Are you searching for a way to fund your studies through the Carleton University Scholarship?
Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada offers generous scholarships designed to support international and domestic students throughout their academic journey. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate or graduate programs, these awards recognize academic excellence and help cover tuition and living costs.
Carleton University Entrance Scholarships
Carleton automatically considers all eligible students for entrance scholarships upon admission. These awards are based on high school academic performance.
- No separate application required
- Open to Canadian and international students
- Available for full-time undergraduate degree programs
- Minimum admission average: 80%
- Renewable annually
- Must maintain a GPA of 10.0 (A-)
- Values range from $4,000 to $16,000
- Awarded upon receiving admission offer
- Notification via email and student portal
- Funds are applied directly to tuition fees
Apply also: Alberta University Scholarship
Prestige Scholarships at Carleton University
Prestige Scholarships are Carleton’s highest awards for undergraduate students with exceptional academic achievement and leadership.
- Requires a separate application
- Deadline: March 1 (every year)
- Must have an admission average of 90%+
- Includes Chancellor’s, Richard Van Loon, and Riordon Scholarships
- Chancellor’s Scholarship: $30,000 total ($7,500/year)
- Riordon Scholarship: Full tuition
- Leadership experience is a strong advantage
- Available only to those entering directly from high school
- Online submission through Carleton360 portal
- Letters of reference and personal statement required
Apply also: Waterloo University Scholarship
Carleton University Graduate Scholarships
Graduate students at Carleton can access several internal and external funding opportunities to support their research.
- Open to Master’s and PhD students
- Awards offered through departments
- Teaching Assistantships (TA) available
- Research Assistantships (RA) via faculty projects
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): $15,000/year
- Tri-Council Scholarships (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR)
- Must meet academic and research criteria
- Typically requires full-time enrollment
- Renewal subject to academic progress
- External awards may be stackable with Carleton funding
Apply also: McGill University Scholarship
Carleton University Scholarships for International Students
Carleton is committed to supporting international students with dedicated financial aid options and awards.
- Automatic entrance scholarships (based on grades)
- Prestige Scholarships open to internationals
- Richard J. Van Loon Scholarship: $5,000
- Need-based bursaries through Awards Office
- Work-study options for extra income
- Must have valid study permit
- Proof of English proficiency required
- International admissions team offers guidance
- Most awards renewable yearly
- Fund disbursement applied to tuition or living costs
Apply also: Toronto University Scholarship
Financial Aid and Bursaries at Carleton University
In addition to merit-based scholarships, Carleton offers need-based bursaries to assist students with demonstrated financial difficulty.
- Bursaries for both domestic and international students
- Open to undergraduate and graduate levels
- Based on financial need, not grades
- Application via Carleton Central
- Deadline: October and February sessions
- Must be enrolled full-time
- Usually non-repayable aid
- Amounts vary ($500–$2,500)
- Bursary assessments consider income, expenses, and dependents
- Support from Awards and Financial Aid Office available
Apply also: British Columbia University Scholarship
Application Process for Carleton Scholarships
Applying for Carleton scholarships is straightforward, with many awards requiring no separate application beyond university admission.
- Automatic consideration for entrance awards
- Apply early for Prestige Scholarships
- Prepare transcripts, reference letters, and essays
- Use Carleton360 portal for submissions
- Track application status online
- Deadlines vary by scholarship type
- Confirm offer acceptance through the student portal
- Keep documents in PDF format
- Follow email instructions closely
- Contact [email protected] for inquiries
Apply also: Mount Saint Vincent University Scholarship
Scholarship Deadlines and Key Dates
Knowing the deadlines ensures you don’t miss out on funding opportunities.
- Entrance scholarships: Automatic with admission
- Prestige Scholarships: March 1
- OGS and external awards: Varies (typically Dec–Feb)
- Bursary deadlines: October and February
- Graduate funding offers follow admission decisions
- Award results shared via email and portal
- Late applications not accepted
- Always confirm exact dates each year
- Plan at least 6 months ahead
- Keep copies of all submissions
Apply also: University of Prince Edward Island Scholarship
Required Documents for Scholarship Applications
To apply for Carleton University scholarships, you’ll need to submit the correct documentation based on the type of award.
- High school or previous transcripts
- Statement of intent or essay (if required)
- Reference letters (1–3 depending on scholarship)
- Resume or list of extracurricular activities
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Budget sheet for need-based aid
- Passport copy (for international students)
- Study permit (if applicable)
- Carleton application ID
- Valid email for communication
Apply also: Québec University Scholarship
Value of Scholarships at Carleton University
Scholarship values at Carleton range from small bursaries to full tuition awards, depending on merit and financial need.
| Scholarship Type | Amount | Renewable |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Scholarships | $4,000–$16,000 | Yes |
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | $30,000 total | Yes |
| Riordon Scholarship | Full tuition | Yes |
| Richard Van Loon Award | $5,000 | No |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | $15,000/year | No |
| Bursaries | $500–$2,500 | No |
Living Costs and Budget Tips for Students
Understanding how far your scholarship can go helps with planning your finances at Carleton.
- Average tuition: $25,000/year (international)
- Housing: $8,000–$12,000 annually
- Food and groceries: $3,000–$4,000
- Health insurance: approx. $600/year
- Books and supplies: $1,000/year
- Transportation: $800/year
- Emergency funds: $1,000 suggested
- Budget early with your scholarship info
- Check for on-campus job opportunities
- Use Carleton’s cost calculator tool
Apply also: York University Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for entrance scholarships at Carleton?
No. Entrance scholarships are automatically awarded based on your grades at the time of admission.
Can international students receive Carleton scholarships?
Yes. Many scholarships, including entrance and prestige awards, are open to international students.
What GPA do I need to maintain my scholarship?
You must maintain a minimum GPA of 10.0 (A-) for renewable scholarships.
Are graduate students eligible for funding?
Yes. Graduate students can access TA/RA positions, OGS, and internal scholarships.
When should I apply for the Chancellor’s Scholarship?
By March 1. Be sure to submit all documents through the Carleton360 portal.
Can I receive multiple scholarships?
Yes. In some cases, Carleton allows award stacking, especially with external scholarships.
What happens if I lose my scholarship due to low GPA?
You may lose renewal eligibility but can appeal or apply for other financial aid.
Do bursaries need to be repaid?
No. Bursaries are non-repayable and based on financial need.
How do I know if I’ve received a scholarship?
Notifications are sent via email and your Carleton student account.
Can I work part-time during studies at Carleton?
Yes. Carleton offers work-study programs and on-campus job listings.
Conclusion
Carleton University scholarships provide meaningful financial support to both undergraduate and graduate students.
They help ease the burden of tuition and living expenses, making world-class education more accessible.