Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Applicants must be–
- age 25 and under,
- high school seniors or high school graduates
(or GED) who have MS or a parent with MS.
- a Canadian citizen
or landed immigrant who is enrolled or plans to enroll part-time
(minimum six credits) or full-time in
an undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-or four-year
institution located in Canada
- enrolled in at least *six credit
hours per semester in course work leading to a degree, license,
or certificate.
People who live outside Canada who are, or whose parents are,
in the Canadian military or government service are eligible as
long as they meet the basic eligibility requirements.
*Applicants who are enrolled part-time
(minimum six credit hours) must provide the number of credit
hours they will pursue
and explain the reasons for part-time study.
How much money is given to each individual?
Awards of $500, $750 or $1,000 each will be granted. Awards to
part-time students will be pro-rated based on number of credit
hours ($500 for enrollment at six credit hours and $750 for
enrollment at nine credit hours).
How much money is given overall?
The awards each year will depend on available funding and the quality of the applications. In 2010, we hope to award scholarships totaling up to $125,000.
Where can I get an application form?
The application form is available to download at www.mssociety.ca until March 1st, 2010.
Is there an application fee?
No, we do not charge to apply for this scholarship.
I live outside Canada. Can I apply?
People who live outside Canada who are, or whose parents are
in the Canadian military or government service are eligible
as long as they meet the basic eligibility requirements.
I have some questions about how to fill out the form – whom
do I ask?
A professional scholarship management firm handles the application
process. Please contact Scholarship Management Services by email
at mscanada@scholarshipamerica.org.
What’s the deadline?
Your application must be postmarked by March 1st, 2010.
I missed the deadline – can I still apply?
Sorry – late applications will not be accepted. Please
plan to get your application in early to avoid unexpected delays
due to weather, personal emergencies, or other roadblocks. There
will be no exceptions.
How and when will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?
Initially, you will be sent a post card from Scholarship Management Services acknowledging receipt of your application. You will be notified mid-June if you have been selected to receive a scholarship. Communication with applicants is done both by paper mail and by email. If you have listed an email address on your application, please be sure to check your email regularly.
Will scholarships be given out every year?
Yes, this is an annual program and this is the fourth year the MS Society of Canada has offered funding to support higher education for persons touched by MS. This year, applications are accepted until March 1st 2010 for the 2010/2011 academic year.
Can I apply again next year?
You can apply for the scholarship as long as you meet the eligibility
criteria.
Why do I have to send the application to Scholarship Management
Services and not to the MS Society of Canada?
Scholarship Management Services is a North American non-profit educational support and student aid service organization that receives and screens all of the applications to make the final award decisions. Scholarship Management Services also handles the distribution of the award to the recipients and their schools, and monitors student enrollment. An award cheque is made payable to the student’s school and mailed to the student’s home address in mid-August.
What are the criteria for selecting finalists?
All applicants must meet the basic eligibility criteria, fully complete the application, and meet the deadline. Scholarship Management Services will select scholarship finalists on the basis of demonstrated financial need, academic record, leadership and participation in school or community activities, work experience, statement of educational and career goals, letter of recommendation, a one-page essay on the impact of MS on their life and financial need. Decisions are not affected by a person’s race, color, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
Who selects the recipients?
Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship Management Services
and all applicants agree to accept the decision of Scholarship
Management Services as final.
Must I be a full-time student?
If you do not plan to be a full-time student, on your application state the number of hours you will be enrolled and explain your reasons for part-time study. We understand that full-time study is not possible for everyone due to health concerns or family care responsibilities. You must be enrolled for at least six
hours per academic term to qualify as a part-time student. The scholarship is intended for students who are pursuing a degree, license, or certificate and is not for those who want to take an occasional personal enrichment class.
What will be required of me if I am selected to receive a scholarship?
You will be required to sign a declaration that you or one of your parents have multiple sclerosis. We will ask you to write a thank you note to one or more of our donors. You will be asked to sign a media release form giving us permission to use your photo and story in media releases. You may also be required to participate and/or speak at MS Society of Canada events where time & availability permits and supply current contact information.
Where does the
money for scholarships come from?
The MS Society of Canada Scholarship Program was originally supported by Billy Talent and Friends. Billy Talent is a Juno Award-winning punk rock band that became involved with the MS Society through drummer Aaron Solowoniuk, who lives with multiple sclerosis. Aaron initially raised funds for the program and the program has continued to be offered through the generous support of additional funders since that time.
What if I don’t know where I will attend school?
List the schools to which you have applied on your application
in order of preference. You will need to make a final decision
and be accepted into a school by early July.
I want to go to a technical school. Can I apply?
Any post secondary, undergraduate school is acceptable as long
as it meets federal, provincial, or professional accreditation
standards. You must plan to attend school at least part-time – six
credit hours per school term.
All of us at the MS Society of Canada wish you well in reaching
your education goals.
For questions not answered above, please contact:
Scholarship Management Services at mscanada@scholarshipamerica.org
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