Teacher Education Scholarship Guide

Need money to become a teacher? Many universities, colleges, schools and program departments in Canada offer student scholarships and bursaries for international students applying to teacher education studies. Entrance scholarships for students entering teacher education programs 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 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 teacher education students may be eligible for bursaries, which typically are based on financial need or 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 for full-time students on campus) 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 may be offered by high schools, university and college education schools, 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.

Most teacher education schools offer entrance awards either directly or through benefactors and foundations that support them. International students should contact an admissions advisor at the school itself or look on the university's, college's, 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, diplomas or certificates within the field of teacher education.

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.

Many professional organizations will provide scholarships as a way of promoting their profession and ensuring the development of future education professionals.

And finally, there are a variety of charitable organizations, both in Canada and internationally, 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.