7 Must-Know Scholarships for Canadian High Schoolers and Their Parents
Powerful Scholarships That Can Shape the Child’s Future in Canada
About the Author:
Hi, I’m Raji — a Customer Success Architect at IBM, specializing in AI Assistants and Automation and a story teller. I’m also a parent of a high schooler, navigating the rewarding (and sometimes challenging) journey of raising a teenager. As a parent navigating the teen years (send coffee!), I enjoy sharing insights, experiences, and useful information I discover day-to-day. I’ve started sharing my journey, experiments, and the gems of info I stumble upon along the way.
I’m excited to bring you the Youth World series — a collection of articles designed to inform and inspire students and parents alike.
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Scholarships That Can Shape the Child’s Future in Canada
Canada offers several prestigious university scholarships that reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. These highly competitive awards can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education while opening doors to mentorship, networking, and unique opportunities. For high school students with strong academic records, leadership qualities, and a passion for making a difference, preparing early for these scholarships can be a game-changer. This guide highlights seven of the top scholarships in Canada that students can start aiming for as early as Grade 9.
1. Loran Scholars Foundation Scholarship
The Loran Scholars Foundation Scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate awards, designed to recognize and nurture young leaders who demonstrate exceptional character, commitment to service, and leadership potential. Established in 1988, the foundation selects up to 36 Loran Scholars each year from thousands of applicants across the country
Value and Financial Support
Total value: Up to $100,000 over four years
Annual living stipend: $12,000
Annual tuition waiver: Up to $12,000 (tenable at one of 25+ partner universities)
Summer experiential learning funding: Up to $14,000 for tri-sectoral internships in enterprise, public policy, and community development
Additional awards: Finalist Award ($6,000 for up to 54 students), Provincial/Territorial Awards ($3,000 for up to 70 students)134
Eligibility Criteria
Open to graduating high school students and CEGEP students in their final year
Must enter university for the first time in the upcoming academic year
Minimum cumulative average of 85% (high school)
Canadian citizenship or permanent residency required
Age requirements: Born between January 1, 2003, and September 1, 2009 (for 2025 intake)
Selection Process
Application deadline: Mid-October (for 2025, October 15)
Multi-stage process: Written application, video responses, semi-final and national interviews
Focus on identifying youth with integrity, courage, perseverance, and a drive to make positive change—not just academic achievement
Partner Universities
The scholarship is tenable at over 25 public universities across Canada, including:
Dalhousie University, Memorial University, Mount Allison University, University of King's College, University of New Brunswick, McGill University, Université Laval, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, McMaster University, Queen's University, University of Guelph, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Western University, York University, and more
Program Features
Four-year leadership enrichment program
Experiential learning through diverse work placements and internships
One-on-one mentorship from established business and community leaders
Regular scholar gatherings and access to a supportive, values-driven alumni network
Scholars are expected to maintain strong academic standing and demonstrate continued leadership and service throughout their studies
Application Timeline
Application opens: Early September
Deadline: Mid-October (October 15, 2024, for the 2025 intake)
Selection process: Fall to early winter, with national selections in Toronto
Check out the 2025 Loran Scholar winner and his achievements.
2025 Loran Scholar - Sanay Sood
Sanay is the editor-in-chief of his school newspaper and chapter president of a club promoting careers in health sciences through conferences and competitions. He is the vice-chair of a regional committee that raises funds for humanitarian causes through events for high school students. He works part time as a lifeguard and aquatic instructor with his city, and volunteers at a local food bank. Sanay is passionate about bagpiping, both as a soloist and with a regional police pipe band.
The Loran Scholars Foundation Scholarship goes beyond financial support, offering a comprehensive program to develop Canada’s next generation of leaders through mentorship, experiential learning, and a strong community of peers and alumni.
2. Schulich Leader Scholarships
The Schulich Leader Scholarships are among Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate awards for students entering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Established by philanthropist Seymour Schulich, the program aims to foster the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded STEM innovators.
