Frequently Asked Questions

What are Schulich Leader Scholarships?

Launched in 2012, this $100+ million scholarship fund provides up to 100 undergraduate scholarships each year, across top Canadian universities. The most promising students can pursue their dreams and become the next global pioneers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

Why was this program established?

Founding philanthropist Seymour Schulich believes in supporting exceptional young minds that demonstrate great leadership and embrace STEM fields. He believes that together we are creating the next generation of technology innovators.

What is the monetary value of each scholarship?

$120,000 scholarships are designated for students pursuing an engineering degree, and $100,000 scholarships are designated for students pursuing a science, technology or math degree.

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

100 scholarships are awarded annually across 20 partner universities.

What universities participate in this program?

The list of all Canadian partner universities can be found at schulichleaders.com/universities.

What are the eligible STEM programs at each university?

The list of all eligible STEM programs at each partner university can be found at schulichleaders.com/universities.

Who is eligible to receive the scholarship?

Student eligibility criteria:
Graduating high school or cégep in Canada in the 2023/2024 academic year
-Canadian citizen or permanent resident
-Plan to enroll in an eligible STEM program at one of our 20 partner universities
-Meet the following criteria:
Academic excellence, AND
Leadership, charisma and creativity.
Strong consideration will be given to students with financial need.
-Be entrepreneurial-minded and intend to pursue a career in one or more of the following focus areas:
Technology;
Engineering;
Entrepreneurship and business enterprise;
Applied scientific research.

We are NOT considering students who:
-Focus on activism (environmental/political/societal)
-Intend to become a practicing physician and/or medical researcher (e.g. Doctor, Dentist, Nurse, Psychologist, Pharmacist, Optometrist, etc.)
-Intend to become a Professor and conduct theoretical research

Nominees must support western, democratic ideals and be respectful of people from different backgrounds. There is zero tolerance for displays of racism or antisemitism.  If you don’t support these ideals and/or engage in harmful rhetoric/activities, you are at risk of forfeiting your nominee status or scholarship and should not apply for this award.

Nomination deadline is January 30, 2024.

What grades meet the requirement of Academic Excellence?

The definition of “Academic Excellence” is up to the discretion of each individual high school or cégep. Students must have the grades to get into their program(s) of interest.

How is Financial Need defined?

Students planning to apply for government assistance for undergraduate study at university would meet the criterion of “Financial Need.”

What high schools are eligible to participate?

All public and private high schools and cégeps located in Canada are eligible to participate.

Note: In Quebec, only high schools with students going directly to university can participate.

What is the application process?

The application process to become a Schulich Leader and receive the scholarship is as follows:
1. High school / cégep publicizes this opportunity to their student body
2. High school / cégep selects one student to be their Schulich Leader Nominee (cégeps may select up to four Nominees)
3. Nominee completes a separate Schulich Leader scholarship application
4. Universities review applications and select their scholarship recipients

What are the 2023 application deadlines / important dates?

January 30, 2024 – Deadline for school to submit a Nominee
February 20, 2024– Deadline for Nominee to submit Schulich Leader scholarship application
June 15, 2024 – Scholarship winners finalized

What format are applications submitted in?

All applications are submitted electronically. The link to access the nomination form is only available upon request by the high school / cégep. To request the link email info@uja.schulichleaders.com

How are reference letters submitted and what are the reference letter guidelines?

Referees will receive an email to an online reference request form after the nominee submits their completed scholarship application. All letters of reference and scholarship applications must be completed and received by the scholarship application deadline.

Reference letters must be no longer than one page in length, addressed to The Schulich Leader Scholarships Selection Committee, and include referee contact information for verification.

What information is required for the Schulich Leader Nominee and Scholarship application?

The Schulich Leader Nominee application requests the following:
-Name and contact information of the high school / cégep.
-Name and contact information of the Nominee.
All nominations are verified by the Schulich Leader Scholarships office. Once a nomination is verified, the student is emailed a link to the scholarship application.

