As you narrow down your search for universities in the United States, you should also be determining how you will fund your studies. Bear in mind that primary funding source for the majority of undergraduate and graduate students is themselves (including parents and loans).
The most funding that students receive is from the university that they attend. This means that you should apply to schools that offer generous financial aid if this is needed.
The types of financial options available to you include student loans, grants, scholarships, fellowships, and travel awards. Be sure to begin your search for funding early, as many deadlines can be a year prior to enrolling in university. Be sure to also read through our undergraduate and graduate financial aid documents to help you get started.
Top Sources of Funding
- Personal and Family SavingsEven if you receive a substantial scholarship, this will typically not cover travel expenses, application fees, or medical insurance. You need to have your own funds set aside to cover these kinds of incidentals.
- Student and Personal LoansYou can consider either student or personal loans to help fund your studies. While student loan payments can be deferred until you have finished your studies, personal loans cannot be deferred until after school. Personal loans also have higher interest rates. Regardless of your choice, be sure to examine the terms of the loan carefully, as well as repayment options and how interest is accrued. Visit your provincial educational funding organization for information on available student financing. Most accredited U.S. universities are eligible for provincial funding.
Alberta – Alberta Student Aid
British Columbia – StudentAid BC
Manitoba – Manitoba Student Aid
New Brunswick – New Brunswick Student Loan
Newfoundland and Labrador – Student Aid Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories – NWT Student Financial Assistance Program
Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia Student Assistance
Nunavut – Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS)
Ontario – Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
Prince Edward Island – PEI Loans, Bursaries, and Awards
Quebec – Quebec Loans and Bursaries program
Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Student Loans
Yukon – Yukon financial aid assistance
- Direct Funding from U.S. UniversitiesThe universities to which you apply may be your best bet for financial aid. This institutional aid may be based on financial need, merit, or talent (athletic or artistic), with most funding renewable on a yearly basis based on pre-determined academic standards. Some departments or programs within universities may offer their own subject-specific scholarships or grants to incoming students. You can find out more about institutional funding for individual universities by visiting their undergraduate admissions or international students webpages. See this blog post to learn about the “The scholarships available for Canadians at the 145 most selective U.S. universities.”
Also, see this EducationUSA document in the “Funding opportunities” section that highlights universities with specific scholarships for Canadians and schools that meet demonstrated need.
- External Scholarship FundingThese “niche” scholarships may be offered by private donors or institutions based on extracurricular activities, personal qualities and interests, or research potential. You can find awards according to gender, ethnicity, artistic abilities, sports, citizenship, and more. These awards take more time and energy to search for, but they allow more diverse qualities beyond academic merit and financial need to be recognized. If you’ve always wanted to write about your love for a capella or show off your graphic design skills, these scholarships are perfect for you!
Try these search engines. Make sure that the funding is applicable to international students before submitting any applications:
- Funding for American citizensAmerican citizens have many funding opportunities in the United States. As an American, you should complete the FAFSA application for government financial aid by the deadlines outlined by your university. This is typically around January or February. For external scholarships, take a look at these websites:
- Fulbright Student Award (for graduate studies)Fulbright scholarships are available to students who are applying for full-time graduate study or plan on conducting a post-Bachelor research project in the United States.
Traditional Fulbright student awards: US$25,000 for one nine-month academic year. These all-discipline awards can be taken up at any college, university, think tank, or government agency in the United States. Must have a Bachelor’s degree and be a Canadian citizen.
Visit fulbright.ca for more information about Fulbright scholarships and the Fulbright Program.
- Florida-Canada Linkage Institute (for all levels of study)The Florida-Canada Linkage Institute (FCLI) provides an opportunity for Canadian students applying to state universities and community colleges in Florida to obtain waivers for out-of-state tuition. Awards are competitive, but they can certainly help you fund your education.
- Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship (for graduate students)The Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship awards four graduates of Canadian universities $10,500 to study a Masters degree in the United States. Applications due February 1.
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarships (various levels)More than 50 universities have a specific #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship for their international applicants, which range from 50% off up to full tuition.
You can also check out EducationUSA’s guide to searching and applying for financial aid in the United States, or one of our previous Facebook Live webinars.
Now that you’ve spent some time thinking about ways to fund your education, it’s time for STEP 3: Completing your Undergraduate Application or Completing your Graduate Application.
As always, if you have questions, visit the Contact Us page to reach out to your local EducationUSA adviser or schedule a 1:1 advising appointment.