What is a scholarship?

A scholarship is merit-based funding awarded for academic achievement, leadership, or community involvement. Scholarships do not need to be repaid. They are typically awarded by universities, private foundations, or corporations to students who meet specific academic or personal criteria.

A bursary is need-based funding for students facing financial hardship. It does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded based on financial circumstances rather than academic merit, and are offered by universities, colleges, provincial governments, and non-profit organizations across Canada.

What is a student grant?

A student grant is non-repayable government funding, most commonly assessed automatically as part of your student loan application. In Canada, the main grants are the Canada Student Grants administered by the federal government, as well as provincial grants through programs like OSAP in Ontario, StudentAidBC, and similar provincial student aid programs.

What is a fellowship?

A fellowship is a competitive research or academic award, typically for graduate-level students pursuing advanced studies or research. Fellowships may include a stipend, tuition waiver, or travel funding. Well-known Canadian fellowships include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, and SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships.

What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?

The key difference is the basis of the award: scholarships are merit-based (awarded for academic achievement, leadership, or talent) while bursaries are need-based (awarded based on financial circumstances). Both are non-repayable forms of student funding.

What is the difference between a grant and a bursary?

Grants in Canada typically refer to government-funded non-repayable aid assessed alongside student loan applications — you often receive them automatically without a separate application. Bursaries are also non-repayable and need-based, but are usually offered by universities, colleges, or private organizations and require a separate application or financial assessment.

Funding Types – Scholarships vs Grants vs Bursaries

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Scholarships

50 entries available

Merit-based or achievement-based awards that do not need to be repaid. Typically recognize academic excellence, leadership, or special talent.

Up to $100,000 available

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Bursaries

9 entries available

Need-based awards for students facing financial hardship. No repayment required — awarded purely based on financial circumstances, not grades.

Up to $6,000 available

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Grants

10 entries available

Government-funded non-repayable assistance — often assessed as part of a student loan application. Automatically available based on income and enrolment.

Up to $22,000 available

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Fellowships

8 entries available

Competitive research or academic awards, typically at the graduate or postdoctoral level. Often include mentorship, travel funding, or community activities.

Up to $70,000 available

Browse Fellowships

Awards

6 entries available

Automatic or institutional recognition awards — often granted without an application. Based on academic standing, admission average, or institutional criteria.

Up to $6,000 available

Browse Awards

Quick guide

What's the difference?

Understanding which type of funding applies to you can save hours of wasted applications. Here's how each type works in Canada.

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Scholarship

Competitive awards recognising academic excellence, leadership, athletic achievement, or community service. Applied for directly — usually requires a personal statement or application package.

Bursary

Need-based awards assessed on financial circumstances, not marks. Rarely require essays — usually just income documentation and proof of enrolment.

Grant

Government-funded non-repayable money assessed automatically when you apply for student loans. No separate application in most cases.

Fellowship

Prestigious research or academic awards, typically at graduate level. Often multi-year and include enrichment programs, travel funding, or mentorship.

Award

Automatic institutional recognition. If you meet the criteria (e.g. a specific GPA threshold), the money is applied to your account — no application needed.

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