How to get a scholarship at the University of Ottawa

Eligibility requirement

The eligibility requirements for scholarships at the University of Ottawa vary depending on the specific scholarship. However, there are some general eligibility requirements that most scholarships have in common.

The general eligibility criteria for an admission scholarship or bursary are:

Ensure that you fulfill all the admission criteria for the program in question.
Be enrolled full-time for the first time in a university undergraduate program;
Unless otherwise indicated, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or refugee.
Academic excellence: Most scholarships require applicants to have a minimum GPA. The required GPA varies from scholarship to scholarship, but it is typically between 3.0 and 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
The recency of grades: Some scholarships require applicants to have completed their most recent academic year with a certain GPA. For example, the University of Ottawa’s Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students requires applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their most recent academic year.
Program of study: Some scholarships are only open to students in specific programs. For example, the Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Merit Scholarship is only available to students in the Faculty of Engineering.
Citizenship: Some scholarships are only open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, the University of Ottawa also offers several scholarships for international students.
Financial need: Some scholarships are only open to students with financial need. These scholarships are typically awarded to students who demonstrate that they cannot afford to pay for their education without financial assistance.

Please visit the website of the University of Ottawa to learn about eligibility requirements for specific scholarships.

Relevant documents

The relevant documents for scholarship applications at the University of Ottawa vary depending on the specific scholarship. However, some standard documents that are required for most scholarships include:

Official transcripts: Please provide official transcripts from any post-secondary institutions you have attended.
Letters of recommendation: To strengthen your application, request recommendation letters from teachers, coaches, or mentors who can provide a positive testimony of your abilities and character.academic achievements and leadership qualities.
Personal statement: A statement explaining why you deserve the scholarship and what you plan to do with it.
Resume: A resume that highlights your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and work experience
Proof of citizenship: Proof of citizenship for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Proof of financial need: Proof of financial need for scholarships that are only open to students with financial need

Test scores: Test scores from standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT
Work samples, such as research papers, creative writing, or musical pieces

Please visit the University of Ottawa’s website to learn more about the specific documents required for a particular scholarship.

Opening and closing dates

The opening and closing dates of scholarships at the University of Ottawa vary depending on the specific scholarship. However, most scholarships open in the fall and close in the winter.

Here are some examples of the opening and closing dates of scholarships at the University of Ottawa:

President’s Scholarship for International Students: Applications open on October 1 and close on January 31.
Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students: Applications open on October 1 and close on January 31.
Faculty of Arts Dean’s Merit Scholarship: Applications are available on September 1 and close on November 30.
Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Merit Scholarship: Applications open on September 1 and close on November 30.
Faculty of Engineering Memorial Scholarship: Applications are available on September 1 and close on November 30.

Please visit the University of Ottawa’s website for specific scholarship opening and closing dates.

Here are some tips for tracking the opening and closing dates of scholarships at the University of Ottawa:

Sign up for email notifications. The University of Ottawa offers email notifications for scholarships. When you sign up for email notifications, you will be notified when new scholarships are announced, and the application deadlines are approaching.
Bookmark the scholarship page: The University of Ottawa has a dedicated scholarship page. Please bookmark the page and visit it frequently for any updates or new scholarship opportunities that may arise.
Use a scholarship tracking tool. There are several scholarship tracking tools available online. These tools can help you rack scholarships’ opening and closing dates, eligibility requirements, and application process.

How to apply

Here are the steps on how to apply for a scholarship at the University of Ottawa:

Identify the scholarships you are eligible for: The first step is to identify the ones you qualify for. You can do this by visiting the University of Ottawa’s website and searching for scholarships. You can also use a scholarship tracking tool to help you find scholarships.
Read the eligibility requirements carefully. Make sure to carefully read the eligibility requirements of the scholarships you’re interested in and ensure you meet them before applying.
Gather the required documents: Most scholarships require submitting certain documents with your application. These documents may include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Be sure to gather all the required documents before you start your application.
Please start your application early. Scholarship applications usually open in the fall, so it is essential to begin your application early. This will give you enough time to gather the required documents and write strong application essays.
Write strong application essays. Your application essays present an opportunity for you to articulate why you deserve the scholarship. Write concise essays highlighting your academic achievements, leadership qualities, and financial needs.
Ask for help: If you struggle to write your application essays or gather the required documents, ask for help from a teacher, counselor, or friend.
Please submit your application on time. Once you have finished it, submit it on time. Most scholarships have a deadline, and you must meet the deadline to be considered for the scholarship.

Tips and advice

Here are some additional tips for applying for scholarships at the University of Ottawa:

Be persistent. Keep going if you get a scholarship the first time you apply. Keep applying for scholarships, and eventually, you will be successful.
Network with people in your field: Attend industry events, connect with alums, and reach out to professors and researchers who are doing work that you are interested in. These connections can help you learn about scholarships that you may need to be aware of, and they can also provide you with letters of recommendation.
Please get involved in extracurricular activities. Scholarship committees look for well-rounded students who demonstrate commitment to their communities. Get involved in extracurricular activities you are passionate about, and highlight your involvement in your application essays.
Maintaining a high GPA is the most critical factor in getting a scholarship. Scholarship committees want to see that you are a high-achieving student who can succeed in university.

FAQs

What types of scholarships are available at the University of Ottawa?

The University of Ottawa provides various scholarships, such as merit-based, need-based, entrance, program/faculty-specific, indigenous, and international.

How do I apply for scholarships at the University of Ottawa?

To apply for scholarships at the University of Ottawa, you must submit a complete application for admission to the university. Some scholarships may require an additional application or supporting documents.

Are scholarships available for undergraduate students?

Scholars are available for undergraduate students based on academic achievement, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, or financial need. Eligibility and application requirements vary.

Are scholarships available for graduate students?

Yes, the University of Ottawa offers scholarships for graduate students as well. These scholarships can be based on merit, research excellence, academic achievement, or financial need. Graduate students are also encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities.

What are the criteria for merit-based scholarships?

Merit-based scholarships at the University of Ottawa are typically awarded to students with outstanding academic records. Grades, test scores, and achievements inside and outside the classroom are considered. Some scholarships may also consider leadership, community involvement, or specific talents.

Are there scholarships specifically for international students?

Scholars are available specifically for international students at the University of Ottawa. These scholarships can be either merit-based or need-based, and they are available to help with tuition and living expenses.

Can I apply for scholarships if I am a part-time student?

Some scholarships at the University of Ottawa may be available to part-time students, but many scholarships target full-time students. Review each scholarship’s eligibility criteria to see if part-time students qualify.

Can I receive multiple scholarships at the University of Ottawa?

Yes, receiving multiple scholarships at the University of Ottawa is possible. Some scholarships are automatically awarded based on eligibility, while others require separate applications. However, it is essential to note that there may be restrictions on the total amount of scholarship funding a student can receive.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Each scholarship program’s specific eligibility requirements determine who receives a scholarship at the University of Ottawa. Selection may involve reviewing academic records, evaluating application materials, conducting interviews, or considering letters of recommendation. The scholarship committees or relevant faculty members typically make final decisions.

Are there scholarships available for Indigenous students?

Yes, the University of Ottawa offers scholarships specifically for Indigenous students. Scholarships may be awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, or community involvement. Additionally, bursaries and funding opportunities are available to support Indigenous students throughout their educational journey.

How to get a scholarship at the University of Ottawa

Overview of the University of Ottawa

Scholarship opportunities at the University of Ottawa