The 25 Best Scholarships for High School Students in Canada (2026)

Every year, millions of dollars in Canadian scholarships go unclaimed. Not because students are unqualified, but because they never knew the awards existed or assumed they would not get in. That assumption costs real money.

This list includes 25 scholarships specifically available to high school students across Canada. Every entry is real, verified, and currently active for the 2026 application cycle or the upcoming 2027 cycle. We have included the award amount, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and a direct link to the application page for each one.

Whether you are a straight-A STEM student, a community volunteer, a first-generation student, or someone who has overcome financial hardship, there is an award on this list for you.

Before you start: Our scholarship search tool matches you with awards based on your province, grades, interests, and background. The 25 scholarships below are the best-known national awards, but there are hundreds more you may qualify for. Take the onboarding quiz to get personalized results.

How We Selected These Scholarships

We evaluated over 2,100 scholarships in our database and selected these 25 based on:

• Available to high school students entering post-secondary education
• Open to students across Canada (or across multiple provinces)
• Significant financial value -- minimum $5,000, with many worth $25,000 to $120,000
• Verified and active for the 2026 or 2027 application cycle
• Variety of criteria -- academic merit, leadership, financial need, community service, and identity-based awards

The 25 Best Scholarships

1. Schulich Leader Scholarships

Amount: $100,000 (Science/Math/Technology) or $120,000 (Engineering) over 4 years Deadline: School nomination by January 28, 2026; student application by February 18, 2026 Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents entering a STEM program at one of 20 partner universities. Must be nominated by your high school. How to apply: Ask your school guidance counsellor to nominate you. Once nominated, complete the application at schulichleaders.com/apply. What makes it special: This is Canada's largest undergraduate STEM scholarship. 100 awards are given annually. Recipients are selected for academic excellence, leadership, and entrepreneurial mindset.

2. Loran Award

Amount: $100,000+ over 4 years (tuition waiver up to $12,000/year + annual stipend + summer funding up to $14,000) Deadline: October 2026 (for September 2027 entry; the 2026 cycle is closed) Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents in their final year of high school (or CEGEP in Quebec) with a minimum 85% average. How to apply: Submit your application at apply.loranscholar.ca. Requires two references. What makes it special: Beyond the financial award, Loran Scholars join a lifelong community with mentorship, summer internships, and leadership development. The selection process includes in-person interviews.

3. Wolf Scholars Program (University of Toronto)

Amount: Full tuition + $10,000 annual living stipend + research and travel funding for 4 years (estimated value: $100,000-$120,000) Deadline: Check wolfscholars.com for annual dates Eligibility: Canadian high school seniors with curiosity and excellence across a broad range of fields. Not limited to any specific program. How to apply: Apply through the Wolf Scholars portal after receiving a U of T admissions offer. What makes it special: A full-ride scholarship at one of Canada's top universities. Recipients join an interdisciplinary community with international research opportunities.

4. University of Toronto National Scholarship Program

Amount: Full tuition, incidental fees, and residence fees for up to 4 years (approximately $100,000) Deadline: October 31, 2025 (for 2026 entry); check for 2027 cycle dates Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents entering their first undergraduate degree at U of T. Strong academic record and demonstrated leadership. How to apply: Complete the Awards Profile through the U of T admissions portal at future.utoronto.ca/national-scholarships. What makes it special: One of the most prestigious entrance scholarships in Canada. Includes the Arbor Award, Pearson Scholarship (for international students), and several named awards.

5. TD Scholarships for Community Leadership

Amount: Up to $70,000 over 4 years ($10,000 tuition + $7,500 living expenses per year) Deadline: October 2026 (for September 2027 entry; the 2026 cycle is closed) Eligibility: Students in their final year of high school (or CEGEP in Quebec) who have demonstrated community leadership. Minimum 75% average. Canadian citizens or permanent residents. How to apply: Applications open in September each year at td.com/scholarships. What makes it special: This scholarship prioritizes community impact over perfect grades. If you have founded a club, organized community events, or led volunteer initiatives, this is designed for you.

