Humanities and Liberal Arts Scholarship Guide

Need money for school? Most universities, colleges and schools in Canada offer some kind of student scholarships and bursaries for for international students applying to study humanities and liberal arts. Entrance scholarships--for high school students or students from other post-secondary institutions--are typically awarded to outstanding new students, and are usually also available to international students. 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 portfolio assessment, outstanding academic achievement, or a combination of these with leadership qualities. As well, international students in humanities and liberal arts programs may be eligible for bursaries, which typically are based on financial need. Work-study programs (involving part-time work for full-time students on campus) may be another source of money for school.

Scholarships and awards may cover tuition and residence costs. In some cases, no application is required as international students are automatically considered when they apply to a given institution. Financial awards may be offered by high schools, university and college departments, professional organizations, local businesses and national chains, and charitable foundations. Universities, community colleges and career colleges with internal scholarships and bursaries may encourage early application in order to qualify for these awards and financial assistance.

· 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. Often high schools will offer awards to the best students or those most involved in club activities, such as clubs dealing with peace studies, environmentalism, languages, political issues, etc.

· Most universities, colleges, schools and program departments offer entrance awards either directly or through benefactors and foundations that support them. International students should contact an admissions advisor at the school or program department itself or look on the institution's website to identify the awards that are offered. Some scholarships and bursaries are program-specific and are limited to applicants to particular majors, diplomas or certificates within humanities and liberal arts, and some may require that you be nominated by someone at your high school.

· Many local businesses and national chains offer some kind of funding, either in the form of scholarships or bursaries.

· Many professional organizations and research institutes will provide scholarships as a way of promoting their profession and ensuring the development of future professionals and thinkers. These could include the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and more.

· And finally, there are a variety of charitable organizations, both Canadian and international, 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.