Scholarships for Online High School Students in Canada
High school is an exciting journey filled with big dreams – and for many Canadian students, those dreams include pursuing higher education. However, the cost of university or college can be daunting. That’s where scholarships come in. Scholarships are financial awards for students that can help pay for tuition and other expenses, and they’re not just for straight-A students or star athletes. In fact, there are hundreds of scholarship opportunities for all kinds of high school students across Canada – including those studying online.
Canadian Virtual School (CVS) students – who are enrolled in online learning for Grades 9–12 – have successfully secured top scholarships at universities nationwide. This means that if you’re attending high school through an accredited online program like CVS, you have the same scholarship opportunities as any traditional student. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore scholarships available to Canadian high schoolers (both online and traditional), from merit-based awards to need-based bursaries and everything in between. You’ll also learn eligibility for Scholarships for Online High schoolers, how to find and apply for scholarships, and get answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in and unlock the funding opportunities to help you realize your educational goals!
Types of Scholarships for High School Students
There is a wide range of options for Canadian high school scholarships to suit different talents, interests, and backgrounds. Generally, scholarships for high school students can be categorized into several types. Below, we highlight the major categories and what they entail, along with examples of each.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships reward academic excellence or other outstanding achievements. These are often based on your grades, test scores, or a combination of academic factors. Many universities offer automatic entrance scholarships to Grade 12 students with high averages. For example, some Ontario institutions provide tiered entrance awards: a student with an 85% average might earn around a $2,500 scholarship, while a 95% average could net a larger award.
Merit scholarships can also come from external organizations – think of competitions or awards for exceptional science fair projects, math contest winners, or other academic accomplishments.
Key points about merit-based awards:
- Academic criteria: Often require a minimum GPA or specific grade average (commonly 80% or 90%+ for significant awards).
- Automatic vs. application: Some are automatic (based on your admission average), whereas others require a separate application or essay.
- Competitive edge: It is essential to take challenging courses and maintain strong grades throughout high school. For instance, excelling in core subjects like Grade 12 English (ENG4U) and advanced math or science courses can boost your eligibility for these scholarships.
Financial Need-Based Scholarships (Bursaries)
Not all scholarships are about marks – many focus on financial need. These are often called bursaries or need-based scholarships, and they aim to support students who might not otherwise be able to afford post-secondary education. To qualify, you must demonstrate your family’s financial situation (for example, by showing income information or explaining financial hardships).
Sources of need-based aid include:
- Government programs: The federal and provincial governments provide grants and loans to students with financial need. A well-known example is the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), which offers a mix of grants (which you don’t repay) and loans (which you do repay) to eligible students. According to the Government of Ontario, you can get grants and loans through OSAP to help pay for university or college. (Every province has its own student aid program, and there are also Canada-wide grants for students from low-income families.)
- School-based bursaries: Many universities and colleges set aside funds for incoming students who need financial help. These bursaries may require an application separate from your admission, often in the spring of Grade 12. They consider your financial need and sometimes other factors like community involvement or special circumstances.
- Community and non-profit scholarships: Organizations like local charities, community foundations, or service clubs (e.g., Rotary or Lions Clubs) often offer need-based awards for students in their region. These might be smaller amounts, but they can add up and are often less competitive than national scholarships.
If you’re concerned about the cost of post-secondary education, definitely look into these financial aid for students options. Remember, need-based awards consider your situation, not just your grades – so even if your marks aren’t the highest, you could qualify based on financial need. Always fill out any available general financial aid applications (like provincial aid forms) to maximize your chances.
Subject-Specific and Career Scholarships
Some scholarships target students who excel in or plan to pursue particular subjects or careers. These subject-specific scholarships are great if you have a clear field of interest. For example:
- Students passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) could aim for awards like the Schulich Leader Scholarships, which provide substantial funding (up to $100,000) for top STEM students. These scholarships require a nomination from your school and consider both academic merit and leadership.
- Aspiring writers or artists might find contests or scholarships for creative work, such as essay competitions or art awards. For instance, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association has offered essay-based awards, and there are art or design competitions that give scholarship prizes.
