Athletic scholarships aim to provide
talented young students with the opportunity to combine sports with academic study. There are several
scholarships available for students studying in different universities across Canada. The value of the
athletic financial awards differ, depending upon the sport, university, region and province. A student
therefore needs to be informed about the scholarships available so that he or she can make a wise
decision.
The competitive sports system encourages overall student development, both in academics and the field of
athletics. In order to qualify for most of the athletic scholarships, a student needs to possess a minimum
65% academic average. If a student were captain of the basketball team or quarterback of the football team,
and also has excellent academic credentials, his or her chances of winning the scholarship would be much
higher.
Athletic scholarships offer partial or
complete financial assistance to students toward their university education. In general the full-ride
scholarship offers financial aid for covering tuition, board, class fees and book expenses. The partial
scholarship, on the other hand, only covers part of the university enrolment cost. The amount of money may
vary from $500 to as much as $30,000.
These grants are offered to students in return for competing in the sports team of their university. By and
large, the students do not need to pay back the scholarship amount. Furthermore, an athletic scholarship does
not run for the entire duration of a university program. These are generally awarded to the student for one
year, and then renewed every year depending upon the student's athletic performance, academic standing and,
in some cases, on his or her general behaviour.
Athletic scholarships are awarded in two ways, either through applications or through the recommendations of
scouts representing the universities. These scouts travel to different schools in search of talented
athletes. This requires students to be aware of different athletic programs that best suit their talent or
prowess. The athletic scholarships vary from one university to another in that they have different
eligibility criteria and deadlines.
For that reason, it is advisable that students visit the website's of the university they wish to study in, as well as contact
the sports department of the university, This department can be their best guide in this respect to give them
all the required information. Students should make sure they create a folder of their athletic achievements
so that they can present credentials whenever asked.
Students should also be realistic and aware of the fact that there are several student-athletes who are
worthy contenders of the same scholarship that
they are aiming for. Therefore, they should respect deadlines and abide by all the regulations, including
ensuring that they meet all of the eligibility criteria. Moreover, they should start early and submit their
application well in advance as it showcases that they are serious in their interest.
Discipline and talent, which are important for every athlete, along with the requisite academic
qualifications can go a long way toward earning the determined student-athlete an athletic
scholarship.•
Photo courtesy of www.sxc.hu/profile/jan-willem