National Scholarship Study Abroad Awards

What you will need

• ✓ Online National Scholarship Application
• ✓ Official school nomination
• ✓ Essay
• ✓ Transcript (provided by your school)
• ✓ Reference letter (from your school)
• ✓ Admission application to Western University (main campus)

About this award

You can receive $2,500 if your study abroad lasts up to 4 months (one term), or $5,000 if it lasts over 4 months (more than one term). There are up to 46 of these awards available. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an all-round high achiever who balances a 90% average with a passion for learning, creative thinking, and a strong commitment to community service. These awards are part of Western's National Scholarship Program: one online National Scholarship application considers you for every award in the program you are eligible for. For 2026-27, the application and all supporting documents were due February 14, 2026 (mailed documents had to arrive by then, not just be postmarked). That window has passed; applications for 2027-28 open by mid-November 2026. Ask Norma Merino at nmerino@uwo.ca when and how you will be notified of the result. To be considered, you must first be nominated by your school. Each school can nominate up to 4 students, though they can nominate 1 additional student if that person is an international (visa) student. National Scholarships are awarded for outstanding academic performance, creative and innovative thought, a passion for learning, achievement in activities such as the arts and athletics, and especially commitment to community service. The official page does not say how the study abroad awards are assigned within the program, so ask Western at nmerino@uwo.ca. Ask Western 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. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Western University 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 of Canada. You need a minimum overall academic average of 90% on all Grade 12U/M (University or Mixed) courses or the equivalent. This award is only available to full-time students at Western University's main campus. Students in International Baccalaureate (IB — a global standardized curriculum) and CEGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel — a pre-university college system in Quebec) programs are also eligible. Note that if you receive a National Scholarship or a Schulich Leader Scholarship, you cannot also receive certain other Western admission or excellence scholarships.

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 high school 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

   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

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

5. 5

   This round closed on February 14, 2026

   Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• EssayAvoid writing a generic list of your achievements. Instead, use your essay to show your passion for learning and your ability for creative and innovative thought. Describe one specific project where you pushed beyond the classroom requirements.
• NominationAvoid assuming your school knows you want this award. Instead, proactively ask your guidance counselor about the school's internal process for choosing the 4 nominees. Schedule a meeting to discuss why your profile matches the National Scholarship criteria.
• StrategyAvoid focusing only on your grades. Instead, highlight your exceptional achievements in the arts, athletics, and especially your ongoing contributions to school and community life. Provide concrete examples of your community service.
• RealismAvoid ignoring the strict deadline. Instead, make sure your school sends its reference letter and your transcript well before the deadline. Remember that if you mail documents, they must arrive at the office by the deadline, not just be sent.

Questions students ask

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