The following sites are Canadian websites where you can register and search online for a variety of scholarships, bursaries and contests to help fund post-secondary education.

Seeking Scholarship Report is a service Guidance subscribes to at Monsignor Doyle. It is a wonderful resource that you can use to search for scholarship opportunities by the month. It also provides a great deal of post-secondary information for all pathway opportunities. Students should contact their Guidance Counsellor for the password.

Vocabulary:

Scholarships are based on such criteria as: academic achievement, community service, athletic, musical, artistic and other achievements, and they do not need to be paid back.

Awards are based on the criteria stated, and they do not need to be paid back.

Bursaries and Grants are based on financial need, and they do not need to be paid back.

Government Loans (OSAP) are based on financial need, and need to be paid back after education is completed.

OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program)

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers two kinds of money:

  • grants: money you don’t have to pay back
  • a student loan you need to repay

Both the Ontario government and federal government provide this money. All you need to do is fill out the application for a full-time or part-time student.

You can apply to OSAP before you receive an offer of admission to your post-secondary institution of choice; OSAP applications are available online.

Find out how much you could get to help pay for your post-secondary education: OSAP Aid Estimator

Scholarship Nominations:

As you continue your scholarship research, you will notice that some scholarships/awards require a school nomination. If you are interested in applying for an award that requires a school nomination, you must complete the AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIP/BURSARY INFORMATION form prior to the timelines listed on the Monsignor Doyle website. If the award you are looking at is not listed below or on the form, please contact your guidance counsellor for next steps.

For specific post-secondary institution award nominations, students must submit the AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIP/BURSARY INFORMATION form by the dates below. A decision will be made by the awards committee shortly thereafter and only the nominated student will be notified. Students are invited to fill out the form even if they are not looking at these specific award nominations. Additional student information assists the awards committee at Convocation time in June.

Scholarships that require nominations from the school:

University of Toronto National Book Award – nomination request due to Guidance by Oct. 6th; nomination due to U of T by Oct. 10th.

University of Toronto National Scholarships – must request U of T National Book award nomination first; if chosen as National Book nominee, application to U of T due Oct. 17th.

Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship – nomination request due to Guidance by Oct. 6th, nomination due to U of T by Oct. 10th.

University of Toronto Wolf Scholars Program – can self nominate or be nominated by school; school nomination request due to Guidance by Nov. 1st.

UBC International Scholars Program –  nomination request due to Guidance by Oct. 15th.

Schulich Leader Scholarships – nomination requests due to Guidance by Dec. 1st; if selected as the one nominee, application due to Schulich Feb. 19th.

Queen’s University Major Admission Awards – nomination request due to Guidance by Oct. 15th. If selected, applications due Dec. 8th to SOLUS (must have applied to Queen’s by Nov. 20th)

KW Legacy Scholarships – nomination request due to Guidance by Jan.5th

University of Western Ontario National Scholarship Program – nomination request due to Guidance by Jan. 5th with applications to UWO due Feb. 14th

There are many Colleges and Universities who recognize the importance of the Specialist High Skills Major designation on your diploma, and offer scholarships, bursaries or other perks for attending their post-secondary institution!

Click the links below to find out more information:

CBC Literary Awards

  • The CBC Literary Prizes are made up of three competitions that take place throughout the year. Deadlines for the contests vary.
  • The prizes recognize the best original, unpublished writing by Canadians in poetry, short story and creative nonfiction.

Ayn Rand’s Essay Contests

  • open to Grade 12 students entering post-secondary in the fall or present post-secondary students worldwide.
  • must submit an original 800-1600 word essay on selected themes from Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, Anthem
  • multiple prizes available.
  • deadlines are varied.

Loran Award

  • Must be in their final year of high school.
  • Award program is across Canada providing multiple awards to students nationwide.
  • Students who have shown exemplary character, service and leadership throughout their high school career and have achieved a cumulative average of 85%.
  • Interested students must complete the Loran Application by October 11th, 2023.

Schulich Leader Scholarship

  • Interested students must be graduating and intending to enrol in a program at one of the 20 participating Canadian universities in a STEM area of study
  • The student must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, be attending a Canadian high school and meet the following criteria:
    • 1) Academic Excellence, AND
    • 2) Leadership, charisma and creativity
    • Strong consideration will be given to students with financial need.
    • Be entrepreneurial-minded and intend to pursue a career in one or more of the following focus areas (technology, engineering, entrepreneurship and business enterprise, applied scientific research).
  • Only one student can be nominated by the school.
  • Students wishing to be nominated by the school, must submit the AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIP/BURSARY INFORMATION form to guidance prior to December 1st. Students must also let Guidance staff know they wish to be considered for this award as they will need to complete an additional response to be submitted to guidance by December 8th.
  • Undergraduate scholarships are valued from $120,000 each for engineering (50 of them) and 50 science, technology or math scholarships valued at $100,000.