Value
$120,000 for students entering Engineering programs (paid as $30,000 per year over four years)
$100,000 for students entering Science, Technology, or Mathematics programs (paid as $25,000 per year over four years)
Eligibility
Open to Canadian citizens graduating from a Canadian high school or CEGEP in the 2024/2025 academic year
Must be nominated by their school—each high school may nominate one student, and CEGEPs may nominate up to four
Must plan to enroll in an eligible STEM program at one of 20 partner universities across Canada
Demonstrate:
Academic excellence
Entrepreneurial mindset (leadership, charisma, creativity)
Strong consideration given to students with financial need
Intended career focus: technology, engineering, entrepreneurship/business enterprise, or applied scientific research
Not eligible: students focused on activism, intending careers in medicine or medical research, or aiming to become professors conducting theoretical research
Application & Selection Process
Nomination deadline: January 29, 2025 (schools must nominate their candidate by this date)
Application deadline: February 19, 2025 (nominated students submit their application and references)
Selection: Partner universities review applications and select recipients using their own criteria, with final winners confirmed by June 16, 2025
Application Process: School nomination, then student application with essays and references. Only nominated students are eligible to apply; self-nomination is not permitted.
Application includes academic transcripts, reference letters, essays on achievements, career aspirations, passion, and entrepreneurial mindset
Partner Universities
The scholarship is tenable at 20 leading Canadian universities offering STEM programs. - Link to the list of Universities
Program Features
Prestigious, renewable entrance scholarship for undergraduate STEM studies
Access to a national network of Schulich Leaders and enrichment opportunities
Designed to recognize and support students with outstanding academic and leadership potential who are committed to innovation in STEM fields.
Aspiring Sarnia software engineer Darshan Shah won a $120,000 Schulich Leader scholarship
check out the detailed story of Darshan Shah - News article.
The Schulich Leader Scholarships are a significant opportunity for high-achieving, entrepreneurial Canadian students pursuing STEM degrees, offering substantial financial support and a platform for leadership and innovation in their future careers
3. TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
The TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are among Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate awards, recognizing students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to making a positive and lasting impact in their communities.
Value
Up to $70,000 per recipient, covering:
Full tuition for up to four years of post-secondary study
$7,500 per year toward living expenses
Opportunities for paid summer employment at TD Bank
Eligibility
Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons
Students must be in their final year of high school (outside Quebec)
Minimum academic requirement: 75% average (outside Quebec) or R score of 26 (in Quebec)
Demonstrated consistent and outstanding community leadership, such as initiating or leading projects that address social, environmental, or community issues
Selection Process
Selection process - Regional panels; up to 20 recipients per year
Up to 80 finalists are selected for interviews by five regional panels representing Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies/Northwest Territories/Nunavut, and British Columbia/Yukon
At least two scholarship recipients are chosen from each region, with up to 20 scholarships awarded annually
Recipients are honored at a national awards ceremony each spring
Application Process
Online, with essays, transcripts, and references
Application deadline: November 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. EST
Applications must be completed and submitted online, including:
An essay (up to 600 words) describing community leadership experience
Academic transcripts
A reference letter from a school official
Two reference letters from community groups or individuals
No applications accepted by fax or email; all documents must be uploaded online
Program Highlights
Focus is on leadership and impact, not just academic achievement
The program offers Paid summer employment, mentorship, peer networking
Recipients join a network of past scholars and gain access to mentorship, peer networking, and summer work experience at TD
Since 1995, the program has recognized over 360 young Canadian leaders
Here is the TD 2024/25 Scholarship application checklist.
Fatima explains why she thinks the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are important. Find out about the work she's done to engage youth in her community.
https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/student-banking/community-leadership-scholarship-for-canadians
The TD Scholarships for Community Leadership reward youth who are passionate about driving positive change, helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for their communities and Canada as a whole.
4. University of Toronto – National Scholarship
The University of Toronto National Scholarship is the institution’s most prestigious undergraduate award, designed to recognize Canada’s top secondary school students who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, original and creative thinking, and strong community commitment.
