Scholarships & Awards for International Students at Douglas College

Douglas College, a prominent post-secondary institution in Canada, offers a range of scholarships and awards aimed at supporting international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships not only provide financial relief but also recognize students' achievements, dedication, and commitment to their studies and community engagement. Each year, Douglas College allocates nearly $100,000 in entrance scholarships to new international students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies. 

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various scholarships and awards available to international students at Douglas College, detailing the eligibility criteria, application processes, and the benefits of each scholarship.

Entrance Scholarships for International Students

1. Douglas International Education Regional Entrance Awards

The Douglas International Education Regional Entrance Awards are designed to welcome new international students from diverse regions around the world. These awards, valued between $1,000 and $2,000, are automatically assessed based on the students’ applications to Douglas College.

Eligibility Criteria:

• No Separate Application: Students are automatically considered for this award upon application to Douglas College.
• Regions Covered: The award is available to students from various regions, including CIS countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan), Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia (Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal).
• Application Deadline: To be eligible, students must apply to Douglas College by the official semester application deadline.
• Academic Excellence: Successful recipients typically have an above-average GPA (B equivalent or higher) and strong English language proficiency test scores (i.e., IELTS 7.0 and above, or equivalent).

Award Notification:

Students will be notified of this award when they receive their offer of admission from Douglas College. This ensures that incoming students can plan their finances with a clearer understanding of the support available to them.

2. Dr. Guangwei Ouyang International Education Entrance Scholarship

The Dr. Guangwei Ouyang International Education Entrance Scholarship, named after a prominent figure in the college’s history, offers $2,500 to outstanding new international students. Unlike the Douglas International Education Regional Entrance Awards, this scholarship requires a separate application.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Separate Application Required: Applicants must complete and submit the entrance scholarship form (PDF) by the deadline specific to the semester they are applying for. The application must be accompanied by all supporting documents and emailed to Douglas International.
• Academic Performance: Students are selected based on their previous academic performance, demonstrating excellence in their studies.
• Engagement in School and Community: The scholarship also considers the applicant's engagement in their school, community, and personal development, reflecting a well-rounded individual.
• Open to All Countries: Students from all countries are eligible for this scholarship.

Application Deadlines:

• Summer (May) Semester: January 31
• Fall (September) Semester: May 31
• Winter (January) Semester: September 30

Benefits of Entrance Scholarships

These entrance scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also recognize the hard work and dedication of international students. By reducing the financial burden, these scholarships allow students to focus more on their studies and less on their finances. Moreover, being a scholarship recipient at Douglas College adds to a student’s credentials, showcasing their academic and extracurricular achievements, which can be advantageous in future academic or career pursuits.

Continuing Student Awards and Scholarships

Douglas College also offers several scholarships and awards for continuing international students who have demonstrated academic excellence during their studies at the college. These awards are aimed at recognizing students’ achievements and encouraging them to maintain high academic standards throughout their studies.

1. Douglas College International Returning Student Scholarship

The Douglas College International Returning Student Scholarship was established in 1995 to honor international students who continue their studies at Douglas College and have demonstrated exceptional academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria:

• International Student Status: The applicant must be an international student enrolled at Douglas College.
• Enrollment Requirements: Students must be enrolled in a minimum of nine (9) credits within any academic program or faculty.
• Credit Hours and GPA: Applicants must have completed at least 21 credits at Douglas College with a minimum GPA of 3.75.

Award Frequency:

• Maximum of Two Awards:Students can receive this award a maximum of two times during their studies at Douglas College:
  • First Award: Once they have completed a minimum of 21 credit hours but less than 42 credit hours.
  • Second Award: Once the student has completed a minimum of 42 credits.

Automatic Consideration:

There is no separate application process for this scholarship. Candidates are selected based on the above criteria, and eligible students are automatically notified if they have been awarded the scholarship.

2. Continuing Student Global Citizenship Dean Award

The Global Citizenship Dean’s Award is another prestigious scholarship that recognizes students who embody global competencies through their studies and community engagement. This award is particularly focused on students who demonstrate a commitment to global citizenship, a core value in today’s interconnected world.

Eligibility Criteria:

• GPA Requirement: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application.
• Credit Requirement: Students must have completed 21 or more credits at Douglas College.
• First-Time Recipient: Applicants must not have received the award before.

Application Process:

• Application Submission: Students must complete and submit an application by the specified deadline (the deadline is available upon starting an application).
• References: The application requires two references (one academic and one non-academic).
• Community Contribution: Applicants must demonstrate outstanding commitment or contribution to the community.
• Link to Global Citizenship: Students must show a connection between their studies and global citizenship, such as pursuing global competencies through coursework, study abroad programs, or intercultural work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences.

Award Value:

This annual award is worth $1,500 for each recipient. One recipient is chosen from each of Douglas College's six faculties.

3. Continuing Student International Outbound Mobility Bursary

The Continuing Student International Outbound Mobility Bursary provides financial assistance to both international and domestic students participating in an approved international mobility program. This bursary is designed to encourage students to gain international experience, enhancing their global competencies and understanding of different cultures.

Application and Additional Information:

To learn more about international exchange opportunities and available scholarships and awards, students are encouraged to contact Douglas College Global Engagement. Details about international exchanges can also be found on MyGlobal, the college's online platform for global engagement.

4. Athletic Scholarship

The Athletic Scholarship was established by Guangwei Ouyang, former Vice President of International Education & Strategic Partnerships at Douglas College, in 2017. This scholarship aims to support the recruitment of international student-athletes to Douglas College by covering the difference between international and domestic student tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Selection Process: A maximum of five eligible recipients are chosen each academic year.
• Award Value: Recipients receive up to $7,000 towards their tuition, with the scholarship amount split equally between the Fall and Winter semesters.

Douglas College is committed to supporting its international students through a variety of scholarships and awards that recognize academic excellence, community engagement, and global citizenship. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also celebrate the diverse talents and contributions of international students. Whether you are a new student entering Douglas College or a continuing student striving for academic success, there are numerous opportunities to receive financial aid and recognition for your hard work and dedication. By taking advantage of these scholarships, international students can alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with studying abroad, allowing them to focus on their academic and personal growth.

For more detailed information about each scholarship and award, including application deadlines and specific eligibility criteria, students are encouraged to visit the Douglas College website or contact the Douglas International office directly.

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