Free Money

Did you know that every year thousands of dollars of financial aid goes undistributed simply because students don’t apply for it?

Emily Lam, supervisor of CapU’s Financial Aid & Awards Office, says many students just assume they’re not eligible.

“Often students think that scholarships and awards are for the straight-A students, but the reality is we offer many different types of student financial support that is not dependent on a high GPA,” said Lam. “And it’s free money you don’t have to pay back.”

Lam’s goal is to make sure that every dollar of financial aid at CapU is given out each year, and she encourages students to connect with the Financial Aid Office for support.

Below are the top five things every student should know about scholarships, bursaries and awards. Read on because, seriously, who would say “no” to free money for their education?

Apply early so you don’t miss out

Most people think they have to be admitted to university or registered in classes before they can apply for financial aid, but that’s not true!

If you’ve applied to CapU as a new student, you can apply for entrance awards before your admission is confirmed. If you’re a current student, you can apply for term-based scholarships, bursaries and awards before you are fully registered in classes for the upcoming term.

Whether you’re a new or current student, aim to complete your award application before the deadline, so that you are eligible for the full breadth of awards. Make sure your application is complete; common mistakes are not following instructions or not submitting supplementary documents.

Your chances of getting an award are better than you think

CapU offers a range of financial support. Some are need-based, such as bursaries that recognize financial need. Others are merit-based, such as scholarships and awards that recognize academic achievement, leadership experience, volunteerism and community engagement, athletic and artistic achievement.

In addition, there are awards for students going to school full-time and part-time and those in specific programs, as well as awards aimed at supporting different groups, such as single parents or Indigenous students, those with disabilities or people who have aged out of foster care. Be sure to review the scholarships, bursaries and awards list to see which ones you are eligible for.

Say “yes” to bursaries

One of the easiest ways to access financial support is to say “yes” to being considered for bursaries on your financial aid application. If you are a domestic student, bursaries have the lowest GPA requirement of all awards and can offer support from $50 to $5,000 depending on your financial need. Many students don’t answer this question or say “no” and miss out.

Apply every term

With financial aid, it’s not one and done. You can apply for scholarships, bursaries and awards each term. One simple online application through your myCapU account every term puts you in the running for 250+ awards! That’s money you could be receiving every term.

We’re here to help

Figuring out how to pay for your education can be challenging, but the Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our team can outline funding resource options, provide budgeting and money management tools, and offer advice through online and in-person advising appointments.

Don’t leave free money on the table. Visit the Financial Aid website, attend a financial aid workshop or book an appointment with a financial aid advisor. Learn more.

To apply for scholarships, bursaries and awards, log in to your myCapU account and select Financial Aid and Awards. Then choose Apply for Scholarships, Bursaries, Awards and Fee Deferrals and the application for the term you are applying for.