- Future engineers, doctors, teachers, etc., can look for industry-sponsored awards. An example is the Meteorology Award Program from Environment Canada, which provides scholarships to students entering atmospheric science. Similarly, engineering associations or healthcare organizations sometimes sponsor scholarships for students entering those fields.
Tips for subject-specific awards:
- Highlight your accomplishments or projects in that subject (e.g., coding projects for tech scholarships, a portfolio for art scholarships).
- Get relevant recommendations. A reference letter from a teacher in the field (like your science teacher for a STEM scholarship) can strengthen your application.
- Show your passion. Many of these scholarships want to invest in students who are committed to that field. Explain in your applications why you are drawn to that area of study and any related activities you’ve done.
Athletic Scholarships
If you’re a talented athlete, athletic scholarships could be your ticket to funding. In the United States, sports scholarships are famous for covering full tuition, but Canadian athletic scholarships exist as well (though typically more modest in amount). Canadian universities under U Sports (the governing body for university sports in Canada) offer what are called Athletic Financial Awards. These are often capped at an amount equal to tuition or a set limit – for example, many U Sports scholarships max out around $4,500 per year, although in some cases, top athletes can get an amount covering full tuition.
Key things to know:
- Academic requirements: Athletic awards usually require you to maintain a minimum academic average (often around 70% or a C grade) to keep the scholarship. Schools want student-athletes, not just athletes – so your studies still matter.
- Recruitment: Typically, you need to be recruited to a university team to receive an athletic scholarship. This means excelling in your sport during high school and connecting with coaches at the post-secondary level. If you aim for this route, start the process early (attend scouting camps, send portfolios or game tapes to coaches, etc.).
- Other athletic awards: Outside of university teams, there are scholarships from athletic associations or even sports tournaments. For example, some provincial high school sports organizations offer scholarships to student-athletes who display both sportsmanship and academic success. Additionally, private programs like the Andre De Grasse Future Champions Scholarship support high school athletes pursuing both athletic and academic excellence.
In summary, while athletic scholarships in Canada might not always cover everything, they can still significantly offset costs – and they’re a fantastic reward for all the hard work you’ve put into your sport.
Volunteer & Community Service Scholarships
Volunteering and community leadership can also lead to major scholarships. Many large awards in Canada look beyond grades and focus on a student’s impact on their community, leadership skills, and character. If you’ve been heavily involved in volunteering or student government or have started a project to help others, these scholarships are worth exploring.
Notable examples include:
- TD Scholarships for Community Leadership – These prestigious awards honor youth who’ve made a difference. Up to 20 students each year receive scholarships valued at up to $70,000 over four years, which covers tuition and living expenses. Recipients are students who have shown exceptional community leadership and initiative.
- Loran Award (Loran Scholars Foundation) – This is one of Canada’s biggest and most comprehensive scholarships for leadership, service, and character. Valued at roughly $100,000 over four years (including annual stipends, tuition waivers at partner universities, and summer program funding), the Loran Award looks for students who demonstrate deep commitment to service, leadership potential, and academic well-roundedness. It involves a rigorous selection process with essays and interviews.
- Volunteer-specific local awards – Many communities have volunteer scholarships, such as those provided by local non-profits, companies, or even municipalities. For instance, some towns might have an award for the “Youth Volunteer of the Year” that comes with a scholarship. Local community foundations or chapters of organizations (like the United Way, community centers, etc.) may also sponsor scholarships for students who give back.
To compete for volunteer-based scholarships:
- Document your impact: Keep track of your volunteer hours, roles, and achievements. Scholarship committees love to see measurable impact (e.g., “volunteered 200 hours at a food bank and led a campaign that collected 5,000 cans of food”).
- Get strong references: A reference letter from a supervisor where you volunteered can powerfully attest to your contributions and character.
- Craft your story: These scholarships often ask for essays about your community work. Explain why you got involved, what you learned, and the difference you made. Passion and authenticity go a long way in showing you’re not just checking a box but truly committed to your community.