Value
Covers full tuition, incidental fees, and residence costs for up to four years of study at the University of Toronto
Finalists who are not selected as National Scholars receive Arbor Scholarships valued at $7,500 in the first year and $1,500 annually for the following three years
Eligibility
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons
Current final-year students in Canadian secondary schools or first-year CEGEP students intending to begin university the following academic year (or take a gap year)
Must be nominated by their secondary school for the University of Toronto National Book Award (one nominee per school)
Demonstrate:
Original and creative thinking
Commitment to school and community
High achievement in academic and creative pursuits
Enthusiasm for learning and intellectual exploration
Application Process
Schools submit National Book Award nominations by early October (e.g., October 10, 2024)
Nominees must submit an online National Scholarship application by mid-October (e.g., October 17, 2024)
Approximately 15 National Scholars and 10 Arbor Scholars are selected annually
Selection involves review of applications and virtual interviews held in January
Scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto
Selection Process
Each Canadian secondary school can nominate one student for the National Book Award, which serves as the primary pathway to the National Scholarship application. However, students who meet the scholarship criteria may also apply directly, even if they are not nominated for the Book Award
A selection committee composed of University of Toronto faculty and staff reviews all submitted applications, transcripts, and reference letters to assess academic excellence, leadership potential, originality, and community engagement
Approximately 20 finalists are chosen based on the initial review. These finalists are invited to participate in on-campus selection interviews, usually held in late February or early March. The interviews further evaluate candidates’ suitability for the award, focusing on their achievements, character, and potential for future impact
Following the interviews, about 10-15 students are designated as National Scholars and receive the full scholarship. Additional finalists are recognized as Arbor Scholars, receiving a smaller, renewable entrance award
Deadline
School nomination deadline: Early to mid-October (e.g., October 10, 2024)
Nominee application deadline: Mid-October (e.g., October 17, 2024)
The University of Toronto National Scholarship is a highly competitive award that supports exceptional Canadian students who combine academic excellence with creativity and community leadership, providing comprehensive financial support to study at one of Canada’s leading universities.
5. UBC – Major Entrance Scholarships (including Presidential Scholars)
The UBC Major Entrance Scholarships, featuring the Presidential Scholars Awards, are among the most prestigious undergraduate entrance awards at the University of British Columbia, recognizing outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement.
Value & Financial Support
Presidential Scholars Award (Vancouver campus): Up to $80,000, renewable over four years
Presidential Scholars Award (Okanagan campus): Up to $40,000, renewable over four years
One-time Awards: Approximately $5,000 for select recipients
Covers: Tuition and living expenses, depending on the award value and student needs
Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship: Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Education: High school or CEGEP students entering UBC directly from secondary school
Academic Merit: Exceptional academic achievement
Extracurricular Merit: Demonstrated leadership and achievements in arts, community service, athletics, or school activities
Personal Profile: Strong responses in the UBC application’s Personal Profile section are essential
Selection Process
Application Review: Candidates are evaluated based on their academic profile (grades, transcripts) and personal profile (leadership, extracurriculars, community involvement)
Degree Consideration: Evaluation is based on the applicant's first-choice degree only
Competitive Selection: Only the most accomplished and promising applicants are selected
Notification: Only successful recipients are contacted, typically by late April
Program Features
Prestige: The Presidential Scholars Awards are UBC’s highest-value entrance scholarships
Renewable Support: Awards are renewable for up to four years, provided recipients maintain satisfactory academic standing
No Extra Application: Consideration for the award is integrated into the general UBC application—no separate scholarship application required
Recognition: Recipients join a community of high-achieving scholars at UBC, with access to enrichment opportunities
Application Timelines
Application Opens: Early October 2025
Application Due: December 1, 2025 (11:59 pm PST)
Competitive Selection: Only the most accomplished and promising applicants are selected
Notification: Only successful recipients are contacted, typically by late April
UBC’s Major Entrance Scholarships, especially the Presidential Scholars Awards, offer substantial financial support and recognition to Canada’s most promising students, rewarding both academic excellence and meaningful extracurricular engagement.
6. Western University – National Scholarship Program
This one is really close to my heart as I live in London. Western University’s National Scholarship Program is a highly competitive entrance award recognizing Canada’s top secondary students for academic excellence, leadership, and community commitment. With awards of up to $70,000 (and higher for select categories), the program requires school nomination, a comprehensive application, and is open to students applying for full-time undergraduate studies at Western’s main campus. The deadline for all materials is February 14, 2025. It has past already this year - good luck for next year application.
Value & Financial Support
President’s Entrance Scholarships:
1 at $70,000 ($25,000 in year one, $15,000/year for years two to four)
4 at $65,000 ($20,000 in year one, $15,000/year for years two to four)
Up to 15 at $50,000 ($20,000 in year one, $10,000/year for years two to four)
Neen Hodgins National Entrance Scholarship: 1 at $80,000 ($20,000/year for four years)
Beryl Ivey Continuing Entrance Scholarship: 1 at $92,000 ($23,000/year for four years; requires supplemental application and demonstrates financial need)
James Jenkins President’s Entrance Scholarship for Black Students: 5 at $50,000
International President’s Entrance Scholarships: 3 at $100,000 (for international students)
Faculty Entrance Scholarships: Up to 15 at $30,000
National Merit Awards: $2,000 for interviewed finalists not offered a major scholarship
National Scholarship Study Abroad Awards: Up to $5,000 for study abroad opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship: Canadian citizens or permanent residents (except International President’s Entrance Scholarships, which are for international students)
Academic: Minimum 90% overall average on all Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent)
Admission: Must apply for full-time studies at Western’s main campus via OUAC
Nomination: School nomination required (up to 4 students per school, plus 1 international student)
Other: Demonstrated exceptional academic performance, creative/innovative thought, leadership in extracurriculars, and commitment to community service.
