10+ Need based scholarship and grants in Canada you can apply for

Need based scholarships in Canada
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Need based scholarships are a type of financial aid that is awarded to students (by the Canadian government, private organizations, and individuals) based on their demonstrated financial need.

You are only eligible for a need-based scholarship in Canada if you demonstrate your inability to finance your education.

Therefore, how well you demonstrate that you desire to study in Canada but can’t finance your studies determine whether you’ll qualify for a need-based scholarship.

If you (or your guidance) can finance your education, you’ll be (most likely) ineligible for need-based scholarships in Canada.



Many need-based scholarships are available in Canada, and this post will explore some of the most popular ones.

If you desire to study in Canada but need financial assistance, keep reading!

Applying for a need based scholarship in Canada 

In prevalent cases (not all the time), to be eligible for need based scholarships, you must first submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. 

The FAFSA form is used to determine your expected family contribution (EFC), which is the amount of money that your family is expected to contribute towards your education.

Students with a low EFC are typically eligible for more need based aid than students with a high EFC. 


The lower your EFC, the more financial needs you are eligible for. This does not mean you should make wrong financial need claims in your application.

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You’ll be caught and your application rejected.

If you’re looking for need-based scholarships in Canada, here are some of the most popular need-based scholarships in Canada that you may be eligible for, based on your financial need.

Need-based scholarships in Canada

You can check them out, apply for the ones you are eligible for, and who knows, you may be lucky with your application.

  • The Canada Student Grants Program

The Canada Student Grants Program is a need-based program that provides financial assistance to full-time post-secondary students. 

The program is designed to help students cover the costs of tuition, books, and other necessary expenses.

The program is administered by the Government of Canada and is available to individuals who are enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program at a designated school. 

To be eligible for the program, you must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in an approved program of study.

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If you are a full-time post-secondary student in Canada, you may be eligible for the Canada Student Grants Program. 

This is a government program which makes it one of the best out there and depending on your family size, and financial needs, anyone can qualify.

For more information on the program and how to apply, visit the Government of Canada website by clicking here.

  • The TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership

Financial need is not the only criterion for the TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership, your leadership qualities, community work, and support for those who need helping hands are all important here.

The scholarship is open to high school graduates who are looking to make a difference in their communities.


It is worth $10,000 each and is renewable for up to four years of post-secondary education.

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See also: How to find a sponsor to fund your dream of studying in Canada

To be eligible for the scholarship, you must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a full-time post-secondary program. 

You must also demonstrate financial need and leadership in your community through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or paid work experience.

If you’re interested in applying for the TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership, you can find more information on the TD Canada website by clicking here.

  • The Canada Council of Arts Council 

If you are an artist, you’ll love this. The Canada Council for the Arts is a national, arm’s-length Crown Corporation that supports Canadian artists and arts organizations in all disciplines. 

They offer a variety of grants and funding programs to support the arts in Canada.

The Canada Council for the Arts offers four types of grants: project, creation, production, and training. 

Project grants are for specific arts projects such as exhibitions, performances, or workshops. 

Creation grants are for artists working on new projects. Production grants are for arts organizations producing new works. 

Training grants are for artists and arts organizations to receive training in specific areas.

The Canada Council for the Arts also offers funding programs for specific groups such as Indigenous artists, arts organizations in Official Languages minority communities, and artists with disabilities.

If you are an artist or arts organization looking for funding, the Canada Council for the Arts is a great option.

You can read more about the Canada Council for the Arts here

Need-based scholarships are scholarships that are awarded to students based on their financial needs.

Here are 10 need-based scholarships in Canada that can help you pay for your education:

  • The Canada Student Grants program 

The Canada Student Grants program offers need-based grants to eligible full-time and part-time students.

The program is designed to help you cover the costs of your education, including tuition, books, and living expenses.

To be eligible for a grant, you must first apply for financial aid through your province or territory of residence. 

If you are deemed to have financial needs, you’ll then be considered for a grant. 

The amount of the grant is based on your financial need, as well as the cost of your chosen program of study.

If you receive a grant, you do not have to repay the money.

However, you may be required to provide documentation of your financial need to continue receiving the grant in future years. 

  • The Nova Scotia Student Assistance Program

 The Nova Scotia Student Assistance Program offers need-based grants to eligible full-time and part-time students.

Grants are based on demonstrated financial need and are intended to supplement your resources, which may include personal savings, contributions from family and friends, scholarships, and loans.

If you’re eligible, you may receive a grant of up to $3,500 per academic year.

See also: Universities that accept 3rd Class degrees for Masters in Canada


Grants are available for you if you’re enrolled in certificate, diploma, and degree programs at eligible public and private post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia.

To be eligible for a grant, you must:

– Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person

– Be a resident of Nova Scotia

– Be enrolled in an eligible program on a full-time or part-time basis

– Demonstrate financial need

  • The National Scholarship Program

The National Scholarship Program Canada is available to high-achieving students with financial needs.

The program provides scholarships of up to $10,000 per year for two to four years of full-time study at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution.

To be eligible, you must be residing in Canada and enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program at a participating Canadian institution.

  • The RBC Students Leading Change Scholarship

The RBC Students Leading Change Scholarship Canada is available to students demonstrating leadership and financial need.

This scholarship provides young leaders with the opportunity to continue their education and make a difference in their communities.

“We know that it takes more than just grades to be a leader. That’s why we’re offering this scholarship to help you reach your full potential.

By supporting your education, we hope to enable you to make a real difference in your community.”

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be between the ages of 17 and 24 and be enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program.

A committee will review your application and select the recipients based on their leadership experience, financial need, and community involvement.

For more information on the scholarship and how to apply, visit the RBC website.

Final words.

There are a lot of need-based scholarships in Canada, that you can apply for, but to stand a chance, you need to demonstrate financial needs and a desire to study in Canada.

Your application must be convincing and meet every eligibility criteria for you to be considered.

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