CIS schools provided nearly $10M to student-athletes in 2008-09

Canadian Interuniversity Sport announced the findings of its data collection on athletic scholarships provided by Canadian universities during the course of the 2008-09 academic year.

The data reveals that in ‘08-09 Canadian universities together provided $9,997,758 in athletic scholarship money to CIS student-athletes.

“A common and outdated misconception is that athletic scholarships are only available south of the border. In fact one in two CIS student-athletes receives athletic scholarships,” says CIS Chief Executive Officer, Marg McGregor.

“Above and beyond the athletic scholarships provided by universities, there is substantial additional financial support available from universities to recognize academic success, financial need, and leadership. In addition many other organizations such as Sport Canada, Swimming Canada, and the Canadian Hockey League provide additional financial assistance to CIS student-athletes.”

“Athletic scholarships are a vital component in providing an outstanding educational and athletic experience for our student-athletes and are critical in the decision for our students to pursue their dreams in Canada,” adds CIS President Clint Hamilton.

The average undergraduate tuition in Canada (including compulsory fees) is $4,917, a fraction of the cost of tuition south of the border.

Last year over 2,200 CIS student-athletes (22%) achieved an academic average of 80 percent or higher while competing for their universities, demonstrating the Canadian commitment to success in the classroom as well as the playing field.

“Canadians have a tendency to be self-deprecating by nature, we are naturally humble and tend to underestimate how great we are,” says McGregor. “It’s time we stopped apologizing. The quality of Canadian universities is world class, significant financial support is available, playing time opportunities and exposure to Team Canada coaches is often better in Canada, and CIS coaches are top-notch. When one considers all the factors CIS should be the destination of choice for top student-athletes.”

From the perspective of a gender comparison, in 2008-09, 58% of athletic scholarship dollars went to male student-athletes, who represent 54% of all CIS student-athletes.

Although athletic awards are provided in every CIS sport, the largest average value of an athletic scholarship to men was provided in basketball, hockey and football. For women, the largest average athletic scholarships were provided in basketball, volleyball and hockey.

The athletic scholarship data can be found at:

2009 WU Gold Medal Game: RUS vs. CAN

The Golden Canadian Softball Girls – 2007 SU