Published: June 2, 2025
Pursuing post-secondary education is a significant investment, and understanding the available financial aid options is crucial for students in Barrie, Ontario. This comprehensive guide outlines various scholarships, bursaries, grants, and financial aid programs accessible to Barrie students to support their educational aspirations.
1. Government Financial Aid Programs
1.1 Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
OSAP offers a combination of grants and loans to eligible Ontario students to help cover tuition, books, living expenses, and other education-related costs. Eligibility is determined based on financial need, and the program is open to full-time and part-time students. For detailed information on application procedures and eligibility criteria, visit the Ontario.ca website.
1.2 Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
This grant provides funding for students studying in priority post-secondary programs in underserved and growing communities. It aims to encourage students to learn and remain in these communities after graduation. For more details, refer to the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant page.
1.3 Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The OGS program offers merit-based scholarships to students pursuing graduate studies at Ontario universities. Applicants must have a minimum A- average and demonstrate academic excellence. More information can be found on the OSAP Graduate Students page.
2. Institutional Scholarships and Bursaries
2.1 Georgian College
Georgian College offers over 1,000 awards and scholarships annually, totaling more than $5 million. These include entrance scholarships, in-course awards, and bursaries based on academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, and other criteria. Notably, the college provides a $2,000 entrance scholarship for eligible international students. For application details, visit the Georgian College Awards page.
2.2 CTS Canadian Career College
CTS offers various financial aid options, including the CTS High School Scholarship valued at $2,500 for recent high school graduates. The college also assists students in applying for OSAP, the Lifelong Learning Plan, and other funding sources. For more information, refer to the CTS Financial Aid page.
3. Community and Organization-Based Scholarships
3.1 Barrie May Court Club Scholarship Program
This program provides annual scholarships to Barrie secondary school students pursuing post-secondary education. The club has contributed over $2.8 million to community initiatives, including student awards. Details are available on the Barrie May Court Club website.
3.2 Simcoe County Bursary Program
The County of Simcoe offers 22 bursaries worth $3,000 each to students attending post-secondary institutions in Canada. Applicants must be residents of Simcoe County. Application information can be found on the Simcoe County Bursary Program page.
3.3 Barrie Construction Association Bursaries
The association offers several bursaries, including:
- Jordan Abercrombie Memorial Bursary: $1,000 for students in construction-related post-secondary programs.
- Women in Construction Group Bursary: For female students entering skilled trades education.
- Jack Wallwin Memorial Bursary: $1,000 for students in construction apprenticeship programs.
For application details, visit the Barrie Construction Association website.
3.4 CFUW Barrie & District Scholarship
The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Barrie & District offers a $2,000 scholarship to female secondary school students entering Canadian universities or Ontario colleges. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and financial need. More information is available in the CFUW Scholarship PDF.
4. National Scholarship Opportunities
4.1 Indspire – Building Brighter Futures
Indspire provides bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada. The program supports students in various fields, including trades, apprenticeships, and post-secondary education. For eligibility and application details, visit the Indspire website.
4.2 Loran Scholars Foundation
The Loran Award offers up to $100,000 over four years to students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The scholarship includes mentorship and summer internship opportunities. Application information can be found on the Loran Scholars Foundation website.
4.3 Schulich Leader Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students entering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs at participating Canadian universities. Valued at up to $100,000, the scholarships recognize academic excellence and leadership. Details are available on the Schulich Leader Scholarships website.
4.4 TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
TD offers scholarships worth up to $70,000 to students who have demonstrated outstanding community leadership. The scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for up to four years. For more information, visit the TD Scholarships page.
5. Online Scholarship Databases
Students can explore various scholarships and bursaries through online databases such as:
- Student Scholarships Barrie – A comprehensive list of scholarships available to Barrie students.
- ScholarshipsCanada.com – A national database of scholarships, bursaries, and grants.
- Yconic – Offers scholarship matching and student resources.
6. Tips for Applying for Financial Aid
- Start Early: Begin researching and applying for scholarships and financial aid well before deadlines.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of application requirements, deadlines, and necessary documents.
- Tailor Applications: Customize your applications to highlight how you meet specific criteria.
- Seek Guidance: Utilize school counselors, financial aid offices, and mentors for assistance.
- Apply Broadly: Apply to multiple scholarships and bursaries to increase your chances of receiving aid.
Conclusion
Barrie students have access to a wide array of financial aid resources to support their educational journeys. By leveraging government programs, institutional scholarships, community-based bursaries, and national awards, students can alleviate the financial burden of post-secondary education ::contentReference[oaicite:87]{index=87}
