Schulich Leader Scholarships

The Schulich Leader Scholarships are Canada’s most prestigious and valuable STEM-focused undergraduate awards. Established by philanthropist Seymour Schulich in 2011 and co-administered with the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, this program aims to cultivate future leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across Canada. Annually, 100 scholarships are awarded to outstanding high school graduates displaying exceptional academic and entrepreneurial potential :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

Scholarship Value

Recipients pursuing engineering receive $120,000 CAD (spread over four years), while those entering science, technology, or mathematics programs get $100,000 CAD :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduating from a Canadian high school (or CÉGEP in Québec) in the 2024–2025 year :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Planning to enroll full-time in a STEM bachelor’s program at one of 20 partner Canadian universities :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Outstanding academic performance, entrepreneurial mindset (leadership, creativity, charisma), with financial need given strong consideration :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Applicants pursuing careers in technology, engineering, applied research or entrepreneurship; those focusing on professional or theoretical medical streams are excluded :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Selection Process

1. Nomination – Each Canadian high school (or up to four CÉGEPs) may nominate one student. Nomination deadline: **January 29, 2025** :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
2. Application – Nominees complete the application by **February 19, 2025**, submitting essays, transcripts, résumé, and two reference letters :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
3. Selection – Twenty partner universities choose recipients; winners confirmed between **March 7 to June 16, 2025** :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Application Requirements

• Essays on career aspirations, entrepreneurial mindset, passions, and qualifications (~250 words each).
• Brief descriptions of top three accomplishments (50 words each).
• Two referee letters addressed to the “Schulich Leader Scholarships Selection Committee.”
• Official transcript and optional personal statement if there are extenuating circumstances :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

Benefits Beyond Funding

• Full financial support—no tuition or living expenses for the duration of the bachelor's degree :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Access to enrichment events and network of past Schulich leaders.
• Enhancement of leadership and entrepreneurial profiles.

Why It Matters

The Schulich Leader Scholarships empower Canada’s brightest STEM students to pursue ambitious academic and entrepreneurial paths without financial pressure. Backed by a substantial endowment (~$200 million), and offering high-calibre support and visibility, this award is both a financial cornerstone and a mark of excellence :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

Next Steps

1. Speak with your school counsellor to initiate a nomination before Jan 29, 2025.
2. Prepare essays, transcripts, and secure referees early.
3. Apply once nominated, and keep track of the Feb 19 application deadline.
4. If selected, connect with the awarded university to complete enrolment by June 2025.

If you're a high-achieving STEM high school student in Canada with strong leadership potential and entrepreneurial spirit, the Schulich Leader Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity—both financially and professionally. Let me know if you’d like help preparing essays, finding partner universities, or understanding the nomination process!