Tips on applying for scholarships
1. Before you start
- Check the deadline.
- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Pay close attention to the documents required and allow yourself enough time to put your application together
2. Things to include in your cover letter
- A brief summary of your academic background as it relates to the eligibility criteria
- Your current program of study)
- The diploma(s) you wish to obtain
- Your career aspirations, if known
- Explain your motivations for applying for this scholarship. This is your chance to “sell” yourself.
- What sets you apart from the other applicants?
- Draw links between your volunteer and other activities and the scholarships you are applying for
3. Details – Community Involvement Scholarship
Describe your volunteer experience. Specify:
- Since when
- Number of hours per week
- Where you volunteer
- Your role and responsibilities
- Your reasons for getting involved
- How your volunteer activities tie in with the scholarship you’re applying for
4. Details – Leadership and Entrepreneurship Scholarship
- Where does your inspiration come from?
- How would you describe your initiative?
- What do you get out of it?
5. Details – Financial Support Scholarship
Be sure to include reasonable expenses.
- What led to your financial situation?
- List any assistance you receive from other sources.
- Where have you already sought help?
- What steps have you taken to improve your situation?
- Why should we award you this scholarship?
6. Specifications – Granting agencies
Practical guide for your application
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies has developed a practical guide for applying on graduate scholarships or postdoctoral fellowships. This document offers useful advice on preparing and writing your application. It covers the following topics:
- The competition process
- Selection criteria
- Choosing a referee
- Writing your research proposal
- Research potential and experience
Consult the Practical Guide (PDF) – in French only
Narrative CV
Starting in fall 2026, the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) will require an application with a narrative CV to present your research background. Federal funding agencies will also be implementing the narrative CV in the coming years, along with the new grant management system.
The narrative CV highlights the impact, relevance, and significance of scientific contributions directly related to the objectives pursued, while being more flexible, inclusive, and adapted to the diversity of profiles than the Canadian Common CV (CCV).
Fonds de recherche du Québec
Visit the FRQ page on the new narrative CV
Federal agencies
Watch the Tri-agency CV webinar
Follow the Tri-agency CV instructions
Video tutorials
There are video tutorials to help you fill out applications for scholarships from federal granting agencies.