Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President's Scholarship (International)

What you will need

• ✓ Valid University of Guelph student ID number
• ✓ Submitted application for admission to the University of Guelph
• ✓ Proof of International (VISA) student status
• ✓ Admission average equivalent to at least 90.0% in the Canadian curriculum
• ✓ Evidence of significant leadership contributions to school and community
• ✓ Reference letters submitted by March 15, 2027

About this award

You receive $42,500 for this award. Along with the money, you get a summer research assistantship position, mentorship from one of the University of Guelph's leading professors, and first-choice preference for residence in your first year of study (you must pay the residence deposit by its deadline). This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an international student with a stellar academic record and a history of leading change and improvements in your school or community. You must submit your application by March 8, 2027, at 4:00 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time — the local time zone for Ontario). Your reference letters must be submitted by March 15, 2027, at 4:00 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time). You will hear back from the University of Guelph regarding your status, though the exact notification method is not posted—ask the admissions office if they notify you via email or the student portal. Selection is based on identifying the top two international students for the Fall 2027 intake. The committee looks for outstanding academics and significant leadership contributions. Since the exact number of applicants isn't public, ask University of Guelph how many students typically apply for these two spots so you can judge your odds. Ask University of Guelph during your application how the $42,500 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 University of Guelph whether it's a one-time award or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You are eligible if you are an international (VISA) student and are entering the first semester of any undergraduate degree program at the University of Guelph. You must have an admission average equivalent to a 90.0% Canadian curriculum and must not have previously attended any post-secondary institution. You also need a valid University of Guelph student ID number, which means you must have already submitted your application for admission. You must show significant leadership contributions to your school and community. Note that Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada are not eligible, regardless of where you live or where you went to high school.

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.

• ✓ International student
• ✓ Open to high school students

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

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Submit your application

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

Tips for applying

• LeadershipAvoid simply listing the titles of the clubs you joined. Instead, describe the specific changes you implemented or the improvements you brought to your community. Give a concrete example of a project you led from start to finish.
• ReferencesAvoid choosing referees who only know you as a student in a classroom. Instead, pick people who can speak to your leadership and your impact on others outside of academics. Ask a community leader or a coach to write your letter.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the last minute to secure your student ID. Instead, submit your admission application to the University of Guelph immediately. You cannot apply for this scholarship without that ID number.
• RealismAvoid assuming that a 90% average is enough to win. Instead, remember that only two students globally will receive this award. Focus on highlighting your unique approach to implementing change to stand out from other high-achieving students.

Questions students ask

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