Scholarships, Bursaries & Student Loans

Scholarship/Bursary Lessons on Video from Mr. Phipps

Scholarship & Bursary Lesson 2024
This video shows you how to search for scholarships/bursaries, how to prepare your applications, and how to submit your applications.

How to Win a $1250 District Scholarship 2024
Our District is awarding approximately 120 of these scholarships! This video shows you exactly what to do to win! And, you do NOT have to be a top academic student!

Attendance Matters

Please remember that your school attendance will usually be considered as part of your scholarship and bursary applications. Even if applications do not ask about attendance, any teachers you ask to write reference letters will likely check your attendance. Please make sure that parents/guardians contact the office to excuse your absences if you miss school for a legitimate reason. Absences should be excused in a timely manner.

How to Apply for Scholarships and Bursaries

Step 1: Read the EMCS Financial Aid Handbook
Financial Aid Handbook (updated Feb. 18, 2024). Consider this your textbook for the scholarship/bursary application process.

Step 2: Explore the EMCS Awards Database
EMCS Awards Database. This database is updated throughout the year so check back often. Make a list of the awards for which you’ll apply. For External Awards, students are responsible for confirming details including application deadlines, application requirements, etc.

Step 3: Aboriginal Students…
See the scholarship section of the EMCS Aboriginal Education webpage

Step 4: Do More Research
Research other awards using the various websites listed in the EMCS Financial Aid Handbook. Some websites you should be sure to check are:

Scholar Tree
BC Scholarships
Yconic
Student Awards
Student Scholarships
Scholarships Canada
Education Planner BC
Universities Canada
Student Aid BC (information on student loans, grants, scholarships)

Students with disabilities should visit the following sites:
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC This site has links to many scholarships and bursaries for students with disabilities.
Disability Awards This site is a scholarship portal for Canadian students with disabilities.

Step 5: Visit Post-Secondary Financial Aid Websites
Visit the financial aid website of the school(s) you plan to attend for information on entrance awards and bursaries. You’ll be automatically considered for some awards. Others will require that you complete an application.

Step 6: Make a Timeline
Create a timeline/calendar to help you keep track of awards application deadlines and the various tasks you must complete along the way.

Step 7: Prepare Your Application Materials
Using the instructions in the EMCS Financial Aid Handbook, begin working on your application materials e.g. scholarship resume, letter of application, application forms, portfolio, etc. Requirements vary depending on the award. Be sure you understand the application requirements for each award.

Step 8: Request Letters of Reference
Decide who you’ll ask to write you a letter of reference. Coaches, teachers, employers, and leaders of organizations for which you volunteer are good people to ask. Be sure you give your references plenty of notice. Don’t wait until right before award applications are due. If you want to request a reference letter from an EMCS staff member, use the reference request form and attach a copy of your scholarship resume.

Step 9: Meet With Your School Counsellor
Make an appointment with your School Counsellor early in the school year for assistance with the award application process. Your counsellor can look over your scholarship resume, letter of application, etc.

Step 10: Get Your Transcript
Log on to your Student Transcripts Service (STS) account. On your dashboard, click “View Your Transcript”. You will have the option to save/print a PDF of your transcript. Save the PDF of your transcript on your computer.

Step 11: Submit Your Applications
Organize your award applications and submit your applications to the appropriate person in advance of the deadline. For applications that must be mailed, remember to put them in the mail early enough so they arrive at the destination before the deadline. Instructions for submitting your applications are found here.

Applications for SCHOOL and LOCAL scholarships/bursaries are to be completed using the portfolio feature in myBlueprint.

Step 12: Write Thank You Letters
Prepare a draft/template of a thank you letter that you will send to donors of any awards you receive.

What are the Three Types of Awards in the EMCS Awards Database?

School Awards
Local Awards
External Awards

A useful summary of the three types of awards and who to submit your applications to:
Summary of the Types of Awards in the EMCS Awards Database

Important Forms

Application Forms
Reference Request Form Use this form if you wish to request letters of reference from school staff. Please remember to give staff members at least two weeks’ notice.