Scholarship and Bursary Information

Helping to fund post-secondary education

October 2025

Funding Your

Future

Purpose of Scholarships

• Help cover education costs

Criteria for Eligibility

• Vary depending on the specific scholarship

Benefits for Students

• Reduce financial burden

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Types of Scholarships

Academic

• High grades and strong academic records

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Leadership & Community​

• Volunteering, clubs, leadership

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Financial Need​

• Based on financial need

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Special Interests​

• Athletics, arts, culture

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Start your search on the Guidance Website!

Updates shown on the main Scholarship Page

Outside Agencies

-link on Guidance website

• check frequently and regularly
• check deadline and all requirements

for the application

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Outside Agencies Examples

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Schulich Leader Scholarships​

• Students pursuing STEM degrees
• Academic excellence, leadership

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TD Scholarships for Leadership​

• Community leadership and service

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Searchable Databases

Example: scholarshipcanada, yconic, indspire.ca

• create a new email account (you will receive a lot of emails!). Subscribe & indicate criteria
• check regularly
• create detailed filter of criteria
• links on Guidance Website

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Scholarships Canada

• check filters (school, field)

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• sort by value, deadline

School and TVDSB Specific Awards

• Specific to students at Saunders or within TVDSB
• Saunders and TVDSB scholarships
• Application link (not yet open, last year due date April 1)
• Application Tutorial

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College and University Scholarships

• Review link for each specific University/College
• Program specific scholarships & entrance scholarships (mark related)
• Next year: contact financial aid office to access on-going/new scholarships

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Think outside the box….

• Employers - student, family, employers
• Insurance Companies
• Foundations - eg. hospital foundations
• Sports Organizations
• Community Organizations

Ontario Student Assistance Plan

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King’s University OSAP Presentation -great information!

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OSAP Calculator - Find out how much you could get to help pay for your postsecondary education.

Application Tips

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Organization

• Spreadsheet to track deadlines and requirements

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Consistency

• Dedicating time to researching (weekly, biweekly)

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Start Early​

• Time to prepare and gather documents and write essays

Customization

• Ensure specific scholarship criteria are met

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Application Tips

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Meet Deadlines

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Follow Instructions

• word limits, font size, required documents

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Proofread

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Common Scholarship Themes

• -Leadership
• -Overcoming Adversity/Challenges
• -Volunteer Experience/Community Involvement
• -Future Plans
• ** How are these meaningful/impactful.
• **Give personal experience

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Writing a Scholarship Essay

• Understand essay question
• AI … use your own words
• Choose best experience to demonstrate
• Jot Form -Brainstorm, Draft, Revise (McMaster tips)
• Spell Check! (Canadian spelling)
• Word count
• Proofread - friend/family member/teacher proofread

References

• Knows you well - character, activities & experiences
• 2-3 weeks notice
• Include a Resume/activities list and any other information you would like included
• Check your social media
• Send a thank you note
• Be strategic - align your referee with the scholarship (ie: STEM teacher for a STEM scholarship)

Support

• Monthly Lunch-time help/questions/support
• LLC -
• Wed Nov 26
• Wed Dec. 17
• Wed Jan 21
• Wed Feb. 25
• Wed Mar 25

Recap

• Start your research early
• Check back regularly & check deadlines
• References
• Develop essay themes
• Questions?

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