Financial Aid for Canadian Students
We talk a lot about attending school in the USA, and we think theres good reason to do so. But Canada, our neighbors to the north, also have a lot to be proud of with their education system.
On top of its excellent education, Canadas high-quality of life and openness to foreigners make it a great place to be an international student. But international students in Canada still have to pay for their degree, and there are lots of ways to do it.
If youve already been accepted into a school, contact the financial aid office directly to get specific advice about how to pay for your program. They may even be able to steer you towards specific scholarships or other opportunities, so definitely dont skip this step.
Canadian banks do provide education loans, but they require international students to have a Canadian citizen as a co-signer. If you have a favorite uncle whos willing to help, then this might work, but otherwise it might be a bit restricting.
Scholarships are, as always, a favorite way to help cover tuition and other education-related costs. Read on to learn more about scholarships available for international students in Canada.
As a company that primarily gives loans to international students based on their future potential and not on their past credit, MPOWER Financing ensures that students financial situations dont hold them back. Though its scholarship section is still growing, focusing mainly on STEM students and students from Latin American countries, the company boasts a mission statement that encourages accessibility to education at any level.
The Canadian government is here to help international students who are interested in studying in Canada but need help affording it. Their database offers access to scholarships and other awards sponsored by various local Canadian governments, NGOs, international organizations, and even non-Canadian governments, so students can gain a global perspective in order to help them evolve into caring leaders.
Scholartree uniquely both shares available scholarship opportunities and also helps individuals to create new scholarships for students. The website only shows you scholarships youre eligible or qualify for and even sends you deadline reminders so you can make sure to send in your applications on time. Then, once you have a successful career, you can use the site to give back to others.
The website lists scholarships for students who want to study outside of their home country, but also focuses on scholarships for international students from developing countries. You can search by deadline, place of study, field, level of study, and even by target group, so its easy to find scholarships that fit your needs.
The International Education Financial Aid website has an extensive list of grants, scholarships, and loans available to anyone who wants to study in a foreign country. In fact, the site provides information about financial aid for students from anywhere who are studying anywhere else, so even U.S. students studying in Canada may find it a useful source.
Published by Universities Canada, an organization representing almost 100 universities and colleges, this website has a comprehensive list of scholarships for students who want to study in Canada. And if youre just checking out your future financial aid options but still unsure which program is best for you, Universities Canada also includes general resources about Canadian schools so you can explore your opportunities to the fullest.
You may also be interested in the list of scholarships for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get financial aid in Canada?
Yes. International students in Canada have access to student loans on the same terms and Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, international students are not eligible for federal loans.
What are the types of financial aid?
Financial aid helps students to cover their education expenses. Types of financial aid include:
- Grants
- Work-study
- Scholarships
- Student Loans