8 Financial Need Scholarships for Students in Canada

Scholarships expect that students apply because they need help paying for school. However, some scholarship committees prioritize applicants that meet certain requirements of financial need. From GrantMe’s database of hundreds of scholarships, we’ve compiled the top scholarships in Canada for students with financial need. Ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, these scholarships will help you accomplish your post-secondary goals! Here’s our list of the top 8 financial need scholarships in Canada. 

Kin Canada Bursaries

Kin Canada offers dozens of financial need scholarships for students across Canada. Applications are open annually for a shot at a $1000 scholarship. The application is also simple—no essay required! Instead, fill out some information about yourself and your financial situation. 

Assumption Life Foundation Scholarships

The Assumption Life Foundation offers six to seven financial need scholarships each year. The requirements are fairly broad. You simply need to have grades of over 70% and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship provides you with $1,500 towards your studies. They also offer seven additional scholarships for students studying specific programs or attending specific universities. These special scholarships range from $500 to $10,000!

For tips on crafting a stellar resume for this application, check out our other blog posts!

Horatio Alger Association Scholarships

This is the largest scholarship fund on our list! Horatio Alger provides over $1.78 million in scholarships each year, specifically for students with financial need. They offer 160 scholarships worth $5000 to students across Canada. They also scholarships specifically for students interested in entrepreneurship, Indigenous students, and students pursuing vocational and technical programs. These awards range from $3000 to $10,000. 

To access in-depth coaching and guidance on your writing, check out the GrantMe platform! Our trained essay editors know exactly what the selection committees look for and can help you draft a winning application. 

Métis Nation of Ontario Bursary

Métis students in Ontario can apply to these scholarships through their schools! Each bursary provides funding to Métis students with financial need. There are a few different kinds of scholarships, so no matter your program or if you have status, you’re likely eligible to apply! Check out the full list of participating post-secondary institutions on their website.

For more opportunities, check out our guide on the top scholarships for Indigenous students in Canada!

Cmolik Foundation Scholarships

If you live in BC, you’ll want to apply for the Cmolik Scholarship! This financial need scholarship awards students $40,000 towards their education. They value students who have faced adversity in their lives and demonstrated tenacity. The application is a bit involved, so you’ll want to start it early. You’ll need to get a nomination from your school, two reference letters, plus submit an application form and your academic transcript. 

Check out our guide on getting winning reference letters on our blog for help!

Beedie Luminaries Scholarship

Like Cmolik, the Beedie Luminaries program is another major financial need scholarship for students in BC! Students in a four-year undergraduate program can receive $40,000, while those in a two-year program can get $15,000. If you have readiness, grit, creativity, and empathy, you could have a shot at one of 105 scholarships!

You can apply to the Beedie Luminaries Scholarship via GrantMe while also getting guidance and support along the way!

Bill 7 Award

This financial need scholarship specifically supports lesbian, gay, bi, trans, two-spirited, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) students in Ontario! The Bill 7 Award seeks to help students stay in school by helping them realize their full potential. If you are a leader in your community and meet the requirements, be sure to apply!

Be sure to also checking out our full list of the top 2SLGBTQ+ scholarships in Canada!

Leonard Foundation Scholarship

Another large source of financial need scholarships is the Leonard Foundation! They offer 140 scholarships annually, each worth $1,000! Students with financial need will be prioritized, so be prepared to provide information about your household income. You will also need to set up an interview with a Nominator to complete your application. To apply, fill out the application form and submit a reference letter.

If you want even more support, GrantMe can help you stand out. We provide personalized scholarship matches, essay editing, and mentorship from past winners to maximize your success. Complete our short scholarship eligibility quiz to learn more about how GrantMe can help you achieve your post-secondary goals. 

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