Here are some of the ways you can finance your studies.

Scholarships and Bursaries- Scholarships and Bursaries are awards given to outstanding students and those in financial need.

Scholarships and Bursaries are monetary awards given to students by organizations and individuals for achievements ranging from athletic ability to academics to community service. Scholarships can range in value from a couple hundred dollars to a full scholarship, which pays all of your educational expenses. Bursaries differ from scholarships in that your financial need is a prime consideration whereas scholarships are based more on your academic and other achievements.

Many scholarships and bursaries are not awarded every year because students fail to apply for them, so it is important that you find out which scholarships you are eligible for and submit applications for all of them. Most scholarship applications ask you about your activities in the school and community and ask you to attach a resume and letters of reference. You should be sure to mention any and all activities you are involved in, no matter how small. Also, make sure your resume is typed and looks professional. The people deciding on the scholarship recipient will be judging you based on what you submit with your application, so be sure to make a good impression.

You can find out about what scholarships are available to you by talking to an advisor, consulting the school's calendar, or speaking to your high school counselor. Also, be sure to check with your parents because many companies and unions offer scholarships to sons and daughters of members.

Student Loans - Student loans allow you to borrow money at a reduced interest rate to finance your education.

Student loan programs allow you to get a bank loan, typically at a reduced interest rate, to finance your university education. These programs are typically run by the government, which guarantees the loan for the bank. Usually, you do not need to start repaying a student loan until after you have finished your program.

Most student loans are granted on the basis of financial need. For more information about student loan programs available to you, contact the school's financial aid office.

Co-Op Programs - Co-Op programs allow you to obtain course credit while doing paid work experience.

Co-Op, or Cooperative Education, programs combine your study terms at school with paid work terms. In a co-op program you spend part of the year taking courses at school and part of the year doing paid work for company in your field of study for course credit. Many students who enter co-op programs find that the work terms give them enough money to pay for their education.

Co-op programs typically have higher admission requirements than standard programs and may take longer to complete than standard programs. However, co-op programs also allow you to gain work experience in your field of study and give you contacts which may prove valuable when you begin looking for a job after completing your program.

Not all schools offer co-op programs, however they are becoming more popular. Consult the school's calendar or contact its co-op office for more information about the co-op programs it offers.

Part-Time and Summer Jobs - Spend your evenings, weekends and summers working for a living!

Many students finance their education through part-time or summer jobs. Many businesses are willing to hire students over the summer months: many cities even set up student employment centers where employers can post available jobs for students.

One of the keys to getting a job is your resume, which lists your previous work experience as well as your educational background. Your resume should be brief and concise; most are no longer than a page. Resumes should be typed, not handwritten. Many print shops and copy centers offer professional resume typesetting and copying services for a reasonable cost.

When meeting a potential employer or going for an interview it is vital that you dress professionally. Remember that this will be the first time they have met you, and it is important that you make a good first impression.

Financial Assistance: Want to find out how to arrange for financial assistance? Refer our Financial FAQ