The 411 on scholarships

Some are awarded on merit, others are granted on need: Bursaries and scholarships can be a welcome source of support for university students.

And Concordia’s Financial Aid and Awards Office (FAAO) can help students wade through the process of applying for bursaries or awards.

“Forty-five percent of full-time students receive some kind of financial aid,” says Laura Stanbra, director of the FAAO.

Her office sees more than 32,000 walk-in visits per year. What’s more, the FAAO phone number is among the top five dialed at Concordia.

“We’re a popular place,” says Stanbra. “Yet, we still have an average waiting time of only seven minutes to see a financial advisor.”

The university awards more than $2.5 million undergraduate scholarships and bursaries annually, many of which are funded by private donations. The FAAO also helps facilitates the allocation of $54 million in provincial awards, loans and bursaries.

The number of awards and programs is large, and determining who can or should apply for specific aid is not always easy. Becoming familiar with the terminology is the first step.

• Scholarship
  • Scholarships are based on scholastic achievement and in most cases the university selects candidates, based on that criteria, as there is no application procedure.
  • A 3.3 minimum grade point average (GPA) is required.
  • Most awardees have a GPA of 4.0 or higher.
  • The average entrance (new student) scholarship is $2,300.
  • The average in-course (returning student) is $1,100.
• Bursary
  • Bursaries are based on financial need, and applications are required.
  • Good academic standing is necessary.
  • The average entrance (new student) bursary is $1,300.
  • The average in-course (returning student) is $1,000.
• Emergency bursary
  • Emergency bursaries are awarded in cases when there is a significant and unexpected change to the student’s financial situation (fire, or death in the family). In such cases, a student would receive $800.
• Work-study program
  • The work-study program is for full-time Concordia students who are in financial need and wish to work part-time on campus.
  • Jobs pay $10 to $14 per hour and are available year-round.

Study hard to bolster chances
“For bursaries, it pays to do well at school,” says Stanbra, noting a committee meets twice per year to review the hundreds of applications that come through the FAAO.

“We take every application on a case-by-case basis,” she adds. 

Factors such as parental income, financial need, the candidate’s academic ranking and an appreciation of the applicant’s personal statements on the entrance bursary application form are considered. In most cases full-time students are recipients.

The FAAO also facilitates the administration of provincial, federal and international loans and awards. “With these institutions we are the advocate for the student and function as the go-between,” says Stanbra.

“It’s best for students to think about financial assistance before they run into problems,” cautions Stanbra. “Processing these applications takes time, and it may be awhile before there is cash in your pocket.”

Watch Laura Stanbra, director of the FAAO, explain how her unit can help students:

Concordia University - Financial Aid and Awards Office
Room GM-220, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
Telephone: 514-848-2424, ext. 3507

Related links:
•    Concordia Financial Aid and Awards Office
•    Quebec student aid
•    Government of Canada student aid