TD Scholarships for Community Leadership

  • Must be in their final year of high school and be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status with a minimum overall grade average of 75% in their most recently completed school year.
  • Students who have demonstrated outstanding community leadership are encouraged to apply.
  • Twenty scholarships are available across Canada valued at up to $70,000.

Burger King Scholars Program

  • Burger King scholars program assists employees, employees’ children and high school seniors in continuing their education.
  • Numerous scholarships available ranging from $1000 to $50000.
  • Awards are based on the values of integrity, high standards, entrepreneurial spirit, and good citizenship and education.
  • Recipients are selected based on their average, work experience, extracurricular activities and/or community service.
  • Application period begins in October with due date being December 15th (only the first 50,000 applications will be reviewed).

Canada’s Luckiest Student Contest

  • Contest open to all Canadian students age 16 and over.
  • No specific requirements to enter the contest.
  • One student from across Canada will win a $20,000 GIC from CIBC and a prize pack that will vary from year to year.
  • Open August to April

Soroptimist International of Cambridge (Violet Richardson Award)

  • The Violet Richardson Award recognizes young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts.
  • Applicants must be females 14 to 17 years of age on the date of their application.
  • Applicants must be engaged in volunteer activity.
  • Soroptimists and their immediate families are ineligible.

RBC Future Launch Scholarships

  • Multiple scholarship opportunities open to students in their graduating year of high school who are committed to academic excellence and positive change in the community.
  • Students must be attending a publicly funded post-secondary college or university program next fall.
  • due dates for various scholarships continue into the spring. Check the website for specific details.

Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program

Award is open to graduating secondary level students and those currently studying towards a first university degree or diploma in a Canadian post-secondary institution.

Award recipients should meet the following criteria:

  • Involvement in voluntary, humanitarian work.
  • Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.
  • Maintain a satisfactory academic standing and continued involvement in voluntary humanitarian and community work.

Students are eligible to receive the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award until they have received their first university degree (for a maximum of four years), provided they have maintained a standard of humanitarian work and personal conduct which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, justifies the award.

December 1st application due date.

RBC Royal Bank Scholarships

  • Multiple scholarship opportunities offered through the Royal Bank (with varied application deadlines) such as: RBC Future Launch, Future Launch for Indigenous Youth, Future Launch for Black Youth, Scholarship program for the children of RBC Employees, Capital Markets Pathways Diversity Program.

Niagara Region Right to Life

  • Open to senior high school students (grade 11 or 12).
  • Submit one letter of reference from a school staff member or community representative.
  • Submit a brief self-profile outlining participation in school life/community activities and a description of their interest/involvement in the pro-life cause.
  • Students must also submit an original, typed essay (1200 words in length) preferably by email to dirocco@theinterim.com. Topic for the essay can be found on the website.
  • 3 prizes available ($1500, $800 and $500).

Storwell Bursary Program

  • Applicant must have been a foster child with either CCAS or CAS or similar official Canadian foster care program
    and agrees to having the above organization verify the same.
  • Will be enrolled as a full-time student at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada.
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident can apply.
  • Applicant must be 24 years of age or less at the time of application.
  • Winner agrees to having his/her name, photo and post secondary institution displayed on our website.

Application is due Dec. 31st.

Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation

  • The Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation’s National Citizenship Award and Scholarship Program provides merit-based scholarships to secondary students across Canada who exhibit exemplary citizenship qualities in their communities through extensive community service, volunteerism and humanitarian causes.
  • The National Citizenship Award and Scholarship Program is open to every graduating high school or CEGEP student from coast-to-coast-to-coast. This non-renewable scholarship is valued at $1000 and tenable at any post-secondary institution.

Kin Canada Bursaries

Applicants must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants who plan on registering as full-time students in the fall at a recognized post-secondary institution.

Applicants should have good community and school involvement, knowledge of Kin Canada and financial need.

Students must demonstrate high ideals and qualities of citizenship and not have previously received a bursary from the Hal Rogers Endowment Fund.

Zonta International ” Young Women in Public Affairs”

Female high school students aged 16-19 who show commitment to public service through volunteerism and demonstrated leadership skills.

Award is $1000.

Email – ywpacoordinator@zonta.org

KW Legacy Scholarship

  • The KW Legacy scholarship program was initiated by a dedicated group of St. Jerome’s high school alumni wanting to give back to their community.
  • Up to 2 Monsignor Doyle students can be nominated yearly, so if you wish to be nominated, please come in to Guidance no later than February 1st.
  • There are multiple scholarship opportunities associated with this organization. Students can only win one.
  • In order to be eligible you must:
    • have school and community involvement
    • qualify for OSAP (demonstrate financial need)
    • attend a college or university approved by OSAP
    • must meet the program specific average required to enter your post-secondary program
  • There are 3 steps to this application process:
    1. Complete the OSAP estimator and print off page one.
    2. Submit your completed application (short essays must be typed).
    3. Submit a letter of endorsement from an individual who will verify your leadership abilities.

