Public Administration and Policy Scholarship Guide

Many universities, colleges, schools or public administration and policy departments in Canada offer student scholarships and student bursaries for for international students applying to study in Canada. Entrance scholarships for students entering a bachelor's degree in public administration and policy from high school and 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 a 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 public administration students may be eligible for bursaries, which typically are based on financial need or on a combination of academic achievement and financial need and/or achievement in other areas such as leadership and community service. Work-study programs (involving part-time work on campus for full-time students) may be another source of money for school.

These scholarships may cover tuition and residence costs. In some cases, no application is required as students are automatically considered when they apply to a given institution. Financial awards for international students may be offered by high schools, university and college public administration schools or departments, professional organizations, local businesses and national chains, and charitable foundations.

· 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, which could include business- or public administration-oriented clubs, student United Nations, and mock parliamentary clubs.

· Most public administration and policy universities, colleges, schools or departments in Canada 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 or diplomas within the field of public administration and policy.

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

· And finally, there are a variety of charitable organizations, from Canada 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.