Eleanor Ritchie Post-Secondary Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Apply online through the Eleanor Ritchie Scholarship link on Autism Ontario's scholarships page
• ✓ Proof of registration in the first year of a post-secondary institution

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted for these awards — contact Autism Ontario to confirm the value for your specific scholarship before you apply. As these are scholarships, not loans, you do not have to pay the money back. This is for you if you are an autistic student living in Ontario and entering your first year of post-secondary study. No deadline is posted publicly — before you start the application, check Autism Ontario's program page or call their office to confirm when applications open and close this year. You will need to provide proof of registration in your first year of study to receive the funds. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Autism Ontario how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Autism Ontario 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 Autism Ontario whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must currently live in Ontario. You must be accepted to attend your first year in any level of a post-secondary institution in Canada, which includes university, graduate programs, or college programs including apprenticeships. The Eleanor Ritchie Scholarship is for autistic students.

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 high school, trades, certificate, undergraduate or graduate students
• ✓ Resident of 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

   Check this year's deadline

   We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.

Tips for applying

• Personal StatementAvoid writing a generic essay about your grades. Instead, share how your personal experience with autism has shaped your goals for the future. Mention specific ways the funding will help you manage your first-year expenses.
• SupportAvoid assuming the money arrives as soon as you win. Instead, keep your proof of first-year registration ready, because Autism Ontario pays the award only after it receives that proof.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the last minute to gather your documents. Instead, prepare your proof of acceptance and residency early. This ensures you can submit your application as soon as the window opens.
• RealismAvoid assuming this is the only source of funding you need. Instead, look for other bursaries at your specific college or university. Combine multiple smaller awards to cover your full tuition and living costs.

Questions students ask

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