Now that you’ve decided that you will be investing in your future, it’s important to know where and how you will get the funds to pay your tuition. Often times, it’s not just from one source. In fact, many students are able to accumulate money through government aid, scholarships, bursaries, and working part-time. If you’re planning on attending Conestoga college but you’re unaware of these resources, you’re in the right place. Read along as we break down the top financial aid resources at Conestoga college.
GOVERNMENT AID AND EMERGENCY LOAN
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides loans and grants to Ontario residents. The amount offered to you by OSAP is based on a comprehensive application that considers your income, your family income, assets and much more. While OSAP loans have to be paid back post-graduation, grants do not, and often most of the time, students will receive both loans and grants. The government also offers other means of financial aid that are worth checking out such as the Canada Apprenticeship Loan and out of province aid if you are not from Ontario. Additionally, if you are going through exceptional circumstances, Conestoga college might be able to help through their emergency loan. Circumstances that are deemed acceptable by the office are situations which could not have been foreseen by the student, including, but not limited to, fire, theft, sudden family breakdown and medical emergencies.
Click here to learn more about government aid and Conestoga’s emergency loan.
SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS & BURSARIES
Conestoga College offers more than 400 scholarships, awards and bursaries valued at 3.8 million dollars. Evidently, there’s a lot out there, but you need to take initiative and send in an application. Luckily, we’ve found some of the top scholarships, awards and bursaries for you.
- Conestoga College Student Assistance Fund (CCSAF) Bursary
Specifically for financial need, the CCSAF Bursary can be a great resource to help you fund your tuition. This bursary is not a set amount; monetary values are distributed based on the application. To apply, fill out the Awards application on the Student Portal.
- Neil Aitchison CSI Leadership Scholarship
This scholarship looks at extraordinary leadership and community involvement at Conestoga college. Four scholarships, each worth $3000, are awarded to four students.
- The CSI Academic Excellence Award
The Conestoga Students Inc. Academic Excellence Award is a great one to look out for. If you have achieved a minimum of 85% in your previous semester, you can win $500! Up to 15 awards are distributed!
- The CSI Athletic Scholarship
Athletic contribution during school can be hard, and so the college is here to recognize you! The Conestoga Students Inc. Athletic Scholarship is awarded to 11 students, each earning $1000, for their commitment to varsity sports and the Conestoga athletic community. The first step, however, is being nominated by your coach.
- The CSI Community Achievement Award
If you have shown leadership in at least one of the following areas, this award can be yours!
- International engagement
- Community service
- Intellectual pursuits
- Artistic or athletic endeavours
- Intercultural understanding and promotion of diversity
The Conestoga Student Inc. Community Achievement Award is awarded to two students, each receiving $2500.
- The CSI Student Service Award
The Conestoga Students Inc. Service Award is awarded to up to eight students who are actively involved and volunteer in the Conestoga community. Each award is worth $1000.
To apply to the aforementioned scholarships along with many more, you need to fill out the General Scholarship Application on your Student Portal. For more information, click here.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
If you’re an international student, money can become a little bit of a bigger issue. That’s why Conestoga college has set aside a few scholarships especially for you! If you will be a full-time student, you are eligible to receive a scholarship from the following categories.
- Entrance Scholarships
Conestoga college has plenty of entrance scholarships, each worth $1500 and based on academic performance. If it’s your first time entering Conestoga, you may be able to receive the Entrance Excellence Scholarship. If you’re planning on completing Conestoga’s English Academic Studies Program before enrolling in another program at the college, you are eligible for the English for Academic Studies to Post-Secondary Studies Scholarship. If you have already graduated from a Conestoga program and apply to a second program at the college 4 months or less after you graduate, you are eligible for the 2nd Program Scholarship.
- Regional Scholarships
Conestoga college has regional scholarships for a degree entrance, a diploma entrance or a graduate entrance. No matter what you’re studying, you have a chance of receiving some money to help you out. The degree entrance scholarship is worth $3000 while the others are worth $1500. All regional scholarships are awarded based on academic performance.
To learn more about entrance scholarships, click here.
WORK STUDY PROGRAMS
Working is another way you can earn some money to fund your tuition. Conestoga college offers multiple jobs on campus that don’t only provide income, but let you get to know the school and its students a little more! And even better, you can try to get a job in something that interests you! While studying, you are able to work a part-time job for eight to 10 hours a week. If you are in summer or co-op, you are eligible to work a full-time job, with shifts adding up to a maximum of 35 hours a week.
The following are examples of some of the jobs you may work as part of Conestoga’s Work Study Program:
- Accessibility Services – Peer Educator
- IT Services – Help Desk, Software/Hardware Support, Lab Monitor
- Trades and Apprenticeship – Technicians
- Bookstore – Sales/Operations Clerk
- Student Engagement Department – Student Life Centre Information Desk, Student Engagement Promotions Assistant, Respect Leaders, Orientation Interns
- Learning Commons – Marketing Intern, Peer Tutors, Math Mentors, Office Technology Assistant
Note to editor: these are straight from the website
Click here to learn more about Conestoga’s Work Study programs and to find a job today!
SAVE UP!
So much money goes unused by institutions each year, so it’s up to you to get on those applications and put in some effort in them. If you feel you have the time, a part-time job on campus might be a good option, and might actually be a destressor! Finally, when you’re craving your third starbucks of the week, remember that you’re in debt 😉
