
- How does the new provincial examinations scholarship program work? (last year will be 2015 – 2016)
- The Graduation Program Examinations Scholarships reward graduating students for academic excellence in their provincial examinations from grades 10-12. These $1000 awards and $2500 (to the top 20 students only) awards can be redeemed when a student enters a designated post-secondary institution.
- The Graduation Program Examinations Scholarships are awarded based on required provincial examination results from grades 10 – 12 from the following categories: Language Arts 10, Sciences 10, Mathematics 10, Social Studies 11 and Language Arts 12.
- From a student's best five provincial examination scores from each category the Ministry will recognize a minimum threshold of 86% or higher on at least one exam and a minimum threshold of 73% or higher on at least three other exams. A student must also achieve at least a “B” (73% or higher) final mark in English 12, Français langue premiere 12, Communications 12 or English 12 First Peoples.
- The policy in place at the time a student graduates (fulfills graduation requirements) will be used to determine scholarship eligibility.
- When can I apply for scholarships? When should I start applying for scholarships? How early should I apply for scholarships?
- Students can apply for scholarships year round.
- What are the deadlines for applications? When are deadlines for most scholarships?
- Although many scholarships have deadlines in April and May, deadlines for scholarships are scheduled throughout the calendar (not school) year.
- Many universities have the same deadline for entrance scholarships and self reporting.
- However, universities and colleges will have a variety of deadlines for different scholarships (e.g., UBC has Dec. 1)
- When is it too late to apply for scholarships?
- Ensure that applications have time to be received by scholarship selection committees.
- Determine whether an application will be accepted if it is:
- completed online,
- emailed,
- mailed by Canada Post,
- couriered,
- or hand delivered, etc.
- Scholarship applications must be received by their deadlines. Do not expect requests for deadline extensions to be acknowledged or accommodated.
- It is important to read a scholarship’s criteria for deadlines and methods of receipt.
- A deadline can be very precise. (e.g., LORAN no later than 4:30 p.m.)
- Determine whether applications:
- must be received by the deadline or
- must be postmarked by the deadline
- How do I apply for scholarships? How do we apply for non-government scholarships? Where do I send my application, to you, or directly to the company?
- The method of application depends on the scholarship. However, most scholarship applications need to be sent to the sponsor. Read the application forms for specific instructions and addresses.
- Some scholarship applications are submitted to the Parkland scholarship counsellor. These include the Philanthropic Educational Organization, Canadian Federation of University Women, and District /Authority scholarships as well as some scholarships administered by School District #63 (e.g., Joy Paquin, Monk Office Supply)
- Does it make more sense to apply for scholarships directly from the universities I’m applying to or should I look for other outside (private) scholarships? Do you suggest going after all the little scholarships or just put time and effort into the big ones?
- Apply for as many scholarships as you can as long as you meet the criteria.
- Sometimes, it may be worthwhile to apply for scholarships even if you partially meet the criteria.
- Competition for scholarships is significant; apply for any for which you even marginally qualify.
- Are there scholarships that can be collected in grade 11?
- There are a few scholarships available to students prior to grade 12.
- Some of these are based on an applicant’s age and achievements rather than grade.
- (e.g., Beacon Community Service’s Hearts of the Community Student Volunteer scholarship, Soroptomist’s Violet Richardson Scholarship )
- look for more information on professional scholarship websites or in the “District Handbook” in section for Scholarships Prior to Graduation.
- Is there a limit to the amount of scholarships I can apply for or receive?
- There is actually no limit to the number of scholarships that any student can receive.
- However, some donors might stipulate that they will only award students that have not previously received a scholarship of equal or greater amount.
- Where can I find scholarships? Where can I find out about scholarship opportunities outside (or including) the ones offered by universities? Where are the best places to find lists of scholarships, if any? How can I find out more information about this, other than school?
- Attend opportunities such as the C.U.E. (i.e., Canadian Universities Event at SD #63 secondary school in early fall) and PSIBC (i.e., Post Secondary Institute of B.C. Nights at SD #63 secondary schools for an evening session in early fall.)
