What Happens After You Win a Scholarship in Canada?

So you landed a scholarship. First off—congrats! 🎉 That’s a huge win. But now what? If you're an international student, it can feel like the “hard part” is over… but a lot of questions start popping up after the celebration.

Where does the money go? Do I need to do anything else? Is there a fine print I missed?

Let’s break it down. No complicated stuff. Just real talk.

Where Does the Scholarship Money Actually Go?

It depends. Some scholarships send the money straight to your school, while others might deposit it directly to your bank account.

• If it goes to your school: they’ll use it to cover your tuition fees first, and if there’s extra, it might go toward residence or meal plans.

• If it goes to you: you’ll usually get it in one or two installments—just make sure your banking info is set up correctly with your school or scholarship provider.

Heads up: Some funds are restricted, meaning you can’t use them for just anything. If it says “tuition only,” don’t try buying a flight home with it.

Do You Have to Report It to Anyone?

Yup. If you’re in Canada on a study permit, you might need to report your scholarship when filing taxes—even as an international student.

Here’s the simple version:

• If the money is used for tuition or textbooks, it’s usually not taxable.

If you use it for living expenses, part of it might be.

Pro tip: Keep all your emails, documents, and receipts in one place. It’ll save you from a tax-season meltdown.

Is There Anything You’re Supposed to Do After?

Sometimes, yes. Some scholarships ask for stuff after you’ve received the money:

• Write a thank-you letter 📝

• Submit a quick update on your grades or progress

• Attend a donor event or take a photo

It’s not a test—it’s just a way to show appreciation and stay in good standing. (And honestly? A thank-you note takes 10 minutes and can open doors later.)

Can You Lose Your Scholarship?

Unfortunately, yeah. Not to scare you, but some scholarships come with conditions.

Like:

• Keep a certain GPA

• Stay enrolled full-time

• Don’t switch programs without letting them know

If anything changes (you drop a class, take time off, or move schools), check in with your scholarship provider. Better safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts

Winning a scholarship is a big moment—but it’s not the end of the road. Now it’s about using that support the smart way and making sure you keep it.

It’s okay if you’re still figuring things out. You’re doing great—and we’ve got your back.

Want more tips? Check out our next post on how to manage money as a student in Canada.

What Happens After You Win a Scholarship in Canada?