Every year, I give dozens of public presentations at libraries and post-secondary institutions focused on helping students find and win scholarships.
One of the most common questions I’m asked is: “How do I win a competitive scholarship?” The reality is that winning a top scholarship in Canada isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes a long-term strategy, and the earlier you start, the better.
These prestigious awards often come with generous sums of money that can cover more than just tuition. Many help with living expenses like rent, groceries, and transportation — giving students financial freedom and reducing the need for part-time work or loans.
But beyond the money, top scholarships like the Loran Award, TD Community Leadership Scholarship, and Schulich Leader Scholarships offer something even more valuable: prestige.
Being selected for a major scholarship is a career-defining achievement. It’s a signal to future employers, graduate schools, and networks that you are a high-potential leader with a track record of impact and purpose. In short, it opens doors.
So, how do you become the kind of student who stands out? This article will walk you through what scholarship committees look for and how to build a compelling story around leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and passion. It will also offer some tips on how to position yourself for success and a list of top scholarships for high school students in Canada.
Planning for Top Canadian Scholarships Should Start Before Grade 12
If you’re reading this and you’re not yet in grade 12, you’re already ahead of the game. Many students only begin thinking about scholarships in their final year of high school. But the best applications take years to build.
Top scholarships like the Loran Scholars Foundation Award, TD Community Leadership Scholarship, and the Schulich Leader Scholarship don’t just look at what you’ve done in the last few months — they want to see a track record of excellence.
So, starting early gives you time to:
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Build a strong and consistent leadership profile
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Take on meaningful projects
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Learn from mentors
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Reflect and grow over time
- Build strong references for when you want to apply for scholarships
Impact Matters More Than Involvement
Across Canada, students join extracurriculars because it’s known to boost their profile. However, it’s not about how many clubs you join. It’s about what you do in those clubs.
Scholarship committees are looking for students who create measurable impact. Did you raise $5,000 for a cause? Start a tutoring program that reached 50 students? Led a team to a regional championship? Those are real examples of impact and they matter a lot.
Imagine yourself in grade 12, working on a prestigious scholarship application. Now, focus your efforts on these three questions:
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What problem did I solve?
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Who benefited?
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What changed because of my actions?
If you can develop great answers to these questions, you’ll be on a solid foundation. And remember, even small wins matter when you can show they made a difference.
How to Show Real Leadership
Leadership doesn’t mean having a fancy title, it means taking initiative. It means seeing a need and stepping up to do something about it.
Scholarship committees often look for:
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Founders of student-led initiatives
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Organizers of school or community events
- Problem solvers
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Student council involvement that led to real community impact
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Club presidents or team captains who lead teams to significant results
But beyond the position, what matters is how you lead. Are you inclusive? Do you bring out the best in others? Are you someone others trust to get things done?
Passion Projects to Win Major Scholarships in Canada
OK, so where do you start if you’re struggling to find a leadership initiative to take on?
Well, one of the best ways to stand out is to build a passion project. This can be anything that shows long-term commitment and a desire to make the world better.
Some examples:
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Creating a podcast to talk about mental health
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Building a website that helps communities in need access resources
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Launching a tutoring program for younger students
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Organizing an awareness campaign about an important current issue
A passion project is powerful because it tells a story. It shows that you care, that you can take initiative, and that you follow through.
It’s also a great way to distinguish yourself from thousands of students in the application process. Passion projects can show your authentic interests and potential. Authenticity always shines through.
Scholarship Committees Love Collaboration and Mobilizing Others
No one changes the world alone. Top scholarship winners know how to bring people together to create something bigger than themselves.
Can you show that you’ve:
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Led a team?
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Worked with diverse groups of people?
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Recruited others to help with a cause?
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Built partnerships with local organizations?
These actions show that you don’t just lead, you inspire. That’s the kind of energy scholarship committees love to reward.
Solve a Real Problem
The biggest scholarships are often awarded to students who solve a real-world problem, not necessarily something big, but something meaningful.
Think about your school, your neighbourhood, or your community. What’s a challenge people face? And what have you done to help solve it?
Some real-life examples:
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Noticing a lack of information on an important topic and launching a workshop series
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Seeing a need for cultural education and organizing a multicultural fair
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Addressing food insecurity by launching a community garden or food drive
This kind of problem-solving mindset shows maturity, empathy, and the ability to take action. It demonstrates that a student is entrepreneurial, which is a key trait scholarship committees seek
A Few Top Scholarships in Canada
Below is a list of some of the most well-known and competitive scholarships available to Canadians, including national awards and major entrance scholarships offered by Canadian universities. You can also check out this list of Canadian post-secondary scholarships for Canadian students.
