Academic merit is deserving of reward. However, if the student in question exhibits strength of character and a well-rounded personality, apart from academic merit, it is considered exemplary and admirable. For students who exhibit these diverse qualities, scholarships can be great motivators, and help them in their future academic endeavors. Undergraduate scholarships are very common, and most are provided for higher studies only, and to students with financial need only. But there is that category of students who may begin to utilize their talents, only in Graduation College and achieve a lot during this period. Some may not even be in need of financial help, and yet feel motivated by a scholarship award. Scholarships Canada takes up the task of providing leadership awards to such students.

Scholarships Canada awards scholarships to students enrolled in post secondary programs. It gives scholarships and grant to students who have been displaying extraordinary character, conduct and performance, and have not been the beneficiaries of any scholarship yet. This includes students who may never even have applied for a merit-based award. The award is called the Noble Prize of Character, and awarded annually to deserving candidates. Usually, forty scholarship awards are given each year, but the institute can alter the number on their discretion.

Scholarships Canada is very clear about the kind of students who may apply for, and be considered for the award. There are four necessary traits that the institute looks out for while assessing the student’s candidature. The first one being leadership skills. The student must have demonstrated significant leadership skills, in school or at other avenues. Heading a student community, or being the captain of a consistently victorious team at county or state level, can be considered strong indications of good leadership skill. Leadership skill also includes the skills to motivate the team, and keep the morale of the team members high.

The second trait that Scholarships Canada looks out for in students is active and significant service towards the betterment of the community. Being a member of groups that create awareness against social problems, or groups which fight for causes like AIDS awareness, poverty alleviation in underdeveloped countries, ethical treatment of animals and so on, helps the candidature grow stronger. However, you must have made tangible and considerable contributions to these groups – merely being a passive member is not enough.

Thirdly, Scholarship Canada desires that a student should exhibit prominently, the twelve character traits that it defines in the book, “The Inner Global Village.” Lastly, the student must have performed exceedingly well academically.

If you think that you possess all or most of the qualities that Scholarships Canada looks for in students, you can download the application form, and fill in neatly, following the given instructions. The form should be sent to the specified address of the institute, on or before a specified date. The form must be complete in all respects, and in good physical condition. Once you have submitted the form, you can await further communication from the institute, and if shortlisted, you proceed to further rounds of selection.

Omar Benidir is the author of this article on scholarships award.
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