Osgoode Hall Law School Entrance Scholarships

Osgoode Hall Law School (York University)

Get up to $69,000 over three years for incoming JD (Juris Doctor — the professional degree required to practice law) students at Osgoode Hall Law School (York University).

Published by G Paul · last checked September 26, 2026

Total value

$69,000

Level

Undergraduate

Open to

Alberta, Ontario

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Proof of admission to the JD or Joint Program at Osgoode Hall Law School (York University)
Transcripts showing academic average (requirements range from B to A- depending on the award)
The Financial Statement, completed with your application to law school
For Scotiabank Award applicants: a one-page essay on impacting the legal profession and the Black or Indigenous community
For Scotiabank Award applicants: proof of work or voluntary experience supporting Black, Indigenous, or other marginalized groups
For Alison J. Youngman/Stikeman Elliott applicants: proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or protected-person status

About this award

Funding varies by award. Through the Access to Justice (A2J) program, up to seven incoming JD students can receive a $15,000 entrance scholarship, renewable annually for a total of $45,000. You may also get up to $12,000 per summer (maximum $24,000) for public interest internships, bringing the total potential support to $69,000 over three years. Other awards include the Scotiabank Award at $10,000 per year. These are grants, not loans, so you do not have to pay them back. This is for you if you are an incoming law student who demonstrates financial need, academic excellence, or a deep commitment to creating social change and supporting marginalized communities. There is no separate scholarship application for most of these awards: every incoming student who completes the Financial Statement with their law school application is automatically considered for all entrance scholarships. The Scotiabank Award also asks for a one-page essay. Entrance scholarships are awarded on academic excellence and financial need. Osgoode says competitive applicants generally have an LSAT score in the 80th percentile or higher and a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher, though this varies by award. Some awards are based on academic averages (ranging from B to A-), while others prioritize equity-seeking groups or specific regional ties to Alberta or Ontario. Ask Osgoode Hall Law School (York 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 vary. For the A2J and Howland awards, you must maintain a B+ average. For the Scotiabank award, you must be in good standing and submit a reflective statement on your learnings about systemic racism in law. Others require you to remain in financial need or maintain good academic standing.

Who qualifies

To qualify for these awards, you must be entering the JD (Juris Doctor) program or a Joint Program at Osgoode Hall Law School (York University). Specific requirements depend on the award: - Access to Justice (A2J): Incoming JD students with demonstrated financial need. - Davies Fellows: Students from equity-seeking groups who demonstrate financial need and exceptional promise. - Harley D. Hallett: Top students entering the first-year program with at least an A- average and financial need. Preference may be given to those with graduate degrees or honours programs, or a background in business studies, criminal law, or criminology. Some awards are available to Ontario residents only. - William G.C. Howland: Outstanding students entering the first year with an A- average or better. - Scotiabank Award: Students admitted to the first year of the JD program. Preference is given to members of the Black or Indigenous community. - Alison J. Youngman/Stikeman Elliott: Students entering the JD program with a minimum B average, financial need, and a passion for volunteerism. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or if you have refugee or protected-person status in Canada, and an Ontario resident. - Centennial National Scholarship for Alberta: Entering students from Alberta showing academic excellence and aptitude for legal studies.

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 protected person
Open to undergraduate students
Resident of Alberta or Ontario
Studying law, business studies, criminal law or criminology

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

EssayAvoid writing a generic statement about wanting to help people. Instead, describe specific ways you will combat racism and further inclusivity within the legal profession. Detail your previous work or voluntary experience with marginalized groups.
Financial StatementAvoid skipping the Financial Statement when you apply to law school. Instead, complete it with your application, because that is how incoming students are considered for all entrance scholarships.
StrategyAvoid ignoring the regional preferences. If you are from Alberta or Ontario, ensure your residency is clearly documented, as some funds are restricted to these provinces.
RealismAvoid assuming you will get the full three-year amount automatically. Since most of these are renewable, remember that you must maintain a specific GPA (like a B+ average) to keep the funding in years two and three.

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?

We don't have a confirmed deadline for this one. Check the award's official page for this year's date.

Can international students apply?

No. You need to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 26, 2026