Excellence in Science (Hats Off to You! contest)

What you will need

• ✓ Answers to general questions regarding your career choice
• ✓ Answers to additional questions for the specific prizes you are applying for
• ✓ A resumé (required for Excellence in Science applicants only)
• ✓ A copy of your most recent transcript or report card
• ✓ A recommendation from your educational institution

About this award

You can win a prize worth between $2,000 and $5,000. Across the whole contest, there is a total prize pool of nearly $177,750, which includes one special Career Development Trip Abroad prize. As a prize, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated occupation through science, engineering, vocational, or technical training. The 2026 edition opened in November 2025, and its provincial prizes were awarded on June 8, 2026. The application deadline is not posted on the contest page, so check the Government of Québec's contest page for when the next edition opens and closes. Selection criteria aren't published, though the jury considers the presentation of your answers as an important factor. Ask Government of Québec (Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur) how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Government of Québec (Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur) 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 Government of Québec (Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur) whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident and have lived in Québec for at least one year. You must not have failed more than two subjects in your last school term. You are eligible if you are enrolled full-time in a selected vocational training or technical training program at a school under a school board, a CEGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel — a public college in Québec), or a private institution in Québec. You also qualify if you are enrolled full-time in a selected bachelor's program in science or engineering at a university-level institution in Québec. Note that certain prizes are reserved specifically for graduates.

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.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to trades, certificate, CEGEP or undergraduate students
• ✓ Resident of Quebec
• ✓ Studying science or engineering

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

   Order your transcript1–2 weeks

   Your school's registrar can take a week or two.

3. 3

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

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

4. 4

   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 giving vague or generic answers. Instead, be as specific as possible and aim for about 300 words per question using concrete examples of your achievements. Describe projects that prove your skills and commitment.
• SupportAvoid submitting a generic recommendation. Instead, ensure your educational institution provides a strong endorsement that highlights why you stand out in your program.
• StrategyAvoid applying for only one prize. Instead, apply for every prize you are eligible for to increase your odds of winning. Tailor each answer to the specific objectives of that prize.
• RealismAvoid ignoring the formatting rules. Instead, use a separate page for each prize and include your name and program in the top right corner. The presentation of your answers is an important selection criterion for the jury.

Questions students ask

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