1. Schulich Leader Scholarships
Deadline Month: January (for high school nomination)
Amount: $120,000
Who is this scholarship for? This is a STEM scholarship for Canadian students. Applicants must be nominated by their high school. Students must also be set to graduate high school or cégep in this academic year. Additionally students have to:
- Plan to enroll in an eligible STEM program
- Display the following:
- Academic excellence;
- Leadership, charisma, and creativity.
- Strong consideration is given to entrepreneurial-minded students planning to pursue a career in:
- Technology;
- Engineering;
- Entrepreneurship and business enterprise;
- Applied scientific research.
From the Scholarship Donor: Schulich Leader Scholarships are Canada’s most coveted undergraduate STEM scholarships. One hundred are awarded to entrepreneurial-minded high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program at 20 partner universities across Canada. Half are valued at $120,000 for engineering scholarships and half are valued at $100,000 for science and math scholarships. Every high school in Canada can nominate one graduating student each year to apply for the scholarship.
2. Loran Scholars Foundation
Deadline Month: October
Prize Value: Valued over $100,00
Who is this prize for? Eligibility for high school students:
- Be entering university for the first time in approaching September.
- Present a minimum cumulative average of 85%.
- Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
- Be between 15 to 21 years old.
From the Scholarship Donor’s Website: In partnership with universities, donors and volunteers across the country, we’re investing in the future of Canada. We offer the country’s largest and most comprehensive four-year undergraduate award to young Canadians on the basis of character, service and the promise of leadership.
3. TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
Deadline Month: November
Prize Value: $70,000
Who is this prize for? TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are open to students across Canada who:
- Have demonstrated community leadership.
- Are in their final year of CEGEP (for students in Quebec), or high school (for students outside Quebec).
- Have a minimum overall grade average of 75% (outside Quebec), or a minimum R score of 26 (in Quebec), in their most recently completed school year.
From the Scholarship Donor’s Website: Are you a student in your final year of high school (if you live outside Quebec), or in your last year of CEGEP (if you live in Quebec)? Have you shown a commitment to making a positive difference in your community? You may be eligible for a TD Scholarship for Community Leadership valued at up to $70,000 over 4 years towards a post-secondary college or university education.
4. The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award
Deadline Month: December
Amount: Up to $28,000
Who is this scholarship for? To be considered for the Award, applicants must meet be:
- In good academic standing.
- Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.
- Students graduating from secondary (high) school or students completing their first year of CÉGEP or students who have completed secondary (high) school
- Involved in voluntary humanitarian activities (for which they have not been compensated).
- Planning to or are already studying towards their first university degree or diploma at a Canadian post-secondary institution, or entering their 2nd year of CÉGEP in the upcoming academic year.
From the Scholarship Donor: The vision of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program is to be one of the most prestigious scholarships in the country, dedicated to honouring and advancing the humanitarian legacy of Terry Fox – one of Canada’s most recognized heroes – by encouraging Canadian youth to emulate Terry’s courage and determination through volunteer work and humanitarian services.
5. University of Toronto National Scholarship Program – Entrance Award
Deadline Month: Varies by high school – students must be nominated first – usually in October
Amount: Full ride. Covers tuition, incidental and residence fees for up to four years of study.
Who is this scholarship for? The contest is open to students who are:
- an original and creative thinker
- committed to school and community
- a high achiever in academic and creative pursuits
- enthusiastic about learning and intellectual exploration
- a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
- currently in your final year of Canadian secondary school or first-year CEGEP
- intending to begin university the following academic year (or intending to take a gap year)
- a National Book Award nominee
From the Scholarship Donor: Students who have been nominated by their schools as National Book Award recipients may submit applications to the National Scholarship Program. The National Scholarship rewards original, creative and committed Canadian secondary school students. These are students who demonstrate superior academic performance, original and creative thought, and exceptional achievement in a broad context. They excel in academic pursuits, demonstrate enthusiasm for intellectual exploration and have a strong involvement in the lives of their schools and communities. Approximately fifteen students are selected as National Scholars (winners) and ten are named Arbor Scholars (runners-up).
Final Thoughts: Your Story is the Secret
In the end, scholarship committees aren’t looking for superheroes. They’re looking for real students with real stories of action, reflection, and growth. Start early, be intentional with your choices, and build a story that connects everything together.
Every activity, project, and role you take on is a chance to grow and shape your narrative. When it’s time to apply, your application should tell a story of someone who cares, leads, solves problems, and uplifts others.
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.
Need help finding or telling your story of impact?
I’d be happy to point you in the right direction (or help you get started).
Consultation Request Form
Original post here: How to Win Top University Scholarships in Canada
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