Scholarships For Creative Writing Programs In Canada
Pursuing a creative writing degree in Canada offers students the opportunity to hone their craft while experiencing the country’s rich literary culture. However, financing an education can be challenging. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships specifically designed to support aspiring writers. This article highlights some of the most prominent scholarships available for creative writing students in Canada.
1. The University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships
UBC is renowned for its creative writing program, and it offers several scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students:
Creative Writing Scholarships: These include awards like the “Alma Lee Creative Writing Scholarship” and the “Douglas Coupland Creative Writing Scholarship,” which support outstanding undergraduate and graduate students demonstrating exceptional promise in creative writing.
General UBC Scholarships: Students can also apply for a range of general scholarships and awards based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. Examples include the “President’s Entrance Scholarships” and the “UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Award.”
2. University of Toronto (U of T) Scholarships
The University of Toronto offers a variety of scholarships for students enrolled in its creative writing programs:
The Avie Bennett Emerging Writers Scholarship: This scholarship supports undergraduate students in the creative writing program who show remarkable talent and potential.
Victoria College Creative Writing Scholarships: Victoria College, part of U of T, offers awards such as the “E.J. Pratt Poetry Award” and the “Leonard Cohen Award in Creative Writing,” which are given to students demonstrating excellence in poetry and prose.
3. York University Scholarships
York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design offers several scholarships for creative writing students:
The bpNichol Award for Creative Writing: Named after the acclaimed Canadian poet, this award is given to a student who excels in creative writing.
The Susan Crocker and John Hunkin Scholarship in the Fine Arts: This scholarship is available to students across the arts disciplines, including creative writing, who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need.
4. Concordia University Scholarships
Concordia University in Montreal is known for its vibrant creative writing program and offers several scholarships:
The David McGimpsey Creative Writing Scholarship: This award supports undergraduate and graduate students who show exceptional promise in creative writing.
The Irving Layton Awards: Named after the influential Canadian poet, these awards are given to students who demonstrate outstanding ability in poetry and short story writing.
5. External Scholarships and Awards
In addition to university-specific scholarships, several external organizations offer financial support to creative writing students across Canada:
The Canada Council for the Arts Grants: These grants support emerging and established writers by funding their creative projects and professional development.
The Writers’ Trust of Canada Awards: The Writers’ Trust offers several awards and scholarships, such as the “RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers,” which recognizes young, unpublished writers of poetry and short fiction.
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Scholarships: The Banff Centre offers a range of scholarships for writers attending their renowned writing residencies and programs, helping cover tuition and accommodation costs.
6. Provincial and National Scholarships
Various provincial governments an ind national organizations provide scholarships for students pursuing creative writing:
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): This scholarship supports graduate students in Ontario, including those in creative writing programs, based on academic excellence and research potential.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Scholarships: SSHRC offers funding for graduate students in the humanities, including those studying creative writing, through awards like the “Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships.”
Conclusion
With a variety of scholarships available, aspiring writers in Canada have numerous opportunities to fund their education and focus on developing their craft. Prospective students should research each scholarship’s eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required materials to maximize their chances of receiving financial support. By taking advantage of these scholarships, students can embark on their creative writing journeys with reduced financial stress and increased focus on their artistic growth.