Scholarship application includes:
-Contact information for two Referees who will upload reference letters in support of the nomination.
Note: Referees will receive an email to an online reference request form after the nominee submits their completed scholarship application. All letters of reference and scholarship applications must be completed and received by the February 20, 2024 deadline.
-The universities they wish to attend.
-Their top three achievements (academic or other) – 50 words maximum per achievement.
– Essay demonstrating why they should win – 600 words maximum.
Optional essay to outline extenuating circumstances – 250 words maximum.
Short answer to identify where they see themselves in 10 years – 50 words maximum.
-Copy of up-to-date transcript, credit counsel summary or detailed academic report.
-Headshot profile image for publicity.

What is the difference between a Schulich Leader Nominee and a Schulich Leader?

A Schulich Leader Nominee represents the top entrepreneurial-minded STEM student in your graduating class and in turn becomes eligible to win a $120,000 or $100,000 scholarship. This dynamic student demonstrates:
-Academic excellence, AND
-Leadership, charisma and creativity.
Strong consideration will be given to students with financial need.

A Schulich Leader is a student who has been selected by one of our 20 partner universities to receive $120,000 or $100,000 to pursue an undergraduate degree in an eligible STEM program. In addition to this large financial award, they join an elite network and benefit from student enrichment opportunities throughout the year.

Only Schulich Leader Nominees are eligible to become Schulich Leaders.

Can I nominate myself for the scholarship?

We do not accept direct pool applications. In order to be eligible you must be selected by your high school/cégep as their Schulich Leader Nominee.

What is the benefit of being a Schulich Leader Nominee?

The Schulich Leader Nominee designation is associated with many benefits:
-Only Nominees are eligible to receive the $120,000 or $100,000 scholarship.
-Nominees are recognized on a national stage and within their school.

If I am a Schulich Leader Nominee, can I apply to receive the scholarship at all 20 universities?

Schulich Leader Nominees may apply to become Schulich Leaders at the partner universities where they have submitted an admission application or intend to submit an application to enroll in undergraduate study in a STEM program. Note: if you select a university on your application that you intend to apply to, you must complete your admission application to that university by March 1, of the academic year.

How are Schulich Leaders selected in Canada?

Each partner university selects their Schulich Leader scholarship recipients using their own rubric and adjudication committee.

When do the universities select their Schulich Leaders?

The 2024 Schulich Leaders will be selected by each partner university by June 15, 2024. However, the universities may make offers to their desired Schulich Leaders before then.

How are scholarship recipients notified?

The method by which recipients are notified is up to the discretion of each partner university.

Are Schulich Leader Nominees notified if they do not win the scholarship?

It is not a requirement that the universities notify the students they have not selected to receive the scholarship. However, we do update all Schulich Leader Nominees and Nominators via email on a regular basis to provide insight into the selection status at each school. We also post any updates on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages as they become available.

Can a student be offered the scholarship by more than one university?

Schulich Leader Nominees could potentially be offered the scholarship by more than one partner university. However, the partner universities are allowed to put out a scholarship offer with an acceptance deadline. If you receive an offer from one university but would like to wait and see if you receive additional offers, we suggest checking our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, as we will post which universities have finalized their Schulich Leaders as we receive that information. If there is a particular university you have a special interest in we suggest following up with them directly as well.

How are the funds distributed to scholarship recipients?

Before each academic year the universities distribute the funds to the students directly for that academic year. Engineering recipients receive $30,000 and Science, Technology, Math recipients receive $25,000.

Is the scholarship transferable between universities?

Schulich Leader scholarship funds are non-transferable. If a student receives the award but wishes to switch to a different university, they will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship funding.

What are the requirements to maintain the scholarship each year?

The scholarship may be withdrawn by the university if the student fails to obtain sufficient grades to pass a year, commits a felony, withdraws from full-time attendance at the university or changes his or her area of study away from an eligible STEM area.

If a student wins the scholarship, are they ineligible to receive other awards?

Schulich Leader Scholarships do not set any restrictions on receiving other awards.

Can the scholarship be deferred?

Subject to the respective university policies, Schulich Leaders may defer the scholarship for a period of up to one academic year.

If a student accepts an official university admissions offer before finding out if they won the scholarship, will they be ineligible to receive the scholarship at a different university?

If you accept an offer to one university and receive the scholarship at another, you should still be able to accept the scholarship offer and attend the university where you received the scholarship. However, as each university has their own policies, we suggest you speak to them first before submitting a formal acceptance agreement.

Any further questions?

Wer’e here for you! Contact us with any questions or clarification required.