Private Foundation and Corporate Scholarships
In addition to schools and the government, countless private companies, foundations, and organizations fund scholarships for high school students. These can range from large corporate-sponsored programs to small trust funds set up by individuals or families.
A few examples:
- Corporate scholarships: Big businesses often give back through education awards. Banks are a great example. RBC, TD, Scotiabank, and CIBC all offer scholarships or bursaries (for example, RBC’s Indigenous Student Awards or TD’s community leadership scholarship mentioned above). Tech companies, insurance firms, and retailers may also run scholarship contests or programs (for instance, some fast-food chains offer scholarships to student employees).
- Foundation scholarships: Charitable foundations (like the Loran Scholars Foundation or the Schulich Foundation) fund major awards. Another example is the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, a foundation scholarship for well-rounded students who demonstrate humanitarian efforts and perseverance (inspired by Terry Fox’s legacy). Many foundations target specific causes or groups—for example, there are foundations offering scholarships for immigrant youth, women in STEM, etc.
- Local business and service club awards: Don’t overlook smaller scholarships. A local law firm might sponsor an award for students interested in law, or the chamber of commerce might have a scholarship for budding entrepreneurs. These might be in the few-hundred to a couple-thousand dollar range, but applying for several can really add up.
The great thing about private scholarships is the sheer number of them. In fact, Universities Canada (an organization representing Canadian universities) manages more than 120 different scholarship programs on behalf of private sector companies and foundations.
Each has its own criteria – some target employees’ children, some target certain fields or demographics, and others are open to anyone.
Tip: Use a scholarship search tool or database to find these opportunities (more on that below). It’s also a good idea to check with your parent’s employer or union, your own part-time job employer, and community groups you belong to – sometimes, scholarships aren’t widely advertised, and you have to dig for information.
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships
Now that you know the types of scholarships available, the next step is finding the ones that are right for you and putting together strong applications. Here are some strategies to help you navigate the scholarship search and application process:
- Start Early (Grade 11 or beginning of Grade 12): Many big scholarship applications are due in the fall or winter of your Grade 12 year. For example, the Loran Award and some university major scholarships often have deadlines in October or November. Don’t wait until the last minute – research opportunities in Grade 11 or over the summer before Grade 12. Early planning gives you time to gather materials (like reference letters) and meet all the requirements.
- Use Scholarship Search Resources: Use online databases and resources dedicated to scholarships. Websites like ScholarshipsCanada and ScholarTree let you create a profile and search for scholarships that fit you. For instance, ScholarTree has been helping students find scholarships since 1997. You can filter opportunities by region, field of study, background, and more. Also, explore official sources; the Government of Canada scholarship resources page links to various programs, and your provincial education ministry or school board might list local awards. Don’t forget to talk to your high school Guidance counselor as well – they often have lists of popular scholarships and can recommend ones that match your profile.
- Stay Organized: Keep a spreadsheet or calendar of scholarship deadlines, requirements, and submission dates. Note which ones you’ve applied to and any tasks remaining (like “need to finish essay” or “awaiting reference letter from Mr. Smith”). Organization is key when juggling multiple applications – you don’t want to miss a great opportunity because of a forgotten deadline.
- Prepare Strong Application Materials: Most scholarship applications will require some combination of:
- Transcripts (to show your grades).
- Personal statements or essays (to discuss your achievements, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship).
- Reference letters (from teachers, counselors, employers, or community leaders who can vouch for your abilities and character).
- Resume of activities (listing your extracurriculars, volunteer work, awards, and skills).
- Apply Broadly and Don’t Get Discouraged: Scholarships are competitive. You might win some and not others, and that’s okay. The key is to apply to a range of scholarships – a mix of big national awards and smaller local ones. Sometimes, smaller awards have higher odds because fewer people apply. Any amount is money you don’t have to pay yourself. Keep applying even if you face some rejections; perseverance can pay off. Every application you submit is a learning experience and brings you closer to securing funding.
