McMaster DECA Alumni Entrance Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Activate your MacID and log in to AwardSpring
• ✓ Complete the common application
• ✓ Submit the Faculty of Engineering Entrance Awards application by February 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. (ET)
• ✓ Provide contact information for two referees
• ✓ Ensure reference letters are submitted by February 21, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. (ET)
• ✓ Letters of reference verifying participation in DECA

About this award

You get $15,000. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a high school student with a strong academic record and a history of leadership and volunteering within DECA. You must submit your application by February 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Your reference letters must arrive by February 21, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Ask McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering how and when you will be notified of the result. Selection criteria aren't published — ask McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering 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 McMaster University – Faculty of Engineering whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an applicant from high school entering one of these programs: Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences. You need an admissions average of 90% or higher. You must also show leadership experience and attributes, along with involvement in extra-curricular or volunteer activities within DECA.

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 students
• ✓ Studying Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences

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 just listing your titles in DECA. Instead, describe a specific time your leadership led to a measurable result for the organization. Give a concrete example of a project you managed.
• RefereesAvoid choosing references who only know you as a classmate. Instead, use a mentor or supervisor from DECA who can verify your participation in DECA. Provide their direct contact info clearly.
• StrategyAvoid treating the optional special circumstances section as a formality. Instead, use it to explain any gaps in your record or unique challenges you overcame. Connect these experiences to your growth as a leader.
• RealismAvoid assuming a 90% average is enough to win the award. Instead, remember that this is a competitive entrance scholarship requiring both grades and verified organizational involvement. Focus on the quality of your reference letters.

Questions students ask

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