Athletic / Football Scholarships in Canada

Scholarships for student athletes are more limited in Canada compared to the U.S. Unfortunately, this means that Canadian universities are in a worse position when it comes to attracting the best athletes.

Scholarships in Canada and the U.S.

In 2014, CIS students in Canada received a total of about $16,000,000 in scholarships. Scholarships are worth $1,060 on average while tuition costs $5,000 - $6,000 per academic year in many universities. What is more, scholarships for students with disabilities are close to non-existent. In comparison, U.S. students are often awarded full scholarships, including tuition and room and board. Scholarships can reach $30,000 - $50,000, which is good news in light of the fact that tuition costs some $25,000 a year for a NCAA athlete. Canadian students enrolled in U.S. universities are also offered athletic scholarships provided that they play at a U.S college.

Athletic Scholarships and Awards

Universities in Canada offer athletic scholarships based on talent and other criteria. Funding can take different forms, including housing, merit awards, leadership awards, bursaries, and more. Scholarships are awarded to both non-entering and entering students in different disciplines, including hockey, golf, football, field hockey, fencing, and others. Students in other disciplines are also awarded scholarships, including water polo, track and field, Nordic skiing, rowing, cross country, etc. Athletic scholarships are conditional, meaning that they are awarded to students on OUA and U SPORTS teams. The list of awards in Canada includes the Gordon Cressy Leadership Award, John E. McCutcheon Award, Kirkwood Award, and more.

Other Forms of Financial Assistance and Funding

Student grants and loans are also available to help pay tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. A government loan is one option to consider if you are enrolled in a college or university. Post-secondary students qualify provided that they are enrolled part-time or full-time and demonstrate financial need. Applicants who are 22 or older are asked to pass a credit check. Student loans by banks and other private providers are a second option with a higher interest rate compared to government funding. What is more, borrowers make interest payments on a monthly basis while in college. With government loans, the repayment period begins 6 months after course completion. Repayment assistance is also available. A student credit card is yet another option to look into to pay daily and school-related expenses such as meals, transportation, textbooks, etc. All big banks, local banks, credit unions, and finance companies offer student cards. Students benefit in many ways, with incentives and perks such as competitive interest rates, welcome bonuses, money back, and a lot more. Some issuers advertise cards with student discounts at hundreds of retailers, including Aldo, Forever 21, Petro Canada, The Source, Thai Express, Old Navy, and others. Other benefits include no annual fee, air miles, free memberships, and a lot more. Applicants with no credit blemishes are usually approved. Apart from student cards, loans, and scholarships, there are other ways to cover expenses while in college, one being working on-campus or off-campus. If you have money in your savings account, this is also an option to meet daily or emergency expenses. And if your parents can lend you a helping hand, this is a great way to stay debt-free or cover some of your expenses.