If you are a student-athlete who wants to go pro in basketball while pursuing an academic degree at a renowned university then you should look into applying for basketball scholarships in Canada. This blog post has a curated list of these scholarships and how you can apply for them.
Basketball is among the most popular sports in Canada and a popular varsity sport that provides student-athletes with multiple opportunities to become pro players. Thanks to multiple athletic scholarships in Canada, student-athletes can, not just become pro-basketball players only but also degree holders from a renowned Canadian institution.
So, if you were wondering whether they were any athletic scholarships in Canada, I think you just got your answer. And the amazing thing about athletic scholarships in Canada is that it is not just for citizens and permanent residents but also international students. The majority of athletic scholarships in Canada are directed toward international students.
These athletic scholarships cut across the following sports:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Golf
- Hockey
- Swimming
- Baseball
- Skiing
- Tennis
- Water Polo
- Rowing
- Horseback Riding
- American Football
- Wrestling
- Cricket
However, for the sake of this article, we will simply concentrate on the basketball scholarships in Canada. So, if you are looking to study in Canada as a student-athlete who wants to play basketball, you can apply to any of the scholarships curated in this article. The scholarship will go a long way to assist with the financial burden of your education.
Basketball scholarships in Canada may either be full-ride or partial. The full ride will cover the total cost of your education and study materials for the entire duration of your studies. Note that full-ride scholarships do not cover housing and other expenses. The partial funding only pays half of your tuition for that academic year, it is usually just one time.
To win a Canadian basketball scholarship, there are certain requirements that interested applicants must meet. Let’s take a look at them quickly.
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Requirements to Apply for Basketball Scholarships in Canada
Before you apply for any basketball or athletic scholarship in Canada, you must meet the following requirements:
- If you are entering college for the first year as a student-athlete, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 80% to qualify for the scholarship.
- If you are already enrolled in college and want to become a student-athlete, you must acquire a minimum GPA of 65% to qualify for the scholarship.
- Exceptional athletic performance and excellent academic performance are major criteria to qualify for the scholarships and contribute to the amount of scholarship that the student-athlete will receive.
The requirements are not very tough to meet the major reason why basketball scholarships are often listed among the easiest sports scholarships to get.
What is the Value of Basketball Scholarships in Canada?
The value or worth of basketball scholarships in Canada varies on whether it is full-ride or partial funding. But it can range from $500 to cover the entire tuition. To know the exact value of an athletic scholarship, you can just ask your coach. You can also ask your coach which basketball and other athletic scholarships are available for you to apply, they will also let you know.
Athletic scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the coach, so, talk to your coach. Also, basketball scholarships in Canada are not for male athletes only since it is not just played by males, so females also win the basketball scholarships. Basketball scholarship is one of the best sports for female scholarships.
Note that as a student-athlete, you are still eligible to apply for other general scholarships whose criteria you may meet. In addition to earning a basketball scholarship, you may also apply for academic and international awards and other categories of scholarships such as scholarships for tall people.
Basketball and other athletic scholarships are funded and provided by different sources including basketball associations/organizations, sports foundations, colleges, and alumni.
How to Apply for a Basketball Scholarship
- First, you want to talk to your coach or a professional basketball coach about your aspiration. The coach will assess your chances of receiving the scholarship.
- Apply to a Canadian institution that meets your academic and athletic needs.
- Get high scores in standardized tests like SAT/ACT, IELTS, etc.
- Create your sports portfolio which may include photos and videos you will present as part of the application for the scholarship.
- Gather other necessary materials, including transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, an essay, and a personal statement.
- Complete the scholarship application form
You must have been accepted into a college to be considered for the basketball scholarship, that is, if the scholarship is provided by that same college. However, if you earned the scholarship through other sources, then it will be disbursed to you when you finally enroll in college.
Also Read: 35 Best College Athletic Scholarships by Sport
Best Basketball Scholarships in Canada
Curated here are the best basketball scholarships in Canada for international and domestic student-athletes can apply.
