HOPE Scholarship for Refugee Women

What you will need

• ✓ Completed application form (available starting October 15, 2026)

About this award

You can receive a $3,000 scholarship. This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you have held status as a refugee or a person in need of protection and are an undergraduate student at Carleton University. You must apply by November 30, 2026, at 9 a.m. You will receive notice about whether you won the award on December 21, 2026. One recipient is chosen by a selection committee based on the recommendation of the Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs and Student Life. Preference goes to students who identify as women. Ask Carleton University – Student Experience Office roughly how many students apply so you can judge your odds. The money is applied directly to your student account. Confirm with Carleton University – Student Experience Office if there are any other specific steps to ensure the funds reach your account. This award is granted annually. Renewal conditions aren't listed – if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Carleton University – Student Experience Office whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a current full-time or part-time undergraduate student enrolled in any program of study at Carleton University. To qualify, you must have a minimum average of 80% (CGPA 10.0) and demonstrate financial need. You must also hold current or previous status as a Convention Refugee or a person in need of protection, as defined by the IRB (the Immigration and Refugee Board – the independent agency that decides refugee claims), the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, or if you have refugee or protected-person status in Canada. A preference is given to students who identify as women.

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.

• ✓ Refugee or protected person
• ✓ Open to undergraduate 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

   Submit your application

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

Tips for applying

• Financial NeedAvoid providing vague statements about your expenses. Instead, explain your current financial situation clearly and specifically, since you must demonstrate financial need to qualify.
• Academic RecordAvoid applying without checking your average first. You need a minimum average of 80%, which is a CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average – your overall average grade) of 10.0.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the last minute to check the application form. Instead, monitor the Carleton University – Student Experience Office page starting October 15. Set a calendar alert for the November 30 deadline.
• RealismAvoid assuming this is a guaranteed fund since only one recipient is selected. Instead, treat this as a bonus and continue applying for other bursaries. List three other awards you can apply for this term.

Questions students ask

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