In this article, we’ll be talking about athletic scholarships in Canada through USPORTS, as well as types of US scholarships for Canadian student athletes.
USPORTS Update: June 6, 2024
NCAA Update: November 21, 2024
One of the biggest questions we get from parents and athletes alike:
“Are there any athletic scholarships in Canada?”
The answer is YES!
USPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
Recently, USPORTS announced some changes in their policies surrounding athletic scholarships in Canada and eligibility.
Previously, to be eligible for an Athletic Financial Award (AFA), a student athlete required an 80% minimum average in Grade 12 or final year of CEGEP. However, USPORTS recently updated this policy, permitting student athletes to participate and receive an athletic scholarship, so long as they have been accepted into the institution and enrolled in degree-granting classes.
These changes will take effect in the 2024-2025 study year.
That being said, each conference can decide to adopt these new rules or continue to apply the old rule. For instance, the OUA has not announced if they will implement these new rules. Therefore, you may need to strive for that 80% minimum average. Stay tuned for updates!
So yes, we still maintain that you should TAKE CARE OF YOUR ACADEMICS.
As mentioned, some conferences across USPORTS programs may still require student athletes to finish high school with an 80% average. Push for that 80%-83%. It will also unlock most program requirements and you’re likely to qualify for a merit scholarship.
From day 1 to graduation, how you perform academically makes a huge difference in what opportunities you may receive athletically. So control what you can control – that is your academics.
How much athletic money can you receive in Canada?
Well, that depends on a couple factors: how much financial funding is available to coaches and what province you’re in.
In Ontario, athletic awards are maxed out at $5,000. Whereas other provinces student athletes can award full tuition and fees for an academic year. This is never a guarantee. Do your research and don’t assume that since you are being recruited, you will automatically get a financial award. In order to keep your AFA in Year 2 and beyond, student athletes must maintain a minimum 70% academic average.
Stay academically eligible and satisfy the minimum USPORTS requirements, and you will have the opportunity to support and finance your academics in Canada.
CCAA SCHOLARSHIPS
Just like in USPORTS, CCAA athletic scholarship opportunities vary per province. In Western Canada, the institution may offer up to full tuition, but athletes pay fees. The OCAA in Ontario can offer a maximum athletic scholarship of $3,000, delivered $1,500 per semester. Whereas other associations can grant a percentage of tuition and fees. This is true for the ACAA in Atlantic Canada, where they may offer student athletes an athletic scholarship worth 75% of their tuition and fees.
NCAA SCHOLARSHIPS
Considering US bound? How does the scholarship system work south of the border?
NCAA requires a minimum of a 2.3 GPA out of 16 core classes to be eligible for athletic scholarships. If you are seriously considering NCAA, make a guidance appointment now to ensure you are taking these courses in order and achieving the required average. If you have to repeat a class, do this before you submit your final transcripts to the eligibility center.
Luckily, the Canadian education system follows this 16 core class schedule.
Our suggestion? Aim for a 3.0 GPA. There are many schools that award merit scholarships with a 3.0, which also puts you in the position to be considered for an athletic scholarship. As already mentioned, TAKE CARE OF ACADEMICS.
Scholarships in the US are categorized in two ways: equivalency vs. head count.
While we will define the difference below, please note that changes have been made that will affect students athletes, from the 2025-2026 academic school year and beyond. See below for more details.
Head count sports
They’re simple; equal number of scholarships to athletes that would be on a ‘full ride’. In other words, if you have 12 full scholarships to give, then 12 athletes must be awarded those 12 full scholarships. Head count sports cannot split those up.
Common men’s head count sports are football and basketball. While the head count sports for women are volleyball, basketball, tennis and gymnastics.
Equivalency sports
They’re allotted a set number of athletic scholarships in which they distribute amongst the roster. In other words, you have 6 scholarships to give and 12 athletes on the roster, coaching staff will distribute a partial scholarship to the 12 athletes.
Men’s Equivalency sports are volleyball, baseball, tennis, soccer and gymnastics; while equivalency sports for women include track and field, softball, swimming and soccer. Equivalency sports are not limited to the sports aforementioned.
There is a lot to consider when you are looking at financing your college and university experience. There are many other scholarship opportunities, separate from athletics. Make sure you do your research and consider all options out there especially when it comes to the NCAA.
Important update November 21, 2024: the NCAA now considers court and beach volleyball as equivalency sports. A volleyball program will now receive a certain amount of funds to distribute however the coach sees fit. This amount of funding can vary per institution.
There are a number of other NCAA rule changes that we discuss in Six Pack’s Group Coaching Program to keep Six Pack athletes informed.
*Note: This is an ever changing topic in Canada and the US. We will try our best to give you the most up to date information. Please advise with academic institutions for more information.
