Updated: June 6, 2024
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.
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 have announced some changes in their policies surrounding athletic scholarships in Canada and eligibility.
It used to be that student athletes needed to end their final year of high school or CEGEP with an 80% minimum average to be eligible for an Athletic Financial Award (AFA). However, USPORTS has recently changed 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 come into effect in the 2024-2025 study year.
That being said, each conference can decide to adopt these rules or apply the old rule that you must attain an 80% average to be eligible for an AFA. For instance, the OUA has not announced if they are going to implement these new rules. Stay tuned for updates!
So yes, we still maintain that you should TAKE CARE OF YOUR ACADEMICS.
As mentioned above, some conferences across U SPORTS programs may still require student-athletes to end their final year of high school with an 80% average. Push for that 80%-83%. It will also open the door for most program requirements and you’re likely to earn a merit scholarship.
From the time you enter high school to your last day, 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?
Well, that depends on a couple factors: what financial awards are available to coaches and the province you’re in.
In Ontario, you may receive a max of $5,000 in athletic awards, whereas other provinces may award student athletes full tuition and fees for an academic year. This is not a guarantee, so do your research and don’t immediately assume you are being recruited and will get a financial award. In order to keep your AFA in Year 2 and beyond, student athletes must have a minimum 70% academic average.
Stay academically eligible and satisfy the minimum USPORTS requirements, 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 fees must be paid by the athlete. The OCAA in Ontario can offer a maximum athletic scholarship of $3,000, broken down to be 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 grant 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 and the common app.
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 put 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.
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.
Head Count sports are football and basketball for men while the head count sports for women are volleyball, basketball, tennis and gymnastics.
Equivalency sports
They’re allotted a set number of athletic scholarships which can be divided amongst the roster. In other words, you have 6 scholarships to give and 12 athletes on the roster, you can give 12 athletes a partial scholarship.
Equivalency sports for men would be volleyball, baseball, tennis, soccer and gymnastics to name a few; while equivalency sports for women would be track and field, softball, swimming and soccer to name a few
There is a lot to consider when you are looking at financing your college and university experience. There are many opportunities to be awarded scholarships other than just athletics. Make sure you do your research and consider all opportunities out there especially when it comes to the NCAA.
*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.
