Scholarships for Incoming Students at McMaster University

Written by Umaima Usman

The McMaster University Award of Excellence

Value: $3000
Eligibility for the award:
1. Incoming high school students entering Level 1 of their first baccalaureate degree program (open to domestic and international students).
2. The achievement of a final admission average in the top 10% of your Faculty.
3. This award does not require an application
Important to Note: Scholarship offers are projected based on your admission average at the time of your application. Your scholarship offer is conditional, pending receipt of your official grades.

Value: differs based on the faculty
Eligibility for the award:
1. Incoming high school students entering Level 1 of their first baccalaureate degree program (open to domestic and international students).
2. The achievement of a minimum final admission average as determined by your Faculty. Award cut-offs