Scholarships and Bursaries

graphic showing books and a bag of money


General Information and Tips

Scholarships and bursaries are a great way to make college or university more affordable, and they're not all just about marks! Many scholarships emphasize academic achievement, while others look at factors such as financial need, volunteer activities, extra-curricular activities, and/or community involvement.

What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?

Scholarships are non-repayable awards given to recognize the high level of excellence a student has achieved in their studies.

Bursaries are non-repayable awards allocated on the basis of financial need and without undue emphasis on academic standing. 

Types of Post Secondary Scholarships

Entrance Scholarships
  • consideration is given at the time of admission

  • usually with an admissions average of 80 percent or better

  • do not require additional applications

  • are often renewable for 4 years if average maintained

  • automatic admissions average is normally calculated from the grades submitted by your high school

Scholarships That Require Applications and/or Nominations
  • usually have set criteria

  • have application submission deadlines

  • will provide a written statement that they have received your application which could contain portal access to more information/opportunities

  • Some require your school to nominate you - Earl of March has a committee that is charged with this task

Application Process and Tips

  • review the scholarship website for the application and other important information - read all information very carefully - note what needs to be completed,

  • When colleges and universities send you acknowledgements that they have received your applications, they often contain information that allows you to access their student portals. These portals often give you access to information about scholarships and bursaries administered by each college and university.

  • complete the application including the essay/creative work where required,

  • speak to required teacher/community reference people and give them written instructions if applicable (give them advance notice before the deadline),

  • submit the completed scholarship application form and required documentation to Ms. Montasser in Guidance by the EOM student deadline date.

  • Allow up to 10 days for a reference letter request from either a Guidance teacher or other teacher. Allow 3-5 days for ordering a transcript from Student Services.

  • Education Matters - Award Applicants Handbook

Scholarship Search Sites

Below are some links for websites that might be helpful in your search for scholarships, bursaries and grants. Most applications require some prep work ie: essays, goals, your community involvement, extra-curricular activities, volunteer activities, your academic and career plans and potentially letters of reference.

Also look for other opportunities with your employer, financial institution, youth groups, sport teams or your parents work/union.


Scholarships Canada https://www.scholarshipscanada.com/

Scholarships.com https://www.scholarships.com/

School Finder http://www.schoolfinder.com/

Yconic https://yconic.com/

Indspire http://www.indspire.ca/

Campus Access https://www.campusaccess.com/

Universities Canada http://www.univcan.ca/

Education planning https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education.html

Global Scholarships http://globalscholarships.com/

Disability Awards https://www.disabilityawards.ca

Paying for College http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/colleges/paying-for-college

Indigenous Services Canada: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033679/1531406248822


Scholarships That Require A Nomination By Earl of March SS

Queen's University Chancellor’s Scholarship - EOM Deadline Dec 1, 2023 by 3:00 pm.

Criteria: Superior academic ability 90+, creative and original thinking, proven leadership qualities, High school nomination required. $12,000 Annually. The Earl of March can nominate two students. Major Admission Awards | Student Awards

Please provide a copy of the practice application and reference letter to Mrs. Montasser ([email protected]) in Student Services by December 1, 2023 by 3:00pm.

Apply for admission to Queen’s via OUAC no later than November 15th to ensure you gain access to SOLUS to submit your MAA application by the EOM deadline of December 1st. It takes 4-6 business days to receive your SOLUS login from the date you applied to Queen's University.

Note: Prepare your responses to the application in advance of submitting online in SOLUS (SOLUS cannot be accessed until after applying for admission to Queen's). There is a practice application containing the exact questions that will appear on the online application.

Upon submitting your application, an email will be sent to your High School Official (Earl of March Official: Mrs. Hend Montasser) requesting they submit the High School Official form electronically to our office. You will then receive an email confirming the form has been received by your High School Official. Please note: The High School Official will identify whether or not you have been selected as the nominee by your school.




Schulich Leader Scholarship - EOM Deadline January 30th 2024 by 3:00 pm

Criteria: For students entering the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) areas of study at a participating Canadian University. Canadian Citizen. This entrepreneurial-minded student meets the following criteria: Academic excellence AND Leadership, charisma, and creativity. Strong consideration will be given to students with financial need.

To apply visit: Schulich Leader Scholarship Earl of March can nominate one student.

To apply please submit a resume and two reference letters (one academic) to Mrs.Montasser by January 30th, 2024.

Please note: Two single page letters of reference that include email and telephone contact information for verification.




University of Western Ontario National Scholarship - EOM deadline: January 31, 2024

Criteria: All applicants must have obtained a minimum overall academic average of 90% on all Grade 12 U/M courses. Have applied for admission for full-time studies at the main campus and be nominated by their school. National Scholarships also recognize exceptional leadership in extracurricular activities such as the arts and athletics. A special emphasis is placed on a candidate’s commitment to community service through ongoing contributions to school and community life. To apply visit: https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/scholarships_awards

Please print and save a copy of your application and email it to Mrs.Montasser. [email protected] by the EOM deadline to be considered for nomination. Please add Mrs.Montasser as the school designate on the application. You will also be asked to provide an assessor. An assessor should be a staff member/teaching staff selected by the student to provide comments/reference letters in support of your application. All of this should be completed before the EOM deadline of January 31, 2024.



Other Scholarships - organized by the month the application is due:

(Thank you to the Ridgemont HS Volunteers for this information!)

September Deadlines

October Deadlines

November Deadlines

December Deadlines

January Deadlines

February Deadlines

March Deadlines

April Deadlines

May Deadlines

June Deadlines

July Deadlines

August Deadlines

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