6. SFU Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarships (USES)

Amount: $20,000 to $140,000 over 4 years Deadline: October 1 to December 15 annually Eligibility: High school students admitted to Simon Fraser University with outstanding academic and leadership credentials. Open to Canadian and international students. How to apply: Apply through the SFU admissions portal at sfu.ca/students/financial-aid/entrance/highschool/uses. What makes it special: One of the most generous entrance scholarship programs in Western Canada, with a wide range of award values.

7. Western University National Scholarship Program

Amount: $30,000 to $80,000 over 4 years (varies by specific award within the program) Deadline: February 14, 2026 Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents entering their first undergraduate degree at Western. Exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements. How to apply: Complete the National Scholarship application at registrar.uwo.ca. What makes it special: Includes multiple named awards (Neen Hodgins, President's Entrance, Faculty Entrance Scholarships) under one application. Applying once enters you for consideration for all of them.

8. University of Waterloo Schulich Leader Scholarship

Amount: $100,000 (Science/Math/Technology) or $120,000 (Engineering) over 4 years Deadline: School nomination required; varies by year Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents entering a STEM program at Waterloo. Must be nominated by your high school. How to apply: Through the Schulich Leaders program -- ask your guidance counsellor. Details at uwaterloo.ca. What makes it special: Waterloo is one of 20 Schulich Leader partner universities. Combined with Waterloo's co-op program, recipients can graduate with both scholarship funding and significant co-op earnings.

9. Queen's University Major Admission Awards

Amount: $30,000 to $120,000 over 4 years (varies by award) Deadline: December 8, 2025 (for 2026 entry); check for 2027 cycle Eligibility: High school students entering Queen's University with strong academics and leadership. Includes the Sobey Atlantic Award, Bank of Montreal Award, and others. How to apply: Complete the Major Admission Awards application through queensu.ca. What makes it special: Multiple awards under one umbrella application, ranging from need-based bursaries to merit scholarships.

10. Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarship

Amount: Up to $25,000 Deadline: January 1 to March 31, 2026 (for current Grade 11 students -- Class of 2027) Eligibility: Full-time Grade 11 students in Canada. Family income must be under $80,000. Must demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and financial need. How to apply: Apply online at horatioalger.ca/scholarships. What makes it special: This scholarship is specifically designed for students who have overcome adversity. Financial need is a central criterion, not a disqualifier. Note: you apply in Grade 11 for funds received in your first year of university.

11. Terry Fox Humanitarian Award

Amount: $28,000 over 4 years ($7,000 per year) Deadline: December 1 annually (applications open November 1) Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents pursuing their first post-secondary degree or diploma. Must demonstrate outstanding volunteerism and community service in the spirit of Terry Fox. How to apply: Apply at terryfoxawards.ca. What makes it special: One of Canada's most respected humanitarian awards. Approximately 20 recipients are selected each year. Recognizes students who embody courage, compassion, and community service.

12. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship (Canada)

Amount: $7,500 per year for up to 4 years ($30,000 total) Deadline: Varies by year (administered through Scholarship Partners Canada) Eligibility: Canadian high school students entering a computer science or engineering program. Demonstrated financial need and community leadership. How to apply: Apply through Scholarship Partners Canada. What makes it special: Includes an optional paid internship at Amazon in addition to the scholarship funding.

13. RBC Elevate Scholarship

Amount: Up to $15,000 per year (40 awards annually) Deadline: Applications open January 27, 2026 Eligibility: Canadians aged 17-29 who are citizens or permanent residents, enrolled or accepted into an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution, and require financial assistance. How to apply: Apply at rbc.com/scholarships. What makes it special: Part of RBC's new $1.5 million annual scholarship suite. Designed specifically for students who need financial support to access post-secondary education.

14. University of Guelph Lincoln Alexander Chancellor's Scholarship

Amount: $42,500 ($8,250 per year over 4 years + $9,500 summer research stipend) Deadline: January 23, 2026 Eligibility: High school students entering the University of Guelph with exceptional academics, leadership, and community involvement. How to apply: Apply through the University of Guelph scholarships portal at uoguelph.ca/registrar. What makes it special: Named after Lincoln Alexander, Canada's first Black Member of Parliament and former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Includes a funded summer research experience.

