Scholarships and other awards – who can apply?

Tips from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC, on the various types of awards out there – and guess what? You probably qualify for something!

Entrance Scholarships – apply while still in Grade 12
For students still in high school, and who demonstrate academic excellence, you may qualify for Entrance Scholarships.  However, deadlines are typically in early Spring (March 1st at TRU), so Grade 11’s, keep this in mind for next year.  TRU awards over $220,000 each year in Entrance Scholarships.  Visit http://www.tru.ca/finaid/truentrancescholarship.html.

Ongoing Awards – students enrolled at TRU can apply by mid-September each year
‘Awards’ is a general term that encompasses both scholarships and bursaries. While it’s true that scholarships are tied to high marks, bursaries are based on financial need.  There may be various conditions on both scholarships and bursaries, such as what program you’re enrolled in/career goals, what geographic area you’re from, what your national origin is, or if you’re affiliated with a certain organization.  Both types of awards are non-repayable (ie. free money!).   Visit www.tru.ca/awards.  

NEW – Alvin Grunert Scholarships – $4,000 scholarships for top TRU students
These awards will see the top student in each of TRU’s faculties receive $4000.  Students must be continuing students, meaning they can’t be entering first year, or in their graduating year.  The university is also looking to reward the next top nine students in each faculty with $1000 each.

SIDIT awards – just for TRU Trades & Technology students
Students entering full-time study in an eligible program at TRU’s Kamloops campus, and who demonstrate financial need, can apply.  See http://www.tru.ca/finaid/news.html for eligible programs.
TRU is still accepting applications for 2010-2011.  Apply at www.tru.ca/apply.