Soroptimist Foundation of Canada — Grants for Women Graduate Students

About this award

$8,500 grants for women graduate students in Canada — applications open November 1 and close January 31 each year.

The Soroptimist Foundation of Canada awards multiple $8,500 grants every year to women pursuing graduate studies at Canadian universities — and unlike most graduate awards, this one is built specifically for women whose path back to school is non-linear. The Foundation was incorporated in 1963 to direct charitable resources from Canadian Soroptimist clubs (the women's service movement first chartered in Canada in 1926, in Vancouver) toward education and leadership for women and girls. Their stated purpose: transform the lives of women and girls through education. You can use the grant for tuition, fees, books, or living costs while you pursue a Master's or PhD that the Foundation believes will improve the quality of women's lives — fields explicitly named in their guidelines include counselling mature women re-entering the labour market, which signals just how much the Foundation prioritizes women returning to graduate study after a career gap. Multiple grants are awarded each cycle; the exact number varies year to year. The grant is not formally renewable, but you can reapply if you remain in graduate study. To apply, you submit your full application package between November 1 and January 31 each year — applications received outside that window are not considered. You also need to commit, in writing, to working in Canada for at least two years after you graduate. Confirm current eligibility nuances and required documents with the Foundation directly through soroptimistfoundation.ca before you start drafting your statement.

Can you get it?

• ✓ Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
• ✓ Graduate — study level
• ✓ Resident of ON, BC, AB, QC, NS, MB, SK, NB, NL, PE — provincial eligibility
• ✓ Studying all — field of study

How to apply

1. 1

   Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour

   Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.

2. 2

   Submit before the posted deadline~1 hour

   Check the official source for the current deadline — save a copy and submit at least 24 hours early.

More details