Scholarships and financial assistance for US and Canadian universities

Our tuition fees are great value for international students and we cannot offer further discounts or scholarships. If you need a scholarship to study at a North American university, organizations in your own country can be good sources, for example, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Scholarships Program.

Affording university

More than two-thirds of international students who study at US universities use their own or family resources to pay for their education. There is very little financial assistance available from US sources for international students, but there are some sources of funding if you need help paying for university. However, be aware that there is a lot of competition for international student scholarships. Attaining high grades is a very important factor. More aid is available for graduate and research students, than for undergraduate study.

Less expensive choices

You can make sensible choices to keep the cost of your North American university education down. Public universities are usually cheaper than private universities. Studying in Canada is generally less expensive than studying in the USA. 

• Royal Roads University is a public university in Canada that offers a lower cost of living and tuition fees than many universities in the USA.
• James Madison University has been named one of the top 50 'Best Value' public university in America

Seeking assistance in your home country

If you need a scholarship to study at university in Canada or the USA, organizations in your own country can be good sources, for example:

Saudi Arabia (King Abdullah Scholarships Program) -

The King Abdullah Foreign Scholarship Program (KASP) allows Saudi students to go to the best world universities to pursue bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees. The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) to the US offers generous support for scholarship recipients - a monthly stipend, educational tuition and fees, study-related travel expenses, air tickets, and cash allowance for books and clothing. Bonuses are given for outstanding academic performance.

We help you apply to these universities on the Saudi SACM-approved list:

• James Madison University
• Long Island University
• University of Maine 

Kazakhstan (Bolashak Presidential Fellows Program)

Fully funded by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the scholarship covers all study related costs (tuition fees, accommodation, book allowances, medical insurance, travel expenses, entry visas, application fees, etc). It is awarded each year to future leaders for bachelor's, master's, PhD degrees and research in economics, engineering, medicine and other key fields.

• In 2010, 606 scholarships were awarded for study in Canada.

Other countries

We encourage you to contact your country's Ministry of Education or other relevant government agency to inquire about international study scholarships or financial aid. The nearest educational advising center may be able to assist you in finding sources of financial support within your own country.

At the US Department of State's education website you can search by region for US-sponsored educational Advising Centers.

There may also be businesses, foundations, and religious organizations in your home country that might have funds available to help pay for your North American education.

Other sources of funding

Funding in the USA

Some of the following resources may be useful in finding scholarships or financial aid for studying at US universities:

• American Councils for International Education provides student grants and fellowships to international students from Asia, Russia and Eurasia, such as the AMZ Renaissance Foundation Afghanistan Undergraduate Fellowship Program.
• AMIDEAST provides grants for international students from the Middle East and North Africa.
• Grant Space FAQ is an online resource devoted to foundations that fund individuals.
• The International Education Financial Aid Page features a searchable list of grants, scholarships and loan programs for international students.
• InternationalScholarships.com is an online financial aid resource for international students wishing to study in a foreign country.
• King Faisal Foundation has an international student scholarship program for Muslim students to undertake postgraduate studies at any USA university.
• Soros Foundations Network offers international student scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Many are restricted to students from specific countries.
• Fulbright Program provides funds for students, scholars and professionals to undertake Master's study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools.
• AAUW International Fellowships (for female graduate students).

Sources of funding in Canada

The following resources may be useful in finding scholarships or financial aid for studying at Royal Roads University:

• Canadian government scholarship search for international students wanting to study in Canada - mainly graduate and research funding opportunities
• Royal Roads University financial awards
  Unless otherwise noted, international students in Year 3 and 4 of an undergraduate degree program are eligible to apply for all posted awards at Royal Roads University, except Government awards and government loan programs. Financial award opportunities once you have started Year 3 include:
  • RRU International Student Award: awarded annually to an international student who is active in an RRU on-campus program, and exemplifies the University's values of leadership and personal development. The goal of this award is to encourage a maximum learning opportunity and reduce the stress international students can experience knowing the financial burdens their families have to bear to provide them with the opportunity to study at University in Canada.
  • Royal Roads University Foundation bursaries - a supplemental source of funding for learners in financial need. Students are expected to find their primary funding through other sources such as part-time work and savings. To receive a Royal Roads University bursary, students must demonstrate financial need and must submit a completed bursary application form.
• One World International Scholarship - up to 8 scholarships of $10,000 each for undergraduate degree programs are available annually to international students coming to study in British Columbia, chosen by the Irving K Barber Scholarship Society. Note that the One World Scholarship will not be offered in 2011. Please check in 2012.