Desjardins Foundation Scholarships

What you will need

• ✓ Create a profile on the Desjardins Foundation secure online platform
• ✓ Submit application between March 1 and March 31
• ✓ Provide the name of the program you are most likely to study
• ✓ For scholarship finalists: submit a signed acceptance form
• ✓ For scholarship finalists: provide official proof of enrollment

About this award

This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. Depending on your level of study, you can receive $1,000 for vocational training, $1,500 for college or CEGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel — a public pre-university college in Quebec), $2,000 for university undergraduate programs, $3,000 for university master's programs, or $5,000 for university doctoral programs. This is for you if you are a student pursuing a recognized program of study and want extra financial support for your tuition or living costs. You must apply between March 1 and March 31 each year. Recipients are announced each June and funds reach you in September or October. If you are unsure of your exact program, apply with your most likely choice; you can update your info later. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Desjardins Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Note that some awards are decided by a jury while others are determined by a random draw. Ask Desjardins Foundation during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Desjardins Foundation whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You are eligible if you are enrolled in a program of study in the fall. This includes students in vocational training, college, CEGEP, or university programs at the undergraduate, master's, or doctoral levels.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to CEGEP, graduate, trades or undergraduate students
• ✓ Resident of Quebec or Ontario

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• SupportAvoid ignoring the local connection. Since participating caisses (local credit unions) also award these funds, ensure your profile accurately reflects your community ties to increase your chances with both the Foundation and the local branch.
• StrategyDon't hold off on applying just because you haven't finalized your program choice. Apply using the program you are most likely to enter, knowing you can update the details later as long as you are enrolled by fall.
• RealismAvoid assuming the funds are always tax-free. While often exempt, you should consult a tax professional about how adding this to your net income might affect your Canada Child Benefit or other social welfare credits.

Questions students ask

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