Financial Assistance FAQ
What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
Scholarships are merit-based and are awarded to one new applicant entering Ashbury College in Grade 4, two new applicants entering Grade 7 and three new applicants entering Grade 9 who achieve the highest overall scores in the first round of our admissions process. These are one-year only awards.
Bursaries are need-based and are awarded to students with demonstrated financial need who exhibit sound scholastic achievement, good character, and a capacity to make a worthwhile contribution to the school. Bursaries are awarded annually conditional on continued demonstrated financial need and good standing.
Who is eligible to receive a scholarship?
Ashbury has six Entrance Scholarships. These scholarships are merit-based and are awarded to the top new applicants applying to Grade 4, Grade 7 and Grade 9 who achieve the highest overall scores in the first round of our admissions process. The scores are based on the following six criteria:
- Personal Profile
- Confidential Reference
- Interview
- Last completed grade report card
- English component of the entrance exam
- Math component of the math exam
The top score in Grade 4, top two scores in Grade 7 and the top three scores in Grade 9 will receive a $1,500 one-year only scholarship and will be recognized on our website. All new applicants to Grade 4, Grade 7 and Grade 9 are considered for the Entrance Scholarship and therefore no application is required.
How much could I expect to receive in scholarships funds?
Ashbury's Entrance Scholarships are awarded to the top three new applicants applying to Grade 4, Grade 7 and Grade 9. The scholarship is a one-year only award and each of the six students will receive $1,500.
Who is eligible to receive a bursary?
Financial assistance is available to both new and returning families from Grades 4 to 12. To be eligible for assistance, students must first be offered a place at the school. Bursaries are need-based and are awarded to students with demonstrated financial need who exhibit sound scholastic achievement, good character and a capacity to make a strong contribution to the school. The majority of endowment funds are reserved for bursary recipients.
How do I apply for a bursary?
Ashbury is a member of the Financial Aid for Canadian Students (FACS) program. To apply for a bursary the FACS application form may be obtained from the Admissions Office and must be completed and mailed directly to Apple Financial Services for assessment before November 15. Applications submitted to Apple Financial Services after December 15 will be considered according to availability of funds. The cost to the family for this assessment is $90.00. Please contact the Senior School Admissions Office for further information or to request the application.
The Ashbury Awards are named bursaries that require a 200 word essay, an interview and the above Apple Financial application - see Tuition & Financial Assistance.
Click here to learn more about Apple Financial Services and to complete an assessment.
Is there an application deadline?
The application deadline for bursaries is November 15. Apple Financial Services must have received the application in their office by this date. The school will notify families regarding awards by late January. Families that submit their application after this date will be given consideration according to availability of funds.
The deadline for Entrance Scholarships is early November as all new applicants to Grade 4, Grade 7 and Grade 9 who apply in the first round of applications are considered.
How is financial assistance determined?
Ashbury College will provide families with the information and application form necessary to request assistance. Once the FACS application form is completed by the family and submitted to Apple Financial Services an assessment will be made by Apple Financial Services. A recommendation will be forwarded to Ashbury College. The Financial Assistance Committee at the Ashbury College reviews all recommendations and communicates their decision based on funds available. Apple Financial Services uses a standard formula to determine the needs of a family. Consideration of income, expenses, assets and debts, age of children, size of family and the number of children at tuition-paying educational institutions help to establish the amount recommended.
When will I know if I will receive a bursary?
For new students we endeavor to match our bursary offers with our enrollment offers, meaning families will have all information needed to make an informed decision at one time. Returning students will receive their confirmations at the same time as re-enrollment agreements for the following year are extended.
Is financial assistance renewable each year?
Each year is considered separately and therefore a new application must be filed for the next school year. Changes in financial status may affect the size of the award. Generally, the amount awarded remains the same from one year to the next until the time of graduation. An annual review of the student’s academic standing and overall contribution to the school is completed as part of the awards process.
Will I have an opportunity to thank those individuals who donate to my bursary?
Each recipient will have the opportunity to acknowledge the assistance they receive from bursary donors. They will be asked to write a thank you letter to the donor(s) before the end of the academic year to inform them of their academic achievements and involvement in school life. Donors appreciate knowing how their generosity has impacted the life of a student. The school may provide to the donor(s) background and academic information on the student receiving the award.