How do I find scholarships and bursaries for international students in Canada?

I'm an international student looking to study in Canada, and I could really use some financial help. What are some good resources or specific scholarships and bursaries I should check out to help cover my tuition?

There are various resources and scholarships available for international students looking to study in Canada. Each university will often have a specific section on its website dedicated to scholarships and funding for international students. Take a deep dive into the websites of universities you're thinking of applying to and make use of the information they provide there; you'd be surprised about just how much financial aid is available.

For example, at the University of Toronto, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship program recognizes international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership. The scholarship will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.

Similarly, McGill University in Montreal offers the McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid for international students showing notable academic achievement.

There are also country-wide programs, such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, which are available for graduate students. Moreover, the Canadian government runs a scholarship website that allows you to filter based on your circumstances and find awards that are relevant to you.

Additionally, there are external organizations such as EduCanada, which offers a comprehensive database of scholarships available for international students aspiring to study in Canada.

In addition to scholarships, you might also consider working part-time on campus or looking for work-study programs, as these can greatly help offset your education costs.

Remember that while it can be tempting to apply for every scholarship you see, your time might be better spent focusing on opportunities that you're strongly eligible for, or those that require an application essay or other materials that you can make very strong. This way, despite potentially fewer opportunities, the ones you’re going for may have a higher likelihood of success.

Lastly, don't discount the value of reaching out to the financial aid offices of the universities you're interested in. They can provide personalized advice for your situation and may be aware of specific avenues of funding you hadn't considered.

Best of luck with your scholarship search – it can be a lengthy process but know that your persistence could potentially save you a significant amount of money in the long run.