Bursaries in Canada
Bursaries are non-repayable financial awards for students who demonstrate financial need. Unlike scholarships, bursaries are not primarily based on academic merit — they are awarded to help students who would otherwise struggle to afford post-secondary education. In Canada, bursaries are offered by universities, colleges, provincial governments, and private organizations.
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At the federal level, the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students (up to $4,200/year) functions similarly to a bursary — it is need-based and non-repayable.
- Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students: up to $4,200/year
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities: up to $4,000/year
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants: up to $200/week per child
- Canada Learning Bond: up to $2,000 lifetime for children from low-income families
Most provinces offer their own need-based bursaries alongside federal grants:
- Ontario (OSAP): Grant component up to $11,582/year for low-income students
- BC: BC Access Grant up to $4,000/year for eligible students
- PEI: George Coles Bursary ($3,000/year)
- Quebec: AFE non-repayable bursary component
- Newfoundland: NL Student Financial Assistance bursaries
Most Canadian universities maintain emergency and continuing bursary funds. Apply through your university's financial aid office.
- Emergency bursaries: Quick-turnaround funds for unexpected financial crises
- Continuing bursaries: Applied for annually based on demonstrated need
- Indigenous bursaries: Many universities maintain dedicated bursary funds for Indigenous students
- First-generation bursaries: For students who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary
Frequently asked questions
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