Carleton University Entrance Awards for International Students Review

Rewarding Excellence, Welcoming the World

 Carleton University Entrance Awards for International Students

Carleton University, located in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is deeply committed to supporting academic excellence and fostering global engagement. To reflect this commitment, the university offers generous Entrance Awards for International Students, designed specifically for academically outstanding students entering undergraduate programs. These awards help ease the financial transition to Canadian university life and celebrate the hard work of top-performing high school graduates from around the world.

The entrance awards are automatically considered at the time of admission, with no additional application required. Eligible students can receive between CAD 4,000 and CAD 16,000, disbursed over four years. The value of the award depends on the student's previous academic performance, and to maintain the scholarship throughout the degree, recipients must meet Carleton’s annual GPA renewal criteria. This makes the award both merit-based and performance-sustaining, rewarding continued academic success.

Beyond the standard entrance awards, Carleton offers competitive and prestigious scholarships that require a separate application. These include the Chancellor’s Scholarship, President’s Scholarship, and the Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarship, among others. These are typically valued higher and are awarded based on a combination of strong academics, leadership ability, extracurricular activities, and contributions to community service. Applying to these scholarships allows high-achieving international students to compete for even more substantial financial support.

In addition to financial aid, Carleton provides a vibrant academic and social environment tailored to the needs of international students. With over 150 countries represented in its student population, the university offers comprehensive support services, including dedicated international student advising, academic skill workshops, peer mentoring, and career development programs. Combined with its cutting-edge research, hands-on learning experiences, and a safe, inclusive campus in a major global capital, Carleton University provides international students with a platform for both academic and personal growth.

Pros

Renewable financial support over four years

Automatically considered upon admission (no separate application needed)

Additional competitive scholarships available for top achievers

Cons

Award amounts may not fully cover tuition or living expenses

Competitive scholarships require a separate, more detailed application

Limited to undergraduate programs only