Selection Process
Step 1: School Nomination
Students request nomination through the online application, providing the school administrator’s email
School confirms nomination and uploads official transcript
Step 2: Application Submission
Complete online application, including:
Personal information
1,000–1,250 word essay on a public issue important to the applicant
Reference letter (submitted by an assessor chosen by the student)
Official transcript (uploaded by school)
Supplemental application for Beryl Ivey Scholarship (if applicable)
Step 3: Review & Interviews
Applications are reviewed for academic merit, extracurricular achievement, and leadership
Selected candidates may be invited for interviews
Step 4: Award Decisions
Final recipients and merit awardees are notified in the spring
The Western University National Scholarship Program is one of Canada’s premier entrance awards, designed to recognize and support students who demonstrate all-round excellence. These scholarships reward not only outstanding academic achievement but also creative and innovative thinking, leadership in extracurricular activities, and a sustained commitment to community service. The rigorous selection process, which includes school nomination, a comprehensive application, and assessment of academic and leadership qualities, ensures that recipients are among the nation’s most promising young leaders.
7. Queen's University – Major Admission Awards
Queen’s University Major Admission Awards are among the most prestigious entrance scholarships offered by the institution, aimed at attracting outstanding students from across Canada and around the world. These awards recognize a combination of high academic achievement, strong leadership skills, creativity, and, in many cases, financial need. Designed to support students throughout their undergraduate studies, the Major Admission Awards provide substantial financial assistance—ranging from $36,000 to $80,000—helping to make a Queen’s education accessible to talented individuals regardless of their economic background.
Value & Financial Support
Award Value: Ranges from $36,000 to $80,000, distributed over four years depending on the specific award
Major Access Awards: Provide $10,000–$18,000 per year for four years, targeting students with the highest financial need
Coverage: Supports tuition and living expenses, with some awards specifically designed to ensure financial barriers do not prevent attendance at Queen’s
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Excellence: Superior academic ability is required
Leadership & Involvement: Demonstrated leadership, creative and original thinking, and active participation in school or community activities
Financial Need: Some awards, including the Major Access Awards, require applicants to demonstrate financial need
Citizenship: Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons
Schooling: Applicants may be attending high school in Canada or internationally; students taking a gap year are also eligible
Other: Recipients cannot hold other merit-based scholarships from Queen’s
Selection Process
Application: Once you have applied to Queen’s University, you gain access to the Major Admission Award (MAA) application via the SOLUS Student Centre
Documentation: Application requires a detailed profile of academic achievements, leadership experiences, and original thinking, as well as a one-page creative submission and a reference letter (not from a family member)
Financial Need: If applying for a need-based award, you must also complete the Queen’s Admission Bursary application
School Nomination: For some awards, your high school may nominate you for consideration
Review: A selection committee evaluates applications based on academic merit, leadership, creativity, community involvement, and financial need where applicable
Notification: Applicants are notified of results in the spring.
Tip: Apply to Queen’s early via OUAC to ensure access to the MAA application in time for the December 8 deadline.
Queen’s University’s Major Admission Awards recognize and support students who combine exceptional academic achievement with leadership, creativity, and community involvement. With awards ranging from $36,000 to $80,000—and even higher for Major Access Awards—these scholarships are designed to ensure that financial need does not stand in the way of talented students attending Queen’s. The competitive selection process values not just grades, but also character and initiative, making these awards a mark of distinction for Canada’s emerging leaders. Applying early and preparing a thoughtful, comprehensive application are key to maximizing your chances for one of these prestigious entrance scholarships.
Final Thoughts
No matter which scholarship a student aims for, the key is to start early — ideally from Grade 9. Building strong academics, leadership skills, and meaningful experiences over time makes all the difference when it’s time to apply.
I’ll see you in another article where I’ll share a structured approach to scholarship prep, based on my own experience and learnings.