15. University of Guelph President's Scholarship

Amount: $42,500 ($8,250 per year over 4 years + $9,500 summer research stipend) Deadline: January 23, 2026 Eligibility: High school students entering the University of Guelph. Must demonstrate academic excellence and meaningful engagement in school or community. How to apply: Apply through uoguelph.ca/president/scholarships. What makes it special: Equal in value to the Lincoln Alexander scholarship. The summer research stipend gives recipients hands-on research experience as early as first year.

16. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) President's Entrance Scholarship

Amount: $40,000 (up to $10,000 per year, renewable for 4 years) Deadline: February 1, 2026 (via AwardSpring) Eligibility: High school students entering TMU with outstanding academic achievement. Canadian citizens or permanent residents. How to apply: Apply through torontomu.ca/admissions/scholarships-awards. What makes it special: One of the most valuable entrance awards at TMU. The renewable structure rewards continued academic performance.

17. York University President's Scholarships

Amount: $33,600 ($8,400 per year for 4 years) Deadline: Automatic consideration upon admission Eligibility: High school students admitted to York University with a high admission average (typically 90%+). Canadian citizens and permanent residents. How to apply: No separate application -- you are automatically considered when you apply to York at futurestudents.yorku.ca. What makes it special: One of the few major entrance scholarships that requires no separate application. Your admission application is your scholarship application.

18. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship (Canada)

Amount: $7,500 per year for up to 4 years ($30,000 total) Deadline: Varies by year Eligibility: Entering computer science or engineering; financial need and community leadership required. How to apply: Through Scholarship Partners Canada.

Note: Listed again here because many students miss this one -- it combines scholarship funding with a potential paid internship.

18. Bennett Family Award for Black and Indigenous Students (York University)

Amount: $30,000 ($7,500 per year for 4 years) Deadline: April 1, 2026 (via MyFile) Eligibility: Black or Indigenous high school students entering York University. Must demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. How to apply: Apply through MyFile at futurestudents.yorku.ca. What makes it special: An identity-based award that combines merit and need criteria. Designed to increase representation and support students from underrepresented communities.

19. University of New Brunswick Entrance Scholarships

Amount: $500 to $100,000 (varies widely by specific award) Deadline: March 1 Eligibility: High school students entering UNB. Various awards for different criteria -- academic merit, leadership, community involvement, and financial need. How to apply: Apply through unb.ca/moneymatters/scholarships. What makes it special: One of the broadest entrance scholarship programs in Atlantic Canada. Includes the Currie Undergraduate Scholarship ($75,000) and the Beaverbrook Scholars Award ($58,000) for students from the Atlantic provinces.

20. Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarship (Entrepreneurial)

Amount: $10,000 to $25,000 Deadline: Check horatioalger.ca for the entrepreneurial stream dates Eligibility: Students who have started a business, social enterprise, or entrepreneurial project while in high school. Financial need required. How to apply: Through the Horatio Alger Canada portal. What makes it special: One of the few Canadian scholarships that specifically rewards high school entrepreneurship alongside financial need.

21. University of Guelph Registrar's Entrance Bursaries

Amount: $500 to $50,000 Deadline: Financial Need Assessment Form due April 15, 2026 Eligibility: High school students entering the University of Guelph who demonstrate financial need. Canadian citizens and permanent residents. How to apply: Complete the Financial Need Assessment at uoguelph.ca/registrar/studentfinance/bursaries. What makes it special: Unlike many entrance awards, this is purely need-based. You do not need a 95% average -- you need to demonstrate genuine financial barriers to attending university.

22. RBC Ignite Scholarship

Amount: Up to $1,500 (500 awards given annually) Deadline: Applications open January 27, 2026 Eligibility: Youth aged 16-20 who need funding for skills training and certification. Canadian citizens or permanent residents. How to apply: Apply at rbc.com/scholarships. What makes it special: This is not for tuition -- it funds specific skills training and certification. Ideal for students who want to earn an industry certification (IT, trades, etc.) alongside or before post-secondary studies.

