Common questions

What does UNB consider when awarding scholarships?

Academic Achievement is a primary consideration.  UNB calculates a Scholarship Average* which is the Admissions Average** plus bonus points for completed IB, AP and/or enriched grade 11 and 12 courses.  Bonus points are added directly to the Scholarship Average, as long as a mark of 75% of higher is achieved in the course.

  • One bonus point for 1 to 3 enriched courses
  • A maximum of two bonus points from 4 to 6 enriched courses
  • A maximum of three bonus points for 7 to 9 enriched courses
  • A maximum of four bonus points for 10 or more enriched courses

* The Scholarship Average is not rounded.  In other words, a 79.9% average does not become an 80%.

**Admissions Average is the average of the 6 courses required for admission to the student's program of choice. For a list of Admissions Requirements by program, and specifics on how this average is calculated, please see Fredericton Prospective Students or Saint John Prospective Students.

Financial Need is considered for many scholarships and must be demonstrated on the scholarship application form if you want to be considered for those scholarships.  If you do not demonstrate financial need on the application form, you will not be considered for scholarships given to those in financial need, such as the Beaverbrook Scholars Award, the Lord Beaverbrook Scholarships, etc.

Extracurricular activities are required for a few of the scholarships and may make a difference in the decision for other scholarships too.

How do I apply?

The general scholarship application form covers most of UNB scholarships for BOTH campuses. The deadline is March 1.

The information that is on the application form is what will be considered first.  Be careful what you input - you are trying to make an impression and others will be reviewing this information. Consider your grammar - this is not texting. You can also send in a resume but it is only used as a secondary source of information so please fill out the scholarship application form completely with the information that you want us to see first.

Separate applications are required for the following scholarships. Late applications are not considered.

  • Currie Undergraduate Scholarships
    For students who have graduated from a high school in the Maritime Provinces
    • Value: $50,000 each over four years
    • Number Available: Four awards shared among engineering and other disciplines.
    • Application Deadline:  March 1st
    • Essay required.
    • Shortlisted candidates must be available for an interview.
  • H. Harrison McCain Bursary
    For students who have graduated from a high school in Canada and have demonstrated financial need.
    • Value:  $16,000 over four years.
    • Number available varies from year to year.
    • Application Deadline:  March 1st
    • Essay required.
  • Beaverbrook Scholars AwardFor students who have graduated from a high school in New Brunswick, have demonstrated financial need.
    • Value:  $44,000 over four years.
    • Number Available: 3
    • Application Deadline:  March 1st
    • Essay required.

Do I need to send a Resume?  A reference letter?

It is not necessary to send in a resume and/or reference letter. What you put on the application form is what will be considered first so you should concentrate on making it your first impression. "See resume" does not make it easy for the reviewer of your application.

How do I know that I got a scholarship?

All successful applicants will be notified by April 15th.

Students will receive a scholarship offer letter from the Undergraduate Awards Office. This letter states the total value of scholarship support provided by UNB. The purpose of the letter is to officially confirm the scholarship support that is being offered to the student. If there are any changes to the scholarship offer, students will be advised via email.

I got a scholarship! Now what do I do?

Congratulations!

Please let us know whether or not you accept our scholarship offer by May 15th. If you accept, your application remains live for an entire year and your application will continue to be considered for anything that becomes available. Refused scholarships may be re-awarded to someone else, so be kind and let us know.

I got a scholarship from another organization.  What do I do?

We call these awards "External Awards" since they are decided upon by organizations outside of UNB. Every organization may require something different but many require confirmation of enrolment. You can get that from the Registrar's Office at the Fredericton campus or the Saint John campus.  Normally, the scholarship cheque is sent to UNB Financial Services and they will get in touch with you when it is received. External Awards do not appear on your UNB transcript. 

I did much better my last term of high school. What about my final grade 12 marks?

UNB will review a student's final grade 12 marks in the re-calculation of the Scholarship Average only upon request.

A request for re-calculation along with the official final transcript must be received prior to the end of September.  Re-calculations take place as the requests are being processed and the student is notified of the decision. A request for re-calculation should be sent by the student to the Undergraduate Awards Office.

How do I get the money?

Scholarships are applied to your student account – half the amount in the Fall and half the amount in the Winter. Tuition and compulsory fees are deducted first, so you end up paying less. If the amount exceeds your fees, (lucky you!) you can request a refund cheque from  Financial Services.

What about Year 2 and beyond?

UNB has a scholarship program for students who have completed at least 1 year at UNB (24 credit hours). Students apply for these scholarships on an annual basis. Again, the primary consideration is academic achievement, so study hard! Click here to find out more.

How do I thank the donor?

UNB's Office of Development and Donor Relations will be in touch with donor contact information, if available. This normally happens in the Fall term, once everything has been awarded. A thank-you note is VERY important. UNB is always grateful to our donors but they really want to hear from you – the student – the person they want to help out. Let the donor know what the scholarship means to you.

More questions? Email us at the Undergraduate Awards Office.