Canadian Scholarships for High School Students – Top Awards & Deadlines 2026
Discover top Canadian scholarships for high school students, including Loran, Schulich Leader, TD Community Leadership and more. Find award amounts, eligibility highlights, deadlines, and direct application links.
January
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Schulich Leader Scholarships (Canada)
Why It Slaps: Canada’s largest undergraduate STEM scholarship rewards entrepreneurial and community-minded high school seniors. Schulich Leaders join an elite cohort and receive mentorship and leadership training in addition to financial support.
Amount: 100 awards, each $100,000 (UToronto) or $120,000 (other universities) over 4 years.
Deadline: School nominations due January (application typically opens the fall prior).
Apply/info: schulichleaders.com -
Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarships
Why It Slaps: Need-based awards for students who have overcome adversity. This program provides not just money but also a community and support network. It’s one of Canada’s most inclusive scholarships for resilient leaders.
Amount: $10,000 (160 scholarships nationwide) for undergraduates (Canadian Citizens/Permanent Residents entering 4-year degrees).
Deadline: Applications open January and close March 31 annually.
Apply/info: horatioalger.ca
March
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RE/MAX Quest for Excellence Scholarship Program
Why It Slaps: Recognizes 40 outstanding Grade 12 students across Canada who demonstrate leadership and community spirit through an essay contest. Winners are celebrated nationally, highlighting youth philanthropy and leadership.
Amount: $1,000 each (40 scholarships awarded).
Deadline: Early March (e.g., March 6, 2026).
Apply/info: quest-for-excellence (official RE/MAX site) -
The Leonard Foundation Financial Assistance Program
Why It Slaps: Provides modest but renewable support to many students each year. It’s a broad-based award (130 recipients) that helps high-achieving graduates fund any postsecondary education.
Amount: $1,200 (renewable each year for up to 4 years).
Deadline: March 31, 2026 (apply early in the year).
Apply/info: leonardfnd.org
May
- Schulich Builders Scholarships (Skilled Trades)
Why It Slaps: Targets Canada’s skilled trades shortage by funding 120 college students annually in Ontario. It values trades certificates/diplomas equally with academic degrees and encourages high school students to consider trades careers.
Amount: $40,000 total ($20,000 per year for 2-year diploma programs; $20,000 total for 1-year programs).
Deadline: High school nominations in May 2026 (college applications early summer – varies by school).
Apply/info: schulichbuilders.com
June
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Fraser Institute Student Essay Contest
Why It Slaps: Open to all Canadian high school students with a passion for public policy and economics. Winners have their essays published and earn cash prizes – a great resume builder and unique scholarship opportunity.
Amount: 1st prize $1,500 (and smaller prizes down to $250 for top 5 submissions in high school category).
Deadline: June 5, 2026.
Apply/info: Fraser Institute Essay Contest -
Ted Rogers Entrance Scholarship
Why It Slaps: Rogers Communications’ largest open scholarship program for first-year students. Every year hundreds of Canadians entering university, college or trade school receive support. It’s an all-Canadian initiative with no essays required.
Amount: $2,000 one-time award (hundreds of winners each year).
Deadline: Typically mid-June (e.g., around June 12, 2026).
Apply/info: Rogers – Ted Rogers Scholarships
August
- Horatio Alger Canadian Indigenous Achievement Scholarships
Why It Slaps: Dedicated awards for Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) high school graduates who have overcome adversity and plan to start a university degree. Includes mentorship through Horatio Alger’s network.
Amount: $10,000 (5 scholarships in 2025).
Deadline: August 1, 2026 (in partnership with Indspire).
Apply/info: Horatio Alger Canada Indigenous Scholarships
October
- Loran Scholars Foundation
Why It Slaps: Prestigious character-based awards for exceptional leaders and engaged citizens. It’s not just money – Loran Scholars get a mentor, summer internships, conference opportunities, and belong to a tight-knit alumni network.
Amount: $100,000 over 4 years (including $10,000/year tuition + $5,000 annual stipend).
Deadline: Mid-October (typically around October 15 each year).
Apply/info: loranscholar.ca
November
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TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
Why It Slaps: TD’s flagship award for inspirational student leaders. Emphasizes community impact over grades and includes mentorship and summer jobs with TD. With up to 20 winners annually, it’s among Canada’s richest leadership awards.
Amount: Up to $70,000 total ($10,000 tuition + $7,500 living stipend per year for 4 years).
Deadline: Applications open early September; deadline is typically early November each year.
Apply/info: TD Canada Trust – Community Leadership Scholarship -
Wolf Scholars Program (University of Toronto)
Why It Slaps: Brand-new full-ride scholarship at U of T for Canadian high school seniors who show curiosity and excellence in a broad range of fields. Recipients join an interdisciplinary community and gain international research and travel opportunities.
Amount: Full tuition plus a $10,000 annual living stipend (and funding for research/travel) for 4 years.
Deadline: Apply by November 10, 2025 (via University of Toronto’s Early Admission deadline, typically Nov 7).
Apply/info: wolfscholars.com
December
- Terry Fox Humanitarian Award
Why It Slaps: Honors Terry Fox’s legacy by funding outstanding volunteers with physical disabilities who go above and beyond in helping others. It combines community service with academic promise, making it one of Canada’s most meaningful awards.
Amount: Up to $28,000 total ($7,000 per year for 4 years).
Deadline: December 1, 2026 (applications open Nov 1 annually).
Apply/info: terryfoxawards.ca
Each scholarship above has been confirmed with official sources. Check each link for the latest application details and to apply. Good luck!
