Your Guide to Financial Aid Opportunities

The University of Canada Montreal (UCM) offers a variety of scholarships to prospective and current students to help make higher education more affordable. In this comprehensive guide, we will outline the different scholarship programs available through UCM and provide tips for strengthening your scholarship applications. By learning about all the financial aid options, you can make an informed decision about furthering your education at this prestigious institution.

UCM Entrance Scholarships

One of the best ways to reduce the cost of your university education is to apply for and earn an entrance scholarship awarded based on your grades and academic achievements from high school. UCM offers several competitive scholarships automatically awarded to students with strong academic records who are first-time university applicants.

President’s Scholarship

Worth up to $10,000 CAD per year, the President’s Scholarship is the top tier entrance award granted to no more than 10 students each year. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum admission average of 95% or higher. This scholarship is automatically renewed each year as long as you maintain a 3.7 GPA or higher.

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Students with an admission average between 90-94.9% are automatically considered for the Academic Excellence Scholarship worth $8,000 per year. The award is renewable for up to 4 years of undergraduate study with a minimum 3.5 GPA requirement.

Dean’s Scholarship

For admission averages of 85-89.9%, the Dean’s Scholarship offers $6,000 annually. To renew, you must keep at least a 3.3 GPA on a full course load each year.

Additional Entrance Awards

Other scholarships may be available to incoming students based on specific programs of study or personal profiles. Make sure to thoroughly research all options on the UCM scholarships website. Maintaining strong grades is key to qualifying for entrance awards and their renewal in subsequent years of study.

Continuing Scholarships

If you did not receive an entrance scholarship or are looking for additional funding, there are many internal scholarships available exclusively to current UCM students each year through separate application processes. Here are a few of the top continuing awards:

Governor General’s Academic Medal Scholarship

One of the most prestigious continuing awards, this $8,000 renewable scholarship is granted to the student with the highest weighted GPA at the end of their first year of full-time undergraduate studies. No separate application is required.

Dean’s Undergraduate Research Award

Students engaged in supervised faculty research projects can apply in the winter term for this $5,000 award intended to support their research activities over the summer months. A research proposal and faculty letter of support are required.

Professors’ Prize Scholarships

Individual academic departments award their own scholarships of $3,000-$5,000 based on academic merit in a specific subject area. Nomination by faculty is required. Keep your grades high in your major fields of study for consideration.

Need-Based Bursaries

Financial need plays a primary role in determining bursary eligibility rather than solely academic accomplishments. The university’s Work-Study program can also help offset costs through on-campus jobs. Budget carefully and apply each term using the online financial aid portal.

External Scholarship Resources

In addition to the abundant scholarship funding available directly through UCM itself, explore opportunities from outside organizations as another avenue to financially support your education. Some prominent options include:

Government Scholarships

At the provincial and federal levels in Canada, various ministries and agencies offer targeted scholarships you can find through an online search. For example, grants for Indigenous, francophone or disabled students, or those pursuing fields in high demand.

Professional Association Awards

Many career-related associations present scholarships for students enrolled in certain programs of study. For instance, the Certified General Accountants Association offers several $2,500 awards annually. Network within your intended industry.

Corporate & Private Donor Scholarships

Large companies regularly donate scholarship funds through independent foundations or administered via the university directly. Also research additional granting bodies to identify non-traditional resources. Persistence and customized applications pay off.

International Scholarship Programs

If you are an international student, never overlook the possibility of funding support from your home country or internationally-focused organizations. The Luso-Canadian Scholarship Foundation and others focus on specific countries/regions.

Scholarship Application Strategies

Crafting compelling applications requires planning and demonstrating how you align with the award criteria. Incorporate these strategic elements into your submissions:

Exceptional Academic Record

Outstanding grades showcase your talents but also highlight consistency and dedication to your studies over time. Maintain good standing as your record grows.

Engagement Beyond Classroom

Emphasize involvement through research, clubs, volunteer roles – showcase leadership and enrichment of the campus community. Scholarship reviews seek well-rounded candidates.

Clear Career Goals

Connect your program choice and planned course of study directly to future aspirations. Paint a picture of drive and purpose that funding can help further realize.

Unique Personal Profile

What makes you stand out from all other applicants? Highlight experiences, identities or talents that contribute diversity to the recipient pool in an authentic way.

Strong Recommendations

Approach professors you interact with regularly to write substantive letters speaking highly of your work ethic, initiative and qualifications. Allow time for thorough submissions.

Error-Free Application

Have others proof your documents for spelling/grammatical mistakes before submission deadlines. Make it easy for reviewers to endorse your candidacy.

• Financing Your Education

• An education at UCM provides excellent career outcomes and opportunities for lifelong learning, though the costs can seem daunting without financial assistance. By researching all potential scholarships and utilizing helpful application strategies, you give yourself the best chance to fund your education through a combination of self-investment, family support, bursaries, work opportunities and scholarship aid. This thorough overview of funding resources available should give you confidence to turn your educational dreams into reality. Please contact an advisor if you need any additional information or guidance along the way.