- Mind the Details: Little things can make a difference. Follow instructions precisely – if a scholarship asks for two reference letters and a 500-word essay, don’t submit one letter and a 700-word essay. Submit all parts of the application before the deadline and in the format requested (some might want PDFs, others an online form, etc.). Also, ensure your online courses or schooling are appropriately represented – for instance, if you studied at Canadian Virtual School, ensure your transcripts and letters indicate that you completed the Ontario curriculum (OSSD credits). This way, scholarship committees will recognize that your education is accredited and equivalent to any public school.
- Leverage Your Online School Experience: Being an online high school student can actually be an asset in your scholarship applications. You can talk about skills you’ve developed through online learning, such as self-motivation, independent learning, time management, and tech proficiency. Scholarship reviewers might find this unique and impressive. Also, if you needed flexibility to pursue something important (like intensive sports training, arts, work, or dealing with health issues), online schooling shows you took the initiative to balance education with your circumstances. CVS provides Guidance counselors and teacher support, so don’t hesitate to ask your online teachers or staff for reference letters or advice during the scholarship process – they are there to help you succeed.
By following these steps, you’ll maximize your chances of securing scholarships to fund your education. It may seem like a lot of work. Still, every application you complete is an investment in your future – and potentially thousands of dollars of aid that can make your college or university dreams possible.
FAQ: Scholarships for Online High School Students
Below, we answer some common questions about scholarships for high school students, including those studying online. These quick Q&As are meant to help you understand the basics and nuances of scholarship opportunities.
Can online high school students get scholarships in Canada?
Yes. Students enrolled in an accredited online high school program are just as eligible for scholarships as students in traditional schools. Universities and scholarship committees care about your achievements, grades, and activities – not about whether you earned your credits in-person or online. As long as your online school is recognized (for example, CVS is an inspected Ontario school granting OSSD credits), your diploma and transcript will be treated equally. In short, your online school scholarship eligibility is the same as any other student’s eligibility.
What scholarships are available for Canadian high school students?
There are many scholarships available for Canadian high schoolers. Broadly, they include merit-based scholarships (for strong academics), need-based scholarships or bursaries (for students requiring financial assistance), scholarships for specific fields or talents (like science, arts, or athletics), community service scholarships (for volunteerism and leadership), and private or corporate scholarships (offered by businesses or foundations). Some are national (open to students across Canada), while others are provincial or local. For example, there are national awards like the Schulich Leader Scholarships (a STEM-focused award), provincial programs like Alberta’s Rutherford Scholarship (for Alberta students with high grades), and local awards such as a city’s “student of the year” scholarship or a service club award. The key is that there’s a wide variety – something for almost every student’s strengths and needs.
How can I find scholarship opportunities for high school students?
To find scholarships, use multiple strategies:
Search online scholarship databases (e.g., ScholarshipsCanada, ScholarTree, Yconic), where you can filter opportunities by location, field of study, etc.
Check official resources like the Government of Canada’s scholarship page and your provincial student aid websites. (They often list grants and scholarships.)
Talk to your high school Guidance counselor; they often have information on popular scholarships and local opportunities.
Look at university websites – most have pages listing entrance scholarships you’re automatically considered for, and some list external scholarships.
Keep an eye on community news or bulletin boards for scholarships from local businesses, charities, or civic organizations. By combining these methods, you’ll uncover a wide range of grade 12 scholarship opportunities to apply for.
When should I start applying for scholarships?
You should start looking for scholarships by Grade 11 and definitely by the summer before Grade 12. Many major scholarships have deadlines in the early fall of your Grade 12 year (September to November). For instance, applications for big awards like the Loran Scholars Foundation and TD Scholarship are typically due in October/November of your senior year. That said, not all deadlines are early – some entrance scholarships are automatic with university admission, and other private scholarships might have deadlines in the fall or spring of Grade 12. The important thing is to research early so you can prepare. Mark those deadlines on a calendar. Also, starting early gives you time to improve your resume (maybe take on a volunteer role in Grade 11 if you haven’t yet, knowing you’ll be applying for leadership scholarships).
