September kicks off a brand-new school year and it’s the perfect time to get serious about scholarships.
While classes and coursework take center stage, don’t overlook the financial side of education. Tuition, textbooks, and student fees add up fast. But, here’s the good news: scholarships can help you take control of those costs and make your academic goals more affordable.
To help you begin the year with momentum, I’ve curated a list of 10 standout scholarships with September 2025 deadlines. Each one is a valuable opportunity and you’ll find the key details and links you need to get started today.
Scholarships come in many forms. Some reward academic achievement, others support financial need, and many recognize leadership, unique backgrounds, or future goals. Whatever your profile, there’s likely an award that fits, if you know where to look.
Of course, make sure you review eligibility requirements before you apply. Aligning with a scholarship’s mission gives you the best chance of standing out and winning.
Let’s dive into this month’s top scholarships and take the next step toward your educational success.
List of September Scholarships: 2025
1. James Lee Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Amount: $5,000 minimum
Who is this scholarship for? The scholarship is open to emerging creative talent from across Canada wanting to enter the advertising industry. Entrants must be non-professional Canadian residents over the age of 16. All fields of creativity related to the advertising community will be considered (e.g. writers, art directors, film makers, recording artists, illustrators, digital artists, etc.).
From the Scholarship Donor: James Lee was a well-respected writer in the advertising industry who won countless national and international awards throughout his career. He passed away suddenly due to an undetected heart defect at the age of 37.
Shortly after his passing The James Lee Foundation was formed by a partnership of advertising agencies, the AAABC, and a collection of James’ friends and family. Knowing James inspired many people to push the boundaries in creativity, developing a creative scholarship in his name felt like a fitting way to honour him.
We keep James’ legacy alive each year by awarding a scholarship to an emerging creative talent who shows the same passion and tenacity that James did.
2. Savvy New Canadians Student Award
Deadline: September 22, 2025
Amount: $1,000
Who is this scholarship for? To be eligible for this scholarship program, students must:
- Be enrolled full-time at an accredited university or college (any year and field of study).
- Submit a 500-word essay highlighting the importance of financial literacy to you and the steps you are taking to secure a financial future for yourself.
- Provide proof of enrollment: student ID, copy of transcript or confirmation of enrollment.
- Complete and submit the application form on the site.
- Have reached the age of the majority in your province or territory at the time of applying.
- The Savvy New Canadians Financial Literacy Scholarship is open to all students at accredited Canadian universities and colleges, including citizens, permanent residents, and international students. Applications are welcomed from both graduate and undergraduate students.
From the Scholarship Donor: Founded in 2016, Savvy New Canadians is one of the most highly sought platforms for personal financial information in Canada. It provides in-depth personal finance resources to help you take control of your money, get out of debt, invest wisely, increase your income, and become financially free.
3. UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Amount: $1,000
Who is this scholarship for? To qualify for the UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarship award you must be an active UFCW Canada member in good standing or a dependent/spouse of active UFCW Canada member in good standing. Eligible candidates cannot have won the BDM scholarship before.
The student must also be enrolled (or will be enrolled on September 30) and attending full-time studies at an accredited Canadian college or university.
From the Scholarship Donor: Each year UFCW Canada offers 18 UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships worth $1,000 each to active members and their family members for post-secondary study. If you are a UFCW Canada member in good standing, and the student is attending full-time studies at a Canadian university, college, or other recognized post-secondary institution, then you, your spouse and children are eligible to apply for the union scholarship.
4. The Tanya Howe Damsgaard Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Amount: $2,000
Who is this scholarship for? This scholarship will be awarded to:
- A full-time students having completed at least 1 year of post-secondary education;
- Eligible areas of study include agriculture, pharmacy, science or health sciences;
- Can be at a Canadian college or university;
- Selection criteria are: agriculture background, community service and academic performance.
From the Scholarship Donor: The Tanya Howe Damsgaard Memorial Scholarship was established by the family and friends of Tanya Howe Damsgaard after her brief battle with cancer. This scholarship is intended to encourage youth with a agriculture background to pursue careers in science and maintain a strong culture of community of service.
5. 2025 Claudette Savaria Bursary from The Communities in Bloom Foundation
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Amount: 2 bursaries of $500
Who is this scholarship for? To qualify for this scholarship application:
- Applicant must be registered in, and successfully complete, a full-time post-secondary level pertaining to ornamental and/or environmental horticulture programs in an accredited institution;
- Applicant must be involved in a community/attraction participating in the Communities in Bloom program (national or provincial editions).
From the Scholarship Donor: The mission of the Communities in Bloom Foundation, a non-profit organization with registered charitable status, is to fund, develop and disseminate educational material on the value, importance, improvement and sustainable development of green spaces and the natural environment in our society.
6. AIA Canada High Fives for Kids Scholarship
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Amount: $1,000
Who is this scholarship for? This award is open to students who meet the following requirements:
- Must be a child of a full time employee in an active AIA Canada member company in good standing. (Current year’s membership dues must be paid)
- Confirmation of the parent’s employment must be provided by the member company.