Allan Simpson Educational Fund Awards

  • To assist with the costs of post secondary education for young people who are full orphans (both parents deceased).
  • Award is renewable if applicant maintains a passing grade in all courses as a full time student at University or College.
  • email: oglsec@ioof.net of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the Grand Lodge of Ontario for an application.

Horatio Alger Association of Canada Scholarship

  • Be a current Grade 11 student, with plans to enter university right after grade 12
  • Must be in financial need ($65 000 or less net income per family is required)
  • Be involved in extracurricular and community activities
  • 70% average or higher
  • Canadian Citizen
  • Attend high school and reside in Canada

Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead essay contest

  • essay contest open to Grade 11 and 12 students worldwide.
  • must submit an original 800-1600 word essay on selected themes from Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead“.
  • multiple prizes available.

Libro Credit Union Student Awards

  • twenty $3000 scholarships will be awarded to youth ages 17 to 25 who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their community while balancing academic success.
  • students must be enrolled in a full time Canadian post-secondary education program during the 2016/2017 year.
  • must be a resident of southwestern Ontario.
  • applications available online.

Ontario Hockey Federation Bursary Program Guide

  • be registered for three (3) years within the OHF in any capacity.
  • have registered with the OHF during his/her application season.
  • be a registrant in good standing with the OHF.
  • be enrolling in a post-secondary institution in Canada, full time.

Retail as a Career Scholarship Program

  • Students enrolling full or part time at a Canadian College or University in the fall.
  • Students must be pursuing a retail, business or marketing-related program.
  • Applicants must be working part-time or full-time within the retail industry.

James Summers Memorial Carrier Scholarship

  • Offers two post-secondary scholarships in the amount of $1500 each, one male and one female award.
  • Applicants must be enrolling in post-secondary education for the upcoming school year.
  • Judges will evaluate each application based on the following criteria: community involvement, academic achievement, involvement in school activities, service record as a Record carrier.
  • Applications are available by emailing scholarships@therecord.com

Justices of the Peace Bursary

  • Bursaries are available to grade 12 students in Ontario, pursuing post-secondary studies related to the many careers in the justice system at an Ontario University or College.
  • These bursaries assist students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to their studies and who are in financial need.

France Anne Sweeny ‘Making a Difference’ Award

  • The Grade 11 Award and Graduate Award is a two-tiered program available in all secondary schools within the Catholic and Public boards.
  • The Award, presented to a grade 11 student, is the first level of the program. Each high school, through an application process, will select one grade 11 Award winner who will have $100 donated to a charity of their choice. Recipients of the Grade 11 Award will also be eligible to apply for one of ten, $1000 Graduate Awards in their graduating year.
  • Only recipients of the Grade 11 Award will be eligible to apply for the Graduate Award.

The Ontario Knights of Columbus Bursary Program

  • Must be a member of the Knights of Columbus of Ontario in good standing.
  • The wife, son or daughter or a grandchild who is the legal ward of a member or a deceased member that is or was in good standing at time of his death.
  • Must have applied for admission into a full-time program at a University or College in Ontario.
  • Marks, although important, will not be the only criteria used by the evaluating committee. Proven financial need and service to church and community will be heavily weighted.

OBCL Epilepsy Scholarship Awards

    • Scholarship awards are open to graduating high school students across Ontario who are living with epilepsy and who meet the following criteria:

1. Entering first year of post-secondary education.

2. Are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.

3. Are currently under an Ontario physician’s care for epilepsy.

ORBA Civil Technology Scholarship and Civil Engineering Scholarship Awards

  • 4 different scholarship opportunities for students presently or hoping to study Civil engineering at an Ontario College or University in the fall.

Bill Struck Memorial Scholarship

  • Scholarship developed in memory of Cambridge City Councillor, Bill Struck.
  • $150 scholarship is eligible to students who live, work or attend school in Cambridge and who will attend a post-secondary institution in the coming year.

OSCA-ACOSO Anthony Di Lena Student Pathway Awards for At-Risk Students

  • Must be graduating.
  • Proof must be provided that the student is attending an University, College, an Apprenticeship, the World of Work or Community Living in Ontario.
  • In order to be nominated, a student must fulfill one or more of the following criteria:
    • The student succeeded in school despite having to overcome personal obstacles.
    • The student succeeded in school despite having to cope with bullying and/or violence.
    • The student succeeded in school despite being socio-economically disadvantaged.
    • The student succeeded in school despite having to manage a mental health issue.
    • The student succeeded in school despite having to overcome academic challenges.
  • Students must be nominated by a classroom teacher and/or a guidance counsellor who are not their parents.

