If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and are currently studying at either a university or college in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for one of the many Canadian scholarships available to students.
Scholarships can provide invaluable financial assistance while you study, and they are also an excellent way to stand out from other applicants if you decide to apply for graduate school or even employment in certain sectors of the Canadian workforce. In this article, we have outlined the top five scholarship opportunities that are available to students in Canada.
1) First Nations and Inuit Health Scholarships
Awarded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), these scholarships aim to help improve health services and care within First Nations communities.
There are three types of scholarships available:
- 1) Post-Secondary Student Financial Assistance;
- 2) Graduate Medical Education Fellowships, and
- 3) Post-Graduate Nursing Scholarships.
The application deadline is March 31, 2022.
This scholarship aims to encourage women to return to post-secondary education. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have completed at least one year of post-secondary studies at a recognized university or college in Ontario and have demonstrated financial need.
These awards recognize students with exceptional academic achievement as well as high levels of personal integrity, service, and leadership. Each award is worth CAD 5,000. One award will be given out per faculty/school at McMaster University (Ontario).
2) FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship
The FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship is awarded to female students who are studying finance and business at a post-secondary institution.
The scholarship is intended to support students as they pursue their studies and provide them with financial assistance as they transition into post-secondary education.
The top applicants will be notified of their status by mid-April and will have until May 31st to accept or decline their award, which includes $10,000 per year towards tuition fees.
Applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited university in Canada during either academic session (September to April) for 2018/2019.
All fields of study are eligible for consideration; however, preference will be given to those studying Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, or related subjects.
In addition, all applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and involvement in extracurricular activities.
A personal statement of 500 words or less is required along with an official transcript from your school’s registrar’s office confirming your enrollment. There is no submission fee associated with applying for this scholarship.
3) Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Awards
The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) awards undergraduate and graduate students $3,000 and $5,000 respectively. These prizes are awarded on an annual basis to women pursuing full-time post-secondary education at a recognized Canadian college or university.
The theme of women and leadership is central to all initiatives undertaken by CFUW as they celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2013. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least one year of studies with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, be enrolled in full-time studies during the current academic year, and demonstrate financial need.
To apply for one of these scholarships, students must submit an application form along with three reference letters from individuals who can attest to their scholastic abilities as well as their commitment to community service. Applications are due December 31st each year; winners will be announced on March 31st following that date.
4) Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral Foundation Scholarships
Scholarships of up to $7,000 are available through Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral Foundation Scholarships. An additional $3,000 is available annually as a living allowance.
The Foundation awards up to 25 scholarships of $2,500 each year to Canadian students pursuing their undergraduate studies at an accredited university in Canada.
These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and financial need. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities. They must also be entering or continuing full-time studies at an accredited university in Canada within two years of completing high school.
5) Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
This award recognizes student excellence and encourages international students to return to their home country after studying abroad. The scholarship offers $10,000 towards tuition and is open to any undergraduate student currently attending an accredited school in Canada.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7, be at least 18 years old, and have at least one year of post-secondary education remaining when applying.
Applications are due by March 31st each year.
If you’re looking for a more general scholarship with no specific restrictions, there are plenty of options available across Canada that can help cover your tuition costs:
6) Ontario Trillium Scholarship Program
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) Program provides $1,600 per year to students who have demonstrated financial need.
To be eligible for OTS, you must reside in Ontario, be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program at a participating public post-secondary institution (PPI), and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The application deadline is June 1 each year. This award will not reduce your current financial aid package from your PPI. If you are awarded OTS, it will be administered by your PPI on behalf of StudentAidOntario. It may take 4-6 weeks after applying for your check to arrive by mail.
7) PEO International Peace Scholarships for Women
An annual award of $5,000 is given to a woman living anywhere in Canada who has been accepted into a full-time post-secondary academic program at an accredited university or college. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and be between 18 and 30 years old.
There are no other restrictions on citizenship, race, gender, or religion. The application deadline is February 15th each year. For more information, visit PEO.ca/scholarships/peace/.
8) Governor General’s Gold Medal
This prestigious award is presented annually by the Governor-General of Canada to one graduating high school student from across Canada based on excellence in both academics and community involvement.
Applicants must submit their grades 10 marks, two letters of reference, a résumé outlining their extracurricular activities, an essay describing what they intend to do after graduation, and one letter from their principal or guidance counselor.