- The applicant must be enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program leading to a certificate or diploma at an accredited university, college, technical school.
- The applicants must include a 1 page essay telling why they should be considered (achievements, volunteering), the application, a referral letter (teacher or someone in their community), photos of activities and achievements and proof of enrolment.
- Can apply via video but must send proof of enrolment.
- Applicant selection based on academic achievement (not necessarily in the automotive field), skill, extra-curricular involvement, or special abilities.
From the Scholarship Donor: The High Fives for Kids Foundation, which was established in 2005 as a charitable non-profit organization, assists AIA Canada members and divisions in their efforts to support Canadian charities that benefit children and youth by collecting and redistributing funds.
7. The CTAA Scholarships
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Amount: 3 separate awards of $2,000
Who is this scholarship for? CTAA offers multiple scholarship opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students. Here is a breakdown of each annual scholarship:
CTAA Graduate Scholarship
The CTAA Graduate Scholarship is presented to a student admitted into, or is currently enrolled in, a Canadian university program leading to a post graduate degree which contributes to advances in any facet of asphalt technology. Eligible fields of study include chemistry, chemical engineering, and construction or civil engineering. Other areas of study may be considered provided the applicant clearly notes the relevance of his/her curriculum towards asphalt technology.
CTAA Undergraduate Scholarship
The CTAA Undergraduate Scholarship is presented to a student admitted into, or is currently enrolled in a Canadian university program leading to an undergraduate degree that contributes to advances in any facet of asphalt technology. Eligible fields of study include chemistry, chemical engineering, and construction or civil engineering. Other areas of study may be considered provided the applicant clearly notes the relevance of his/her curriculum towards asphalt technology.
CTAA Applied Technology Scholarship
The CTAA Applied Technology Scholarship is presented to a student admitted into, or is currently enrolled in, a Canadian technical college or a community college program leading to a diploma that contributes to advances in any facet of asphalt technology. Eligible fields of study include chemistry, chemical engineering, and construction or civil engineering. Other areas of study may be considered provided the applicant clearly notes the relevance of his/her curriculum towards asphalt technology. Applicants with industrial experience in asphalt technology are encouraged to apply.
From the Scholarship Donor: The CTAA Scholarships are funded by the Canadian Technical Asphalt Association to support students preparing for careers as scientists, technologists or engineers in the general area of asphalt paving technology.
8. The Donald E. Curren Scholarship Fund from The Canadian Paraplegic Association
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Amount: Varies based on number of applicants
Who is this scholarship for? This award is available to students enrolled in a post-secondary program and:
- Live with a disability, with preference given to persons with a spinal cord injury;
- Currently attending a college, university, or technical school in the Atlantic Provinces;
- Are either a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, or resident in an Atlantic Province.
From the Scholarship Donor: The Donald E. Curren Scholarship was created by the many friends and admirers of Donald E. Curren, the founder and first Executive Director of the Atlantic Division of the Canadian Paraplegic Association and Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) herein known as CPA (NS). He served as Executive Director from 1952 to 1984.
9. Creative Biolabs Scholarship Program
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Amount: $1,000
Who is this scholarship for? This university and college scholarship is open on a global basis. To be eligible to receive a scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Enrolled as a freshman, undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D. student at an accredited college or university.
- Major in a science-related field such as Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Molecular Biology.
- Earn a cumulative average grade of a B (3.0 GPA).
From the Scholarship Donor: As a leading custom service provider specializing in the field of antibody production and engineering, Creative Biolabs is always happy to support young and ambitious talents in our field.
In an effort to further support their research and higher education in the medical and science-related fields, Creative Biolabs is proud to announce the 2024 Scholarship Program, which will award $1,000 to an outstanding college student.
10. Strike Group Western Canadian Scholarship
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Amount: $2,000
Who is this scholarship for? To apply for this scholarship you must be a person that was born or reside in Western Canada (i.e. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or
Manitoba) for five or more years.
From the Scholarship Donor: Inclusion is the practice of providing everyone with equal access to opportunities and resources. Strike would like all people living in Western Canada to feel safe and respected. We aim to ensure that everybody’s voices are heard and that we are creating a welcoming work environment.
This scholarship intends to promote inclusion by providing a scholarship that is open to all students living in Western Canada.
Find More September 2025 Scholarship Opportunities
Whether you’re a high school student, a post-secondary learner, or a parent supporting the journey, September is the perfect time to take action on scholarships.
As you’ve seen above, scholarships come in all shapes and sizes. You don’t need perfect grades or a specific major to qualify. What matters most is finding awards that align with your strengths, background, and goals.
There are real opportunities available right now. Don’t let them slip by. Start applying today and make this a winning September!
More Scholarship Lists:
Christopher Grafos, Ph.D., is the founder and chief scholarship mentor at BridgesEDU Scholarships.
He’s a first-generation university graduate whose life was transformed by education and winning scholarships.
Scholarships help students financially, but they also help advance a student’s career. It’s his life’s work to champion this message and share the secrets to finding and winning scholarships.
Read more about Christopher’s journey here.
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Original post here: 10 Top September Scholarships for Canadian Students: 2025
