$8,500 grants for women graduate students in Canada — applications open November 1 and close January 31 each year.
Published by G Paul · last checked May 2, 2026
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.
Women graduate students at Canadian universities. Citizen or permanent resident. The application window opens November 1 and closes January 31 each year.
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.
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.
Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.
Soroptimist Foundation of Canada gives the deadline as "Annual: November 1 to January 31". Check their page for this year's date.
No. You need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
FundMyCourse.ca · checked May 2, 2026
Annual: November 1 to January 31
fundmycourse.ca/scholarships/soroptimist-foundation-canada-women-graduate