Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships…
...what’s the difference?
Awards are any kind of non-repayable funding granted to students. The word is used interchangeably with bursary or scholarship. At Camosun, each School (Access, Arts and Science, Business, Health and Human Services, Trades and Technology) annually recognizes students with awards and scholarships (PDF) .Applications are required for some and not others. Some are awarded solely on excellent achievement or other criteria.
Bursaries are non-repayable awards to students based on financial need and satisfactory academic standing, sometimes including additional criteria such as program of study or other requirements.
Scholarships are non-repayable awards to students based on merit or high academic achievement usually including additional criteria such as volunteer service, affiliation with a particular organization or other requirements.
External Awards (PDF) are non-repayable awards to students offered by external organizations and donors outside Camosun College. These include both bursaries and scholarships which have separate application processes, criteria, award amounts and deadline dates. Some “external“ awards on our list are actually offered through Camosun College, however, because they require special applications and criteria, they are treated as external.
Camosun College Bursaries
Bursaries are non-repayable awards generously donated to Camosun College Foundation by individuals, service organizations and businesses in our community to assist students. If you answer “Yes” to all the following questions and are not currently in a co-op/internship work term, you are invited to apply for bursaries in Fall and Winter:
- Are you enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program (this means 60% of a full course load or 40% course load if you have a permanent disability)?
- Are you a Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant?
- Have you successfully completed your previous study term (if a continuing Camosun student)?
- Do you have financial need?
- It is necessary to complete one OPEN Bursary application form to apply for all open bursaries. In addition you may complete designated bursary application(s) if you wish.
- Complete one DESIGNATED Bursary application form for each category of designated bursary you are applying for. Be sure to include the correct code number on each application.
- Explain how you meet particular bursary requirements and give details about your financial need.
- Return completed forms to Financial Aid & Awards by the deadlines:
- second Tuesday in October for Fall semester
- second Tuesday in February for Winter semester
- Incomplete, emailed, faxed and late applications are not processed.
Application Forms and Information
Bursary applications and an updated list of bursaries are available here and at Financial Aid & Awards offices starting in September and January. Begin submitting applications on the first day of classes in Fall and Winter terms (not before, please).
- General Bursary Information (pdf 40kB)
- Open Bursary Application (pdf 97kB)
- Designated Bursary Application (pdf 46kB)
- Bursary Code List (pdf 50kB)
Applications are processed by the Financial Aid & Awards Office, and due to high numbers, only students who are awarded bursaries will be notified by mail. Bursary recipients' names and qualifying information is shared with the donor and the Camosun College Foundation.
For lists of bursaries and more information see Financial Assistance (pdf) in the Camosun College Calendar. Not all bursaries listed are available in each bursary application period. At the start of each term, an updated list of bursaries is available at Financial Aid & Awards and on this site.
For assistance, please phone or visit a Financial Aid Advisor during open service hours. For non-urgent inquiries, email financialaid@camosun.bc.ca. Be sure to include your full name, telephone number and Camosun student number.
Scholarships & Awards
School Awards and Scholarships
Camosun annually gives awards for outstanding student achievement at ceremonies. Please inquire at your School office to identify school-specific awards and scholarships. Check the following links for more information:
- Aboriginal Education & Community Connections Awards
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Education
- Chargers Intercollegiate Athletics
- Co-op Student of the Year Award
- School of Access Awards
School of Access and some Aboriginal Education & Community Connections awards are presented at an annual May ceremony. Some awards require applications, while others require nominations by school faculty/staff only. - School of Arts and Science Awards & Scholarships
Most School of Arts & Science Awards/Scholarships are presented at an annual September ceremony. Some awards/scholarships require applications, while others do not. - School of Business
- School of Health and Human Services
- School of Trades and Technology
External Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries
Research and follow application instructions to apply for external awards, bursaries and scholarships. Donors may include service clubs, labour unions, businesses, and other organizations. These groups set guidelines, process applications, and select and notify candidates. Research resources are available at both Financial Aid & Awards Offices. List of External Awards (PDF)