23. Dalhousie University General Entrance Awards

Amount: $550 to $80,000 over four years (varies by specific award) Deadline: February 15, 2026 (11:59 PM AT) for the 2026-2027 year Eligibility: High school students entering Dalhousie University. Various criteria including academic merit, leadership, and financial need. How to apply: Apply through the Dalhousie awards portal at dal.ca/admissions. What makes it special: Includes the Schulich Leader Scholarship at Dal, plus dozens of other named awards. One of the strongest scholarship programs in Atlantic Canada.

24. Yorke Towne Supplies Ltd. Visionary Leadership Scholarship (York University)

Amount: $38,000 ($9,500 per year for 4 years) Deadline: April 1, 2026 (via MyFile) Eligibility: High school students entering York University who demonstrate visionary leadership and community engagement. How to apply: Apply through MyFile at futurestudents.yorku.ca. What makes it special: A substantial four-year award that values leadership vision over pure academic metrics.

25. SFU High School Entrance Scholarships

Amount: $2,000 to $60,000 Deadline: Rolling basis (with admission application) Eligibility: High school students admitted to Simon Fraser University. Based on academic achievement and, for larger awards, leadership and community involvement. How to apply: Apply through the SFU admissions portal at sfu.ca/students/financial-aid/entrance. What makes it special: Rolling admissions means early applicants may have an advantage. The range from $2,000 to $60,000 means students at many academic levels can receive something.

How to Win More Scholarships: A Strategy Guide

Finding scholarships is the first step. Winning them requires strategy.

Start Early -- Grade 10 Is Not Too Early

Many of the biggest scholarships (Schulich Leader, Loran Award, TD Community Leadership) require years of documented leadership, volunteerism, and achievement. Students who start building their profile in Grade 10 have a significant advantage over those who scramble in Grade 12.

Apply to Everything You Qualify For

The single biggest mistake students make is self-selecting out. You do not need a 99% average to win a scholarship. Many awards prioritize leadership, community service, financial need, or specific backgrounds. If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply.

Tailor Every Application

Do not copy-paste the same essay for every scholarship. Each award has different values and priorities. The Loran Award wants to see character and service. The Schulich Leader wants entrepreneurial thinking and STEM excellence. The TD Scholarship wants community leadership. Read what each one asks for and speak directly to those criteria.

Get Strong References Early

Many scholarships require reference letters. Ask your teachers, coaches, or community leaders early -- at least 4 to 6 weeks before the deadline. Give them a summary of the scholarship, your resume, and a few specific accomplishments you would like them to highlight.

Track Deadlines Religiously

Create a spreadsheet or use our scholarship search tool to track every deadline. Missing a deadline by one day means losing the opportunity entirely, no exceptions.

Do Not Ignore Small Scholarships

A $1,000 scholarship that takes one hour to apply for is $1,000 per hour -- a better return than almost any part-time job. Many students ignore smaller awards and compete only for the marquee scholarships. Apply for both.

What About Province-Specific Scholarships?

The 25 scholarships above are national or multi-province awards. But some of the best funding is province-specific:

• Ontario: Check our Ontario student funding guide for province-specific awards and OSAP details
• British Columbia: See our BC student funding guide
• Alberta: See our Alberta student funding guide
• Atlantic Canada: See our Atlantic Canada student funding guide
• Quebec: See our Quebec student funding guide
• Saskatchewan: See our Saskatchewan student funding guide
• Manitoba: See our Manitoba student funding guide

Quick Reference: Deadlines at a Glance

Next Steps

1. Search our full database at FundMyCourse.ca/scholarships -- we track over 2,100 scholarships across Canada
2. Take the onboarding quiz at FundMyCourse.ca/onboarding to get matched with awards that fit your profile
3. Use our funding calculator at FundMyCourse.ca/calculator to estimate your total funding package (scholarships + OSAP + RESP + other sources)
4. Read our OSAP guide at How to Apply for OSAP in 2026 to maximize your government aid
5. Do not wait. The biggest scholarships have fall and winter deadlines. Start your applications today.

Every dollar you win in scholarships is a dollar you do not borrow. With OSAP grants now capped at 25%, free scholarship money is more valuable than ever.