- Marvin & Mary Pearl Basketball Scholarship
- Ed Terris Memorial Scholarship
- Duncan Anderson Memorial Scholarship
- Carling Muir Award for Determination, Courage, and Resilience
- George House Memorial Scholarship Award
- The University of Manitoba Athletic Awards
- The University of Victoria Athletic Awards
- The University of Alberta Athletic Scholarships
- Thompson Rivers University International Athletic Scholarships
1. Marvin & Mary Pearl Basketball Scholarship
This is a $1,000 scholarship grant awarded annually to a man and woman acting as a basketball athlete currently enrolled at a Canadian college. The scholarship is established by the Canada Basketball Foundation to recognize Canadian student community leaders.
To be eligible, applicants must submit an essay highlighting their efforts to improve lives in their community through basketball. The scholarship is offered annually, so, if you missed it this year check in next year.
2. Ed Terris Memorial Scholarship
Ed Terris Memorial Scholarship is offered through Basketball BC and interested applicants must be a member. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to two males and two females who must be graduating seniors applying for college in Canada.
To be considered you must have an excellent academic record and outstanding achievement in sports particularly in basketball while in high school. The scholarship is available at a specific date each year so if you missed it for the current year check in again next year.
3. Duncan Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Duncan Anderson Memorial Scholarship was established by Basketball BC in memory of Duncan Anderson who was a high school teacher and a basketball coach. The scholarship is open to a high school graduating male and female basketball athlete who will be enrolling in a college/university.
Applicants must possess leadership qualities, be passionate about the game, work ethic, and commitment to team success are also qualities that applicants must possess. Other requirements are two reference letters and a minimum of a B average in Grade 11. This scholarship is offered annually, if you missed it this year, it will be available next year.
4. Carling Muir Award for Determination, Courage, and Resilience
This is a $2,000 scholarship award for a student-athlete playing basketball in a college or university in BC. The scholarship is awarded to any student, whether local, domestic, or international, male or female who demonstrates exceptional ethics, dedication, to team and/or community, and perseverance through overcoming adversity. The scholarship is offered annually.
5. George House Memorial Scholarship Award
This scholarship is tenable only at Canada Topflight Academy because it is provided by the institution. Thus, if you are interested in applying for this scholarship, you must have been accepted into Canada Topflight Academy. George House Memorial Scholarship Award is a full-ride scholarship award offered annually to a young student-athlete who meets all the requirements.
Required documents for the scholarship application include an essay outlining why you should be considered, two letters of recommendation from a high school teacher or a coach, and a resume of the applicant highlighting their extra-curricular activities, employment experience, and community service.
Other Athletic Scholarships in Canada that Basketball Student-Athletes Can Apply
6. The University of Manitoba Athletic Awards
The University of Manitoba offers more than $550,000 per year in athletic awards to incoming and current students who qualify for membership on any Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) university team. Note that the University of Manitoba Athletic Awards is for student-athletes in all categories of sports including male and female basketball.
Depending on the selection of the coach, an athlete can earn between $500 to a full tuition award. To be eligible, candidates must have excellent academic performance and outstanding athletic abilities.
7. The University of Victoria Athletic Awards
Here is another general athletic award that basketball student-athletes can also apply for. You must be a student of the University of Victoria and have an interest in basketball or any of the varsity sports to be eligible for this award. Applicants must have passed a minimum of 9.0 units in the preceding academic year with a minimum sessional GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered.
You can also be eligible if you are not yet a student of the University of Victoria. But then, you are required to have completed a minimum of 12 units in two terms in the previous academic year. If you are a newly entering university, you must follow the U Sports regulation of a minimum 80% GPA to qualify for a scholarship.
8. The University of Alberta Athletic Scholarships
The University of Alberta Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation offers a wide range of athletic scholarships and awards to its finest athletes. The award is for international students on a study permit with outstanding academic performance and demonstrates athletic excellence and is registered in the Faculty.
So, if you are an international student with a passion for basketball or any athletics for that matter you can apply to the University of Alberta and be eligible for an athletic scholarship.
9. Thompson Rivers University International Athletic Scholarships
Student-athletes who play basketball, soccer, and volleyball and are also swimmers can apply for the international athletic scholarship award offered by Thompson Rivers University. To be considered for the award, athletes must be in one of TRU’s competing varsity teams with outstanding athletic ability, be full-time students, and meet all U Sports regulations.
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