10 Scholarships for Students with Disabilities in Canada

If you are a student with a disability, there are many scholarships in Canada to help you succeed! Ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, these scholarships will help you accomplish your post-secondary goals. Here’s our list of the top 10 scholarships for students with disabilities in Canada! 

To learn more about the funding opportunities you can get and maximize your chances of getting them, make sure to take this quiz and discover how GrantMe can support you!

Kevin Collins Abilities Scholarship 

This scholarship annually awards one student with $3000 towards their studies. The award was created in honour of Kevin Collins, whose “determination to not let anything stand in his way exemplifies what it means to focus on one’s ABILITY, not disability.” If this also describes you, send in a 1-2 page letter or a 1-2 minute video on why you should receive this scholarship.

Emmy Duff Scholarship

Students who have undergone treatment or are currently being treated for cancer are eligible to apply for this scholarship. It was created in honour of Emmy Duff, an extraordinary young woman and three-time leukemia survivor lost her battle at 23 in September 2012. To apply for one of twelve $2000 scholarships, write a 300-500 word letter describing your personal life experience, your future goals, and why you are applying for this scholarship. 

To access in-depth coaching and guidance on your writing, check out the GrantMe platform! Our trained essay editors know exactly what the selection committees look for and can help you draft a winning application. 

IBD Scholarship

This scholarship supports students living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Ten scholarships are available, each valued at $5000, for post-secondary students across Canada. Successful candidates are students who demonstrate academic aspiration and strive to sustain an optimal level of wellness, allowing them to excel to reach their goals and inspire others to do the same. 

NEADS National Student Awards Program

NEADS provides annual scholarships for students with disabilities in Canada. If you’ve demonstrated self-advocacy, academic discipline, and community involvement, you’re eligible! The number of awards available varies per year. The amounts range from $1000 to $5000. 

For tips on crafting a stellar resume for this application, check out our other blog posts!

Lupus Canada Scholarship

This scholarship supports students diagnosed with Lupus. Eight scholarships are available, each valued at $2500. To apply, write an essay on how lupus has affected your student life and how you will benefit from this scholarship. 

CNIB Post-Secondary Scholarships

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) offers over 10 scholarships to students who are blind or partially sighted. The award amounts range from $1000 to $5000. To apply, submit an essay on how the scholarship will change what it means to be blind for you in your education.

You can apply to the CNIB Scholarships via GrantMe while also getting guidance and support along the way!

The Canadian Hearing Society Scholarships

Each year, the Canadian Hearing Society awards 20 scholarships to students who are Deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. Rather than focus on academics, this scholarship awards students who have demonstrated commitment to transforming the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians. The best part is that this scholarship is quite open. No matter your year of study or the location of your post-secondary school, you can apply! Submit your application with a few references for a chance at up to $3,000!

The Carol Shantz Bursary Award

This scholarship is specifically for students in the Waterloo Region and Guelph-Wellington area of Ontario who are current clients or alumni of KidsAbility. Established in honour of Carol Shantz, a former KidsAbility School Educator and Principal, these scholarships for students with disabilities help those pursuing post-secondary education. Complete the application with a short essay and references for a chance at $1000! 

Check out our guide on getting winning reference letters on our blog for help!

AMI Robert Pearson Memorial Scholarship

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) offers two scholarships for students with disabilities annually—one student from the English community and one from the French. The scholarship program is named in honour of Robert Pearson, AMI's first Accessibility Officer. Students with any permanent disabilities are eligible to apply. 

Looking for More Support?

Knowing that these scholarships exist is just one part of the picture. Students who take part in GrantMe's program have comprehensive support. We help students nail their admissions applications, finalize scholarship essays, prepare for interviews and develop essential skills for success! 

Your first step to fund your future is to take our program assessment quiz. This is a great way to evaluate if our program is right for you, and how we can help you on your journey to graduate debt-free.