Financial Aid FAQ

The most common questions that students ask us about financial aid are listed below. If your question isn't answered here, let us know!

What is financial aid?

It’s how we financially reward students to help pay for their education. Financial aid is comprised of scholarships, grants, and endowment awards. These awards are deducted from tuition and fees to lower the cost of attending TWU.

What's the difference between scholarships, grants, and endowment awards?

Academic scholarships are awarded on academic ability, while performance scholarships are awarded on abilities in athletics, music, and theatre. Grants are awarded on financial need, and require information on your financial situation. Endowment awards are awarded using criteria that determined by the donor of the award.

When can I apply for financial aid?

For new students the application is open in January. Once you’ve submitted your admissions application, you can apply for financial aid. Academic scholarships, however, are automatically awarded once your admissions application is completed and processed. To take advantage of all available awards, submit your application no later than February 28.

How do you calculate my GPA for scholarships?

The GPA that is used for your admissions application is also used to calculate your academic scholarship. If you’re currently in high school, we require at least two interim or final grades in academic subjects. When you enter second year at TWU, the GPA is based on your first year.

What if my grades improve at the end of the year?

You can request a reassessment of your updated grades and your academic scholarship will be adjusted accordingly.

Do I have to apply every year?

Yes, because your academic and financial situation changes each year.

Is there a limit to the number of awards I can apply for?

There is no limit. Some of the awards have specific criteria, for example, a music scholarship can only be awarded students who are in the music program. However, we encourage students to apply for all the awards they are eligible for.

Are there opportunities to work on campus?

There are many jobs available on campus such as working in the library, computer lab, cafeteria, and the admissions office. The pay ranges from $8.10 to $10.62 an hour. Leadership positions such as Resident Assistants, Student Orientation Staff, and Recreation Services assistants pay anywhere from $1,000 to $6,100. Leadership positions are more demanding, and are usually reserved for sophomore, junior, and senior year students.

I'm a US student, am I still eligible for financial aid?

US students are eligible for all TWU scholarships, grants, and endowment awards. You can also apply for federal Stafford loans and Parent Plus loans while attending Trinity Western University. The application process is a bit different for American students attending a school outside of the US, so please make sure to contact the Financial Aid Office if you are interested in applying for US Loans.

I'm an international student, am I still eligible for financial aid?

International students are eligible for all TWU scholarships and endowment awards.