The Jason Lang Scholarship is one of the major merit-based financial awards in Alberta, essentially designed to recognize and reward undergraduate students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement. Initially set up in memory of the late Jason Lang, a student who was the victim of a tragic school shooting, the scholarship advances his legacy through post-secondary educational support for meritorious students.
Although originally designed for Alberta residents, the guide takes an in-depth look at how this and other similar scholarships can be utilized by international students within Canada, and will focus on visa sponsorship opportunities.
Overview of Jason Lang Scholarship
The Jason Lang Scholarship The Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund administers the Jason Lang Scholarship, which is restricted to Alberta residents only. The award is $1,000 per year to a full-time undergraduate student attending a participating institution, based on academic standing.
For this to occur, students must achieve a minimum of 3.2 grade point average on a 4.0 scale over a minimum of 80 percent of a full course load from the previous academic year. The scholarship is renewable yearly up to three years, given students keep up with the academic requirements.
Requirements and Eligibility
While the Jason Lang Scholarship targets Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons with a residence in Alberta, other similar scholarships may be found to support an education in Canada for international students. Shown below are the minimum eligibility criteria for international students in search of funding and visa sponsorship.
Academic Excellence: Most scholarships in Canada, just like the Jason Lang Scholarship, require the student to be on a minimum achievement academically as measured by a minimum qualification of GPA. That is usually set above an average of 3.0 out of 4.0. The universities usually give priority to students who have excelled well academically.
Must be a full-time student in an undergraduate program at an eligible Canadian institution. Many scholarships, including the Jason Lang, are merit-based and tend to prioritize students studying disciplines such as STEM, health sciences, and business.
Application Procedure Application involves the submission of an application form with transcripts along with a personal statement or cover letter outlining academic achievement and future goals as in the case of the Jason Lang Scholarship.
Visa Requirements: Every international student needs a study permit to apply to study in Canada, which could double as a student’s visa. The student should have received an admission offer letter from a higher institution in Canada to begin his or her application for a visa. Students are expected to make applications through the CIC.
Some scholarship awards come with visa sponsorship or assistance and make the process of a visa application smooth and easy.
Scholarships for International Students in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Even though the Jason Lang Scholarship does not consider international students, Canada has a number of scholarships targeting promising students from all over the world. Some of these may include visa sponsorship or assistance in securing a study permit.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier CGS is one of Canada’s most prestigious graduate scholarships to attract the brightest doctoral students from around the world. This $50,000-per-year, three-year award is available to students pursuing their graduate studies in all fields.
Furthermore, the Vanier CGS also supports students in obtaining a visa via sponsorship by their respective member institutions, easing the application process for international students.
Eligibility: It is open to any international student in pursuit of a doctoral degree. Leadership skills and academic excellence will be evaluated, but most importantly, research achievements.
Visa Sponsorship: Even though the scholarship itself does not sponsor a visa, the universities coming under the Vanier CGS program provide quite substantial facilitation related to the visa process.
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, administered by the University of Toronto, is one of the most generous scholarships available to international students in Canada. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four consecutive years. It is a merit-based scholarship that targets exceptional students manifesting leadership qualities and a commitment to community service.
Eligibility: An application is invited from all students from other countries. These must be nominated by their high school. All the selected nominees will be further reviewed by the University of Toronto on the basis of academic and personal standing.
Visa Sponsorship: The University of Toronto provides enormous visa support to the Pearson Scholars in attaining a study permit.
- International Leader of Tomorrow Award at University of British Columbia (UBC)
The International Leader of Tomorrow Award grants merit-based undergraduate scholarships to international students. It targets students with exceptional academic performance and potentially accomplished leadership. In such cases, the award is extended to cover tuition fees, the value of which is pegged according to the recipient’s demonstrated financial need.
Eligibility: A student must show outstanding leadership qualities, extracurricular activities, and excel in academics. Applicants must first fulfill the UBC admission requirements.
Visa Sponsorship: UBC offers visa application support and resources to award recipients, making it easier for them to obtain a study permit.
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Trudeau Foundation Scholarships are named after the former Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Trudeau. The scholarships are available to distinguished international students who apply to the University of British Columbia for doctoral studies in all aspects of the humanities and social sciences. The foundation grants CAD 60,000 per year for three years and also includes mentorship and leadership training.
Eligibility: The applicant must show their commitment to social justice, human rights, or community service, and meet the academic and admission requirements of a Canadian doctoral program.
Visa Sponsorship: While the Trudeau Foundation does not provide any visa sponsorship, partner institutions will support the application for a study permit.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
A series of steps in applying for scholarships in Canada, together with visa sponsorship, must be put into consideration by international students in their pursuit of scholarships.
Research available scholarships: First, identify those scholarships matching your academic interests and background. Most Canadian universities have their scholarship portals where international students’ merit-based and need-based awards are listed.
Application Documents: Most of the scholarships require academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and evidence of extracurricular involvement. Your application should be tailored to highlight leadership skills and community engagement since most scholarships in Canada place a high value on such attributes.
Apply to a Canadian University or College: You must be accepted into a college or university before you apply for a study permit or in connection with a scholarship application. The application deadlines vary depending on the institutions; hence, this should be considered.
Applying for a Visa: Once you have been admitted and awarded, then you will proceed to apply for a study permit. In most instances, the scholarship office will guide you through the process of applying for a visa. Please apply well in advance, as the visa processing times may vary.
Extra Funding Avenues: Apart from scholarships, students can also seek funding opportunities from RA, TA, or apply from other foreign organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, or grants specific for certain industries.
Conclusion
Though the Jason Lang Scholarship targets Alberta residents, Canada does have a fair share of scholarship opportunities available for international students. A considerable number of those would extend visa sponsorship or even support visa applications.
The student will create opportunities to study in world-renowned institutions, enjoy financial support, and make the process of obtaining a study permit less tedious by meeting both academic eligibility and leadership. These are some of the top scholarships that exist for international students to realize their academic ambitions in Canada, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, and International Leader of Tomorrow Award.
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