Do I need top grades to win a scholarship?
Not necessarily. While many scholarships (especially pure academic ones) do expect strong grades, there are plenty of awards that focus on other qualities. For example, community service scholarships place more weight on your volunteer work and leadership than on having a 95% average. Athletic scholarships look at your sports achievements. Need-based awards care about your financial situation first and foremost. Of course, having good grades helps because it qualifies you for more opportunities and shows you can balance academics with other activities. But you do not have to be the valedictorian or have straight A’s to win scholarships – many winners are well-rounded B+ or A- students who also engage in their communities, hobbies, or leadership roles.
How do I apply for scholarships while in high school?
The application process varies by scholarship, but generally:
Find scholarships that you’re eligible for (through searches, counselors, etc.).
Fill out the application form (online or paper) by providing your personal and academic information.
Submit required documents – this often includes an essay/personal statement, reference letters, and transcripts. Some scholarships might have unique requirements, like a portfolio (for art scholarships) or a video submission.
Submit your application before the deadline. Double-check that you included everything.
Follow up if needed – for example, some scholarships might email finalists for interviews or additional info. Each scholarship is a bit different. Some entrance scholarships don’t even require a separate application (your university application doubles as the scholarship application if your grades are high enough). Others, especially big private scholarships, have dedicated application processes. Make sure to read the instructions for each scholarship carefully.
Are there scholarships specifically for online school students?
There aren’t many scholarships exclusively for online high school students because online students are eligible for the same scholarships as everyone else. The playing field is level. That said, some online schools (usually private ones) might offer internal awards to their own students – for example, a small scholarship for the top graduate or a bursary for a student who overcame challenges. It’s worth checking if your school has anything like that. However, by and large, you should focus on the mainstream scholarships available to all high school students in Canada since your online schooling does not exclude you from any of those.
What’s the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
A scholarship is typically awarded based on merit or specific achievements (academic, athletic, leadership, etc.), and it’s money you don’t have to pay back. A bursary is usually based on financial need – it’s also non-repayable, but the main criterion is that you require financial assistance. In practice, the terms can overlap; some organizations use “award” or “grant” as well. For example, a university might offer a $1,000 “entrance bursary” to a student with financial need and a $1,000 “entrance scholarship” to a student with high grades. Both are free money for your education, but the selection criteria differ.
Can I get a scholarship before I graduate high school (in grades 9, 10, or 11)?
Q:
A: Most scholarships target graduating high school students (Grade 12) since they’re intended to fund your upcoming college/university studies. However, there are a few opportunities for younger students:
Some national contests (essay competitions, science fairs, etc.) open to lower-graders offer scholarship money or bonds that you can use for future studies.
A few organizations have awards specifically for Grade 11 students to encourage them (for example, certain leadership awards for juniors or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, which isn’t a scholarship but an achievement that can strengthen future applications).
If you’re in Grade 11, you can prepare by taking on leadership roles or community projects now – even if the scholarships themselves only accept Grade 12 applicants, what you do in earlier grades will count toward those applications. In short, you typically won’t receive scholarship funds until Grade 12, but you can certainly start building your profile (and even apply to some contests or small awards) in earlier grades.
Conclusion & Next Steps: Earning a scholarship can make a huge difference in funding your education and boosting your confidence as you head into post-secondary. Whether studying at a traditional school or online at Canadian Virtual School, you can earn scholarships through hard work and dedication. Start early, stay organized, and put your best foot forward in each application.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your educational journey, Canadian Virtual School is here to support you. Our students have gone on to attend top universities with scholarships in hand – and you can too. Interested in upgrading a course or starting a new one to strengthen your university application? Explore our course offerings and feel free to register online to enroll in a course or program. Have questions or need Guidance? Contact us – our team is happy to help you plan your path to success.
Don’t let finances hold you back. With the right planning and effort, scholarships for online high school students (and all high school students) are within reach. Good luck with your scholarship hunt, and we at Canadian Virtual School wish you all the best in achieving your post-secondary dreams!
