Five Quick Tips for Finding Scholarships

Let’s face it: education is a great investment. But just because it’s the smart thing to do doesn’t mean it’s always easy to pay for. These five tips will help you find scholarships that can help offset some or all of your tuition costs.

Don’t just focus on grades
Yes, lots of scholarships are based on academic achievement – but not all them by a long shot. If you’re involved in extra-curricular activities like sports, music or drama, or if you spend a lot of your time volunteering, you may be able to find a scholarship that will reward all that good work.

Know the difference between scholarships and bursaries
Usually, a scholarship is based on achievement and/or a connection with a group, such as a cultural organization, religion or language. Bursaries, on the other hand, are often based on need. Make sure you apply for both types of awards, even if you don’t think you’re likely to get them.

Not sure where to start? Check with your school
Most schools have lists of bursaries and scholarships that are available to be applied for. At Humber, we have a list of both external and internal awards.

Take the time, make the effort
Many awards require you to submit an essay, video or other application package. Take the time to do these as well as you can, because you can bet a lot of people are going to blow them off until the last minute.

Apply!
While some awards, especially entrance scholarships to an institution, don’t require an application, you’re more likely to find some funding if you take the time to apply for awards as well. What do you have to lose – except your student debt?