Can I combine other funding options if I do not get a full scholarship to study in Canada?
If you miss a full scholarship, you can combine partial scholarships, bursaries, education loans, co-op placements with paid work, and universities with lower tuition. Each covers a different part of your costs, so mix them. Availability varies by university, so check each official page.
Missing a fully funded scholarship does not mean you have to give up on studying in Canada. Many international students lower their costs by combining partial scholarships, bursaries, education loans, co-op programs and lower-tuition universities.
Funding Options You Can Combine
| Option | How it helps | Examples from the source |
|---|---|---|
| Partial scholarships | Cover a portion of tuition, often based on merit, leadership or program | University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship; University of Waterloo entrance scholarships |
| Bursaries | Need-based awards that do not need to be repaid | McGill, York and UBC bursary programs |
| Education loans | Can cover tuition, accommodation, travel, books and other costs | Offered by many banks and financial institutions |
| Co-op programs | Combine classroom learning with paid work to help cover living expenses | Waterloo, Simon Fraser and Toronto Metropolitan co-op programs |
| Lower-tuition universities | Reduce the overall cost of your degree | Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Regina, Brandon University, University of Prince Edward Island |
How to Combine Them
- Pair a lower-tuition university with scholarships, bursaries or part-time work to keep the total budget friendly.
- Use a loan only for the gap that remains after scholarships and bursaries.
- Apply early, since many awards depend on academic merit, leadership or financial circumstances.
My Advice
Build a funding stack instead of waiting for one big award: list your total cost, subtract partial scholarships and bursaries, and then size any loan for what is left. Eligibility and amounts vary, so confirm every award on the official university page.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what Canada costs.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
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