At a glance
Scholarships vs grants vs bursaries — side by side
A quick reference for how each funding type works in Canada.
| Funding type | Awarded for | Repayable? | Application required? | Typical amount (CAD) | Typical providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarship | Academic merit, leadership, talent | No | Yes — usually with essay & references | $500 – $30,000+ | Universities, foundations, corporations |
| Bursary | Demonstrated financial need | No | Yes — financial documentation | $500 – $5,000 | Universities, colleges, charities |
| Grant | Income, family situation, disability | No | Usually automatic with loan application | $1,000 – $6,000 / year | Federal & provincial governments |
| Fellowship | Graduate research, doctoral excellence | No | Yes — competitive, research proposal | $15,000 – $50,000 / year | SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR, Vanier, Banting |
| Award | Meeting an institutional threshold (GPA, etc.) | No | No — applied automatically on admission | $500 – $4,000 | Universities & colleges |
| Student loan | Income-tested borrowing capacity | Yes | Yes — federal/provincial portal | Up to ~$15,000 / year combined | Government of Canada + provinces |
Amounts above are typical ranges, not guarantees — exact amounts vary by provider, year of study, and individual circumstances. Always check the official provider page for the current cycle.
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.
Let us find the right fit for youCompetitive awards recognising academic excellence, leadership, athletic achievement, or community service. Applied for directly — usually requires a personal statement or application package.
Need-based awards assessed on financial circumstances, not marks. Rarely require essays — usually just income documentation and proof of enrolment.
Government-funded non-repayable money assessed automatically when you apply for student loans. No separate application in most cases.
Prestigious research or academic awards, typically at graduate level. Often multi-year and include enrichment programs, travel funding, or mentorship.
Automatic institutional recognition. If you meet the criteria (e.g. a specific GPA threshold), the money is applied to your account — no application needed.
Not sure which type you qualify for?
Answer a short questionnaire and we'll match you with scholarships, bursaries, grants, and awards that fit your specific situation — ranked by compatibility.