- Post secondary institutes’ websites will have special tabs: e.g.,
- UVic – Finance Your Education,
- Camosun College, Emily Carr & VIU – Financial Aid & Awards,
- UBC – Financial Assistance
- Public websites such as:
- www.athleticscholarships.net
- www.canlearn.ca
- www.aucc.ca/scholarships
- www.scholarshipscanada.com
- www.studentawards.com
- Visit post secondary administrative centers and speak with their advisors
- Visit other secondary schools’ websites for scholarship information. e.g., Oak Bay Secondary and St Michael’s University School, Mt Doug career center.
- Add your email address to Parkland counsellor’s (Gary Choo) group contact list for periodic forwarding of scholarship information from PSIs.
- Meet with Parkland counsellors about scholarships that are available only to Parkland students.
- Borrow the Handbook of scholarships from the Parkland library. Although it was printed in 2008, almost all the scholarships are currently available. Check websites for criteria, applications, deadlines, etc.
- Where can I get a list of ALL the scholarships and bursaries available with short descriptions, the requirements needed, and the deadlines?
- No single list provides information about all scholarships.
- Ever changing numbers of scholarships are sponsored by continuously changing sources.
- What are some great scholarships this year?
- Any scholarship is great!
- The LORAN ($100,000 IN 2015 / 2016), TD Canada Trust (e.g., $70,000 in 2015/2016), Schulich (e.g., $80,000 in 2015/2016), and renewable (or major) scholarships provide substantial amounts of money.
- Is there anywhere you can apply that pays your way as long as you get a certain % in your classes at UVic?
- Scholarships such as the LORAN, Schulich Leader and TD Canada Trust offer enough money to pay for a bachelor’s degree at UVic.
- If the percentage average of your four admission courses is high enough, simply self reporting to UVic may provide you with a renewable entrance scholarship that might pay most of your way at UVic
- Another alternative is to apply for the “application required” scholarships at UVic for a renewable scholarship
- Another alternative is to apply for many scholarships of smaller amounts.
- For which University courses can we get a scholarship?
- Many departments will have their own scholarships donated by people that want to support that area of study. University websites will indicate a variety of scholarships that are associated with specific areas of study. (e.g., UVic engineering)
- What are the requirements for certain scholarships?
- Requirements vary with different sponsors but standard requirements include:
- completing an application form by deadline
- providing a cover letter
- composing an essay
- completing a resume
- including letter(s) of reference.
- Qualifications may include a combination of attributes such as academic achievement, a standard of skills development, community service, and affiliation by family, employment, culture, or interest.
- How can I learn which scholarship I’m eligible for? Do we need certain conditions to get a scholarship?
- Read the criteria specifically created for each scholarship.
- How can I be more eligible for scholarships?
- Achieve your highest possible academic grades.
- Participate for a long time and do your best in many leadership and community service activities.
- Does it make a difference if I’ve been in extra-curricular activities?
- Extra curricular activities are often required assets to many scholarships' criteria although some scholarships require no extracurricular activities.
- However, many scholarships’ criteria require extracurricular activities that focus on volunteerism, leadership, and service.
- How important are grade 10 marks for scholarships?
- Grade 10 provincial exams are essential to receiving the B.C. Provincial examination scholarship.
- Grade 10 marks may be useful for the few community scholarships offered to grade 10s; however, these scholarships usually acknowledge the younger student’s community service rather than academic achievements.
- Scholarships for graduating students usually require only grade 12 marks.
- Will I have to take a scholarship exam?
- Except for the provincial exam scholarships (last allocation in the 2015/16 school year), most scholarships do not require a specific exam.
- Entrance scholarships almost always require that EN12, including provincial exam mark, be used as part of the calculations of the admission average.
- How well do I have to do on Grade 12 provincial exams to qualify for a scholarship?
- Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, EN12 is the only required provincial exam. As such, the EN12 provincial exam grade will have an effect only if the scholarship sponsor requires that a combined final grade, and not just the school grade, is used for calculating an admission average.
- What makes up a good scholarship essay? Tips?
- See Mr. Choo for tips provided by the University of British Columbia scholarship selection committee and the SMU website.
- As an international student, can I extend my programme, graduate and have a scholarship for university?
- In general, questions related to international students can be referred to Mr. Choo and Ms. Anderson, the counsellors responsible for International Students.
- Most universities regard international students equal to Canadian students for consideration of entrance scholarships: i.e., entrance scholarships are available to Canadian and International students.
- Some universities will have scholarships available exclusively to International students.
- How do I calculate my G.P.A.?
