Schulich Leader Scholarship: How To Apply

By Christine Rees October 28, 2020 Scholarships

Schulich Leader Scholarships are awarded to entrepreneurial-minded high school graduates who are enrolling in a STEM program at one of the twenty partner universities across Canada.

STEM is an acronym for the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. In addition, every Canadian high school can nominate one graduating student every year for the scholarship. However, Cégeps can nominate up to four students.

Quick Overview

• Number and distribution of scholarships confirmed on or before March 1, 2022
• In 2020, 100 scholarships were awarded
• Engineering scholarships valued at $100,000
• Science and Math scholarships valued at $80,000

Partner Universities

So, which universities have partnered with Schulich Leader Scholarships?

• University of Victoria
• University of British Columbia
• Western University
• Université Laval
• Dalhousie University
• Université de Montreal
• University of Ottawa
• University of New Brunswick
• Memorial University
• Simon Fraser University
• University of Alberta
• Queen’s University
• University of Calgary
• University of Toronto
• McMaster University
• University of Saskatchewan
• University of Manitoba
• York University
• University of Waterloo
• McGill University

Candidate Eligibility

Who is eligible to receive the Schulich Leader Scholarship? 

• Graduating high school or Cégep in Canada in the 2021/2022 academic year
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Plan to enrol in an eligible STEM program at one of their partner universities
• Meet the following criteria:
  • 1. Academic excellence, AND
  • 2. Leadership, charisma and creativity. 
  • Strong consideration will be given o students with financial need.
• Be entrepreneurial-minded and intend to pursue a career in one or more of the following focus areas:
  • A. Technology;
  • B. Engineering;
  • C. Entrepreneurship and business enterprise;
  • D. Applied scientific research.

What grades are required for Academic Excellence?

Certainly, this definition is determined by each individual high school and Cégep institution in Canada. However, a student must have the grades necessary to get into the eligible STEM program(s) they apply to.

Can my high school nominate me? 

All private and public high schools and Cégeps across Canada are eligible to participate. However, only high schools in Quebec with students that are going directly to post-secondary can participate. 

Can I nominate myself?

Basically, the answer is no. In other words, the Schulich Leader Scholarships do not accept applications unless they are submitted by a member of the high school or Cégep administration.  

Schulich Leader Scholarships are NOT looking for students who:

• Focus on political, environmental, and societal activism.
• Intend to become a Professor and conduct theoretical research. 
• Intend to become a practicing physician or medical researcher (e.g. Dentist, Nurse, Doctor, Pharmacist, Psychologist, etc.) 

How to Apply 

Above all, the application process requires four key steps:

1. Firstly, your high school or Cégep must publicize this opportunity to their student body.
2. Then, your high school or Cégep selects ONE student to be their Schulich Leader Nominee. However, Cégeps may select up to four nominees. 
3. The Nominee completes a separate Schulich Leader Scholarship application.
4. After that, universities review all applications and select their scholarship recipients. 

Scholarship Application Details:

Further, all applications are submitted electronically. However, the link to access this application is only available upon request by the participating high school and Cégeps. In addition, if you are a school staff member and wish to receive this link, email info@uja.schulichleaders.com

What to include on the Scholarship Application:

Firstly, they will request the name and contact of the high school or Cégep, as well as the name and contact information of the Nominee. Secondly, when this is verified, you will proceed to the next step where you will receive a link to the scholarship application via email. The scholarship application includes the following: 

• The universities you wish to attend.
• Your top three achievements. For instance, this can be academic or other (50 words maximum, per achievement).
• An essay that demonstrates why you should win (600 words maximum).
• Short answer: where do you see yourself in 10 years? (50 words maximum).
• Contact information for two Referees who will upload reference letters in support of the nomination
  • Note: Once the Nominee submits the completed scholarship application, each Referee will receive an email to an online reference request form.
  • All letters of reference and scholarship applications must be completed and received by the February 16, 2022 deadline.
• Up-to-date transcript, credit counsel summary, or detailed academic report. 
• Also, a headshot profile image.
• OPTIONAL: essay to outline any extenuating circumstances (250 words maximum).

2021/2022 Deadlines 

In short, keep these dates in mind.

Nomination Deadline (High School Submits Nominee): 

January 26, 2022

Nominee Submits Application: 

February 16, 2022

Universities Make Offers: 

March 1 – June 15, 2022

Scholarship Winners Finalized:

June 15, 2022

So, are you ready to learn more? Then check out the Schulich Scholarship Overview! Similarly, review the Schulich Leader Scholarships Tips next.