10 Scholarships for Women in Canada

There are many scholarships in Canada specifically to empower women to achieve their education and career goals! Ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, these scholarships will help you accomplish your post-secondary goals. Here’s our list of the top 10 scholarships for women in Canada! 

Curious to see how many scholarships you're actually eligible for? Take this two-minute quiz!

Canadian Women in Municipal Government Scholarship

This scholarship supports women entering all programs who are leaders within their communities! They offer five awards each year, supporting one student per major region in Canada. You’ll want to start this application well in advance. It includes three short essays, a three-minute video, and two references. However, if your application is successful, you’ll have $1000 towards your education!

For support on getting winning reference letters, check out our other blog posts!

Opterus Rebel with a Cause Awards

Offering two scholarships worth $10,000 each, you want to apply for this award! It's open to students between the ages of 16 and 28 pursuing either a STEM or Arts educational path. The two awards are each named in honour of incredible women who used their skills to contribute to a new mindset for a better world. If this message resonates with you, be sure to submit an essay to apply!

Toptal Scholarship

The Toptal Scholarship is by far the most comprehensive scholarship on this list! It not only provides a $10,000 scholarship but a year of mentorship from an expert with the skills and knowledge you need to set you on the right path. You only need to be 16 years or older to apply—you can be studying any field at any level! This international scholarship selects one winner per region, so you can also be located anywhere in the world. To apply, write a blog post of at least 1,000 words describing what difference you want to make in the world and what resources you need to make it happen. 

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. 

LNBF Earth Award

If you’re an environmental activist, this is the scholarship for you! The LNBF Earth Award recognizes outstanding Canadian women who are actively engaged in environmental and community leadership. To apply, write a 500-word essay describing a community initiative, project, social enterprise, or business you lead. If you’re selected a winner, you’ll win a $1,000 grant towards your project!

John Evans Female Engineering Scholarship

As the STEM field is often dominated by men, you’ll often find scholarships specifically for women entering engineering! The John Evans Female Engineering Scholarship is awarded to aspiring engineering students. Valued at $5,000, it also includes a potential summer engineering work placement opportunity with Fortis Inc. at one of their Canadian utilities! Check out their website for more details on how to apply. 

Violet Richardson Award

This scholarship honours Violet Richardson, the president of the first Soroptimist Club. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. If between the ages of 14 and 18 and dedicated to making a difference, you’re eligible to apply! Submit an essay about your volunteer experience for a chance to win $250!

DeBeers Group Scholarships

Another scholarship for women in STEM! In partnership with United Nations Women, DeBeers offers four scholarships annually, valued at $2,175 USD each. All women are eligible to apply. However, they especially encourage Indigenous women from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Northern Ontario, and Southern Alberta. They also offer four additional scholarships for women attending the University of Calgary and four scholarships for women attending the University of Waterloo. These extra eight awards offer $7,000 USD each. 

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

SarahBeth Hartlage Scholarship

This award was founded by SarahBeth Hartlage, an authority in the healthcare industry and a trusted expert in her field. This scholarship works to help ensure that finances do not stand in the way of students achieving their education. To apply, submit an essay describing how women are changing the healthcare sector. You could win $1,000 towards your education!

Guelph Women in Networking Scholarship

Students in Southern Ontario are eligible for this scholarship! Valued at $1500, it supports the next generation of women in business. This scholarship requires an essay, as well as a resume and reference letters. 

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

She Began Essay Writing Scholarship

Do you have strong writing skills? Apply for the She Began Essay Writing Scholarship! The scholarship aims to surface hidden women talent. Write about a woman who accomplished a big “first” to apply! Examples include the First Woman Carpenter of Pakistan, the First Woman to Walk-in Space, and the First Woman to Climb Mount Everest. If selected as the winner, you can win $2,500!

Start Your Scholarship Journey

Knowing that these scholarships exist is just one part of the picture. Students who take part in GrantMe's program can access comprehensive support. We help students finalize their scholarship essays, keep track of deadlines, prepare for interviews and so much more! Your first step in accessing this support for 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.