Business Scholarship Guide

Many business schools in Canada offer student scholarships and bursaries for international students applying to Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree programs or diploma studies. Awards typically range in value from $250 - $5,000, but may go as high as $16,000 over the course of the four-year degree. These awards are often renewable and are based on outstanding academic achievement or a combination of outstanding academic achievement and leadership qualities. As well, international business students may be eligible for bursaries, which typically are based on financial need. Work-study programs (involving part-time work on campus for full-time students) may be another source of money for school.

Student Scholarships and Student Bursaries
Entrance scholarships for students entering Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs or diploma programs from high school and other post-secondary institutions are typically awarded to outstanding new students, and are usually also available to international students. Bursaries are more typically based on a combination of academic achievement and financial need and/or achievement in other areas such as leadership and community service. These awards may be offered by high schools, university and college business schools, professional organizations, local businesses and national chains, and charitable foundations. They may be available on a non-renewable or renewable basis.

Start your search by talking to your high school career counsellor to learn what kinds of scholarships and bursaries may be available from your home country.

Most business schools offer entrance awards either directly or through benefactors and foundations that support them. International students should contact an admissions advisor at the school or look on the school’s or program department’s website to identify the awards that are offered. Some scholarships and bursaries are program-specific and are limited to applicants to particular majors or diplomas within a business school.

Many local businesses and national chains offer funding, either in the form of scholarships or bursaries and international students may be eligible for some of these awards.

Many professional organizations will provide scholarships as a way of promoting their profession and ensuring the development of future business professionals. These could include organizations focused on accounting, advertising, economics, finance, marketing, public relations, and more!

And finally, there are a variety of charitable organizations that provide literally millions of dollars of awards to post-secondary students.

For more general information on international student scholarships and financial aid, check out the articles on international student scholarships under each school type.