Harrison McCain Scholar-Bursary

Acadia University

$16,000 over 4 years for students from Canadian high schools entering Acadia University with an 85%+ average and financial need.

Published by G Paul · last checked September 26, 2026

Total value

$16,000

Deadline

Mar 1, 2027

Level

High school

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Completed Harrison McCain Scholarship/Bursary application form (.docx), including the parent/guardian income section and signatures
Your own one-page letter on what this scholarship/bursary would mean to you
A personal essay (two pages maximum) on your extracurriculars, leadership, financial need, work experience and career plans
Your high school transcript
Everything emailed to Acadia's Scholarships and Financial Aid office (financial.aid@acadiau.ca) by March 1

About this award

You can receive $16,000 over 4 years, which is paid as $4,000 per year. This is a scholar-bursary, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a high school student in Canada who has worked hard in your studies and has shown leadership while taking initiative to fund your own education. You must apply by March 1. When you apply, ask Acadia University how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, a portal, or phone. Criteria include an average of 85% or higher on Grade 12 University Preparatory Courses, financial need (you must qualify for a student loan), leadership qualities and a recognized initiative in funding your own education. The number of awards may vary from year to year, so ask Acadia University roughly how many applicants they typically receive. Ask Acadia University 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. To keep this award, you must register in at least 24 credit-hours each September-to-April year and keep a minimum standing GPA of 1.67 in year one, 2.50 in year two, and 3.00 in years three and four.

Who qualifies

You must be a student from a high school in Canada who is entering Acadia University. You need an average of 85% or higher on your Grade 12 University Preparatory Courses. Because this award is based on unmet financial need, you must qualify for a student loan. You should also demonstrate leadership qualities and a recognized initiative in funding your own education.

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, permanent resident or international student
Open to high school students

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Order your transcript1–2 weeks
Your school's registrar can take a week or two.
Ask for reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.
Write your essay
Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

LeadershipAvoid just listing the titles of clubs you joined. Instead, describe one specific time your leadership led to a real result. Write about a project you started or a team you led to success.
SupportAvoid sending the form without your parents' part. Instead, have your parent(s) or guardian(s) fill in their occupation and income and sign the declaration before you send it.
StrategyAvoid waiting until the last minute to fill out the .docx form. Instead, draft your answers in a separate document first so you can polish your wording. This ensures your leadership examples are clear and impactful.
RealismAvoid counting on a high average alone to win the award. Instead, remember that you must also prove financial need and leadership. Focus your application on showing how you meet all four criteria, not just the grades.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

Applications close on March 1, 2027. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Yes. It is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 26, 2026