The Jason Lang Scholarship is a merit-based award instituted in memory of Jason Lang, a student who had died in the course of a shooting incident outside his classroom in 1999. The scholarship, therefore, targets students at the post-secondary level in Alberta, Canada.
Although the Jason Lang Scholarship does not cover international students, this article looks into other scholarship opportunities available to international students in pursuit of higher learning in Canada, with much emphasis on sponsorship and finance opportunities.
Overview of Jason Lang Scholarship
The Jason Lang Scholarship program was established to recognize and reward the outstanding academic achievements of undergraduate students enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies at public and private Alberta post-secondary institutions. The Jason Lang Scholarship will encourage academic excellence and efforts towards higher education among students.
To be eligible for the Jason Lang Scholarship, an applicant must:
- Be an Alberta resident.
- Must be registered in an undergraduate program on a full-time basis.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.2 according to a 4.0 scale for at least 80% course load from the previous year.
- This scholarship is renewable for a maximum three years if the student maintains all the eligibility criteria.
International Student Scholarships in Canada
While the Jason Lang Scholarship is not available for international students, Canada has a broad array of scholarships laid out specifically for international students, most of which include visa sponsorship or some form of assistance in that regard. Most of these scholarships, just like the Jason Lang Scholarship, have rewarded academic excellence and leadership to ensure that various talented students from different corners of the world access world-class education in Canada.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships cater to talented international doctoral students pursuing their higher education in Canadian institutions. It provides CAD 50,000 per year for three consecutive years. Students pursuing doctoral studies in health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities are eligible for this award.
Eligibility: For international students, a nomination from a Canadian institution is necessary. They must demonstrate leadership skills along with academic excellence and research potential.
Visa Sponsorship: While the scholarship does not include visa sponsorship, universities offering the Vanier CGS are considerably helpful and support their students in the process of applying for a study permit.
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is among the most prestigious scholarships available for international students coming to the University of Toronto. This includes tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four consecutive years while pursuing an undergraduate degree.
This scholarship will be awarded to a student demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their community in genuinely impactful ways.
Eligibility: Open to all new international students. Students must have excellent academic performance and demonstrated outstanding leadership and community involvement.
Visa Sponsorship: The University of Toronto will provide comprehensive visa support to successful Lester B. Pearson Scholars, thereby ensuring they meet the immigration requirements laid out for them.
- International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia (UBC)
The International Leader of Tomorrow Award at UBC is a merit-based scholarship granted to international students in recognition of academic excellence, leadership potential, and exceptional social involvement. The level of financial need will determine the amount of the scholarship, based on requirements such as tuition and living costs.
Eligibility: Available to international undergraduate students coming to UBC. Students must have high academic standing, show leadership skills, and also have financial need.
Visa Sponsorship: UBC provides visa application support to the winners of this award. It helps to obtain the necessary study permit that one needs to study in Canada.
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships focus on encouraging academic work in the social sciences and humanities by outstanding doctoral students. Each scholar will be awarded up to $60,000 per year for a maximum period of three years.
The scholarship focuses on aspects related to leadership training, mentorship, and community service.
Eligibility: The scholarship is open to international students from all countries/territories who are doing, or will do, a doctorate in Canada. In general, successful applicants should demonstrate academic excellence and be perceived as leaders coming into the program who will contribute positively to solving problems on the global stage.
Visa Sponsorship: While the scholarship in itself does not sponsor visas, through its relationship with the universities, the foundation provides an immigrations guide and support for obtaining a study permit.
Visa Sponsorship for International Students
Canada is very international student-friendly, and most universities in the country have support available for students through the visa application process. The major document that is required from an international student in order to study in Canada is called a study permit; this is essentially the visa used to enter and stay in the country for the duration of your studies.
Here’s how the visa process generally works for students applying for scholarships:
Obtain an Offer of Admission: International students will need first to seek admission to a recognized Canadian institution before they can apply for a study permit. The university letter of offer is one of the most important visa application requirements.
Documents to be Supplied: Along with an admission offer, students are also required to provide evidence of financial support along with a valid passport and other necessary documents. Most scholarship schemes contain such evidence, as their grant includes both tuition fees and living expenses.
Apply for a Study Permit: Students from other countries apply for their study permit through IRCC, sending additional documentation perhaps in the form of biometrics or a medical examination, depending on their country of origin.
Study Permit Approval: Once a student has been granted a study permit, that student is allowed to travel to Canada to take up the academic program. Many universities support students who have been awarded scholarships through visa processing.
Tips for International Students Applying for Scholarships
It is a prudent academic and financial planning for students who seek to study in Canada to apply in advance for scholarships. This is because securing scholarships requires due care and preparation. Here are some essential tips to help international students increase their chances of receiving a scholarship:
Research Scholarship Opportunities Early: Begin researching scholarships well in advance of your application deadlines. Many Canadian institutions have explicit deadlines regarding scholarship applications; the earlier you apply, the more time you will have to obtain documents and complete your application.
Academic Excellence: Scholarships, such as Jason Lang Scholarship and many others for international students, are based mainly on merit. Therefore, academic performance is a major determinant factor of eligibility. Make sure to have an exceptionally high GPA, along with involvement in academic activities, which will make your application stand out.
The leadership and community involvement are well-appreciated for most of the scholarships. Therefore, your extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles will be worth mentioning in your application.
Strong Application Materials: For scholarship applications, students are mostly required to submit academic transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and evidence of extracurricular activities. You will need to tailor your application to each scholarship while highlighting those strengths and academic or professional goals.
Get Financial Support: While scholarships provide many finances, not all of them cater to all needs. Ensure a search for any other funding opportunities available such as part-time jobs or grants or financial aid that can be combined with the scholarship.
Conclusion
While the Jason Lang Scholarship is confined to Alberta residents, there are numerous scholarship opportunities in Canada that require and recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and community service for international students. Scholarships such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, and Trudeau Foundation Scholarships have undoubtedly provided finance and assistance in visa acquisition for international students to pursue academic excellence in Canada.
With good preparation, hard work, and concentration, international students can acquire those scholarships that will help them study under one of the most prestigious education systems in the world.
Other Interesting Posts:
- University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarships for International Students in Australia
- 5 Best Scholarships Abroad for African Students
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