Sean Jackson Scholarship (Meridian)

  • Students in graduating year who are heading to post-secondary are eligible to apply.
  • Interested students should be dedicated volunteers or innovative community organizers who have shown outstanding commitment to their community.
  • Award is valued at $10,000.

Rockton Agricultural Society (RAS) Scholarship

  • Be 25 years or younger as of Dec. 31st.
  • Be registered as a full-time post-secondary student in the upcoming school year.
  • Attend a college, university or technical institute.
  • Remain in the program for a one-year period on a full time basis.
  • Application deadline is the last Thursday of May.

Carol Shantz Bursary Award

  • To assist an individual with a life-long disability who is a client or an alumnus of Kids Ability (formerly known as Rotary Children’s Centre) to further his/her education at a college, university or community/vocational institution.
  • The award recipient will receive $1,000.00 towards the cost of post-secondary education.
  • The KidsAbiliity Centre for Child Development will award an additional $1500 to the bursary recipient annually for up to 3 years following the year in which he or she receives the initial bursary.

Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA Bursaries)

  • Main purpose is to provide financial assistance to our graduating secondary students who are completing their studies at any Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo Region and continuing their education at the post-secondary level.
  • See your Guidance Counsellor for an application in April.

Waterloo Region Catholic Schools Foundation – Awards of Distinction

  • Honouring Catholic secondary school graduates who demonstrated exemplary performance in one or more of the categories through academic achievement & participation in extra-curricular school activities.
  • Award Categories are:
    • Literary Arts
    • Performing Arts
    • Athleticism
    • Math, Science or Technology
    • Faith & Social Justice
    • Catholic Youth Leadership
  • Come to guidance for an application.

Waterloo Regional Labour Council Scholarship

  • must be a member or child/grandchild of a member of a local affiliated to the WRLC.
  • must be entering a program at a post-secondary institution on a full-time basis.
  • brief resume outlining non-academic interests and activities, such as community or political involvement, as well as goals for the future.
  • evidence of understanding of the role and significance of the labour movement by submitting an essay of not more than 500 words.

Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Great West Life, London Life and Canada Life Scholarship

  • One scholarship granted to a grade 12 Ontario student who aspires to have a career in Medicine or Health Science and is attending a university.
  • Applicants will be evaluated on academic excellence, leadership, collaboration, raising social awareness of issues and a high quality of personal traits.
  • Applicants will also be evaluated on previous awards, extra-curricular activities and community service.

Childhood Cancer Canada Survivor Scholarship

  • $1500 scholarship open to childhood cancer survivors who are residents of, and currently residing in Canada.
  • Applicants should be entering or continuing enrolment at a Canadian post-secondary institution in the fall.

OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan)

  • Annual bursaries of $2,500 to the children of insured members of OTIP / RAEO.
  • Must be intending to attend in the upcoming academic year, as a student on a full-time basis, the first semester of a first-year program at a Canadian university or an Ontario college of applied arts and technology

Congress of Black Women Chloe Callendar Award

  • Open to students of Caribbean or Black Heritage residing in Waterloo Region
  • Canadian citizen or landed immigrant
  • Ages 16-25 as of September 1st of the year in which the scholarship/award is given
  • A successful candidate for Fall admission into a college or university program in Canada with the intent to pursue an academic or professional program leading to undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate.
  • Students should have academic achievement, have made an outstanding contribution to school and community life and have been involved in leadership raising the Caribbean/Black Heritage profile.

Storwell Bursary

  • annual bursary of $2000 in support of foster children to help them attend post-secondary.
  • applicants must have been a foster child with an official Canadian or American Foster Care program.
  • student will be enrolled full time at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada by September of the year they are applying for the bursary.
  • applications due by Sept. 1st.

The Holmes Foundation

  • They are designed to assist students who need financial assistance to obtain training for a career in residential construction or renovation
  • Every academic year The Holmes Foundation will award up to ten bursaries to students entering or enrolled in a residential construction program at a Canadian college or university.
  • Every academic year The Holmes Foundation will award up to ten scholarships to students (up to 5 for male students and up to 5 for female students)
  • The students must be entering or enrolled in a residential construction program at a Canadian college or university.

Dumfries Mutual Insurance Company Scholarships

  • Applicants in their final year of high school, planning on attending post-secondary education (University, College or Trade school) in the fall.
  • Scholarship application is essay based.

Academia de Bacalhau of Kitchener-Waterloo Scholarship

  • Students must be of Portuguese ancestry to apply, have good academic achievement, be involved in school activities and have involvement in the Portuguese and Canadian community.
  • Interested parties can submit an essay detailing the criteria above.