The Science 1948 1/2 Mature Student Entrance Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Complete the application via the Financial Aid and Awards Profile

About this award

You get $20,000 per year for a total value of $80,000. This is a bursary, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. The award is renewable for 3 subsequent years (4 years total). This is for you if you are a mature student who has been out of a traditional system of education for at least 3 years and wants to pursue an engineering degree. You must apply by February 15. No specific notification timeline is posted publicly — before you start the application, check Queen's University (Smith Engineering)'s program page or call their office to confirm when you will hear back. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Queen's University (Smith Engineering) how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds, though only 1 award is available. Ask Queen's University (Smith Engineering) during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. To keep this award for the 3 subsequent years of renewal, you must maintain a GPA (Grade Point Average — a number that represents your average grade) of 2.0 in a full course load each year and continue to show financial need. Confirm with Queen's University (Smith Engineering) if any other additional conditions for renewal apply.

Who qualifies

You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. You must be entering the first year of an undergraduate degree program in the Smith Engineering as a full-time student. You must have been out of a traditional system of education for at least 3 years. You must demonstrate financial need and the potential for academic success to the Dean of Smith Engineering. Applicants who already have a post-secondary degree are not eligible.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to undergraduate students
• ✓ Studying Engineering

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Financial NeedAvoid providing vague statements about your budget. Instead, provide clear evidence of your current financial situation. Gather your latest tax documents or income statements to prove your need.
• StrategyAvoid focusing only on your past gaps in education. Instead, highlight why you are returning to school now and how you have prepared for the rigours of an engineering program. Explain your specific goals for the degree.
• RealismAvoid assuming this is a guaranteed fund. Instead, remember that only 1 award is available for the entire program. Apply early and ensure your documentation of financial need is exhaustive.

Questions students ask

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