- The method for calculating a G.P.A. depends on the donor. Some scholarships require a G.P.A. based on all courses taken in grade 12 whereas others require only EN12 and 3 academic 12 courses. Check criteria.
- Most entrance scholarships require a calculation of the average of the marks for your courses required for admission. In most cases, this would include English 12 and three other “Academic 12s”.
- How do I get my transcripts?
- To receive your Parkland transcript for scholarship applications:
- Ask Mrs. Ford at the front office for a stamped, signed and sealed copy.
- To receive the official paper copy of the Ministry of Education transcript:
- The Ministry’s official transcript will be mailed to students’ home address.
- Students will need to authorize the Ministry of Education to electronically transfer you transcript during your grade 12 year so that the PSIs can confirm your grades for admission.
- The transcript is usually electronically transferred through the B.C. Ministry of education website once the site is open, midway through the school year for student authorization. You will need your P.E.N. (i.e., personal education number). Your P.E.N. is printed on your report cards and is available from a counsellor.
- When will I know if I have got the scholarship or not?
- The successful applicant for a scholarship is usually notified by letter or email.
- Winners of the annual Parkland Scholarships are announced at the Parkland Graduation Ceremony.
- Would I get a cheque or do I have a form to give to the University?
- The form of payment differs with the donors and may be described in the information provided by the sponsor
- Payment is frequently made directly to a student’s account at a university or college although smaller organizations may write a cheque payable to the student.
- The District/Authority scholarship is in the form of voucher to your post secondary institution.
- Can I still get scholarships after I have been accepted?
- Yes. For example, the Sidney Rotary, BC P & VPA and Peninsula Co-op have deadlines in September and August.
- Students can continue to apply for scholarships after they have started their post secondary studies. Universities often refer to the scholarships for a student’s second and subsequent years as “in-course” scholarships.
- What are the possibilities with scholarships if I want to go traveling for a year after high school before starting university?
- Some sponsors specify that a student must use their scholarship in the school year that they graduate.
- B.C. Ministry of Education’s passport to education, provincial examination scholarships, and District/Authority scholarships allow a student 5 years to use the award; the award may also be used anywhere in the world that accepts a Canada Student Loan.
- It may be advantageous to apply for a scholarship and then, if awarded, apply for a deferral.
- Are the available scholarships for the entire lower island?
- A few scholarships are only available to lower island students in specific geographic areas or by school district (e.g. North Saanich Volunteer Fire Department, Royal Canadian Legion).
- Some scholarships are exclusively available to Parkland students (e.g., P.E.O., Mike Fretwell, Live Well)
- There are also scholarships that must be used on the lower island (e.g., UVic entrance, Thrifty Foods-Camosun College, Academy of Excellence, Royal Roads University).
- Can some scholarships (not from universities) only be used in B.C./Canada?
- Most scholarships clearly define where the funds may be used.
- Most local sponsors specify that funds must be used at BC PSIs.
- Some larger organizations and the provincial government will allow scholarships to be used at designated PSIs across Canada and even around the world.
- Can scholarships be used for only one school, are they transferable?
- Entrance scholarships granted by a university are given to support the student attending that school and are not transferable.
- Otherwise, donors will determine where, and when, scholarships are to be used.
- Do scholarships count for universities across Canada? Are there many scholarships for universities abroad? Can we study with the scholarship in other countries too?
- Most local sponsors specify that funds should be used at BC PSIs (e.g., Sidney Rotary, PEO).
- Some larger organizations such as LORAN allow scholarships to be used at specific universities across Canada and abroad
- The provincial government will allow graduation program examination and District/Authority scholarships to be used within a period of five years at any international post secondary institution that has been permitted to accept Canada Student Loans.
- Can Canadian students apply for scholarships at International/American universities?
- Yes
- Can you use a scholarship from a local group abroad?
- Depending on how their funds are raised, local groups may have to abide by BC Government regulations that stipulate that funds must be spent in BC.
- How long can I use the money from scholarships?
- Read details stipulated by scholarship donors
- Many smaller organizations will require that their funds be used in the September following grade 12 graduation.
- The provincial government will allow graduation program examination and Dogwood/District scholarships to be used within a period of five years at any international post secondary institution that has been permitted to accept Canada Student Loans
What is a scholarship?
Applying for a Scholarship
Finding Scholarships
Eligibility and Requirements for Scholarships
What if I am awarded a Scholarship?
- What is a scholarship?