oh yeah, being in a programme country definitely makes it more competitive since you're given less slots for scholarship. there's always next year, just buff up your application this year.
I applied for the CDE and GeoTech program and I can only get in via self-funding. This is the CDE program's first year, while the GeoTech is a bit more established. Also, the GeoTech program is only 3 semesters, so it will be a bit cheaper, but I would still need to take out loans to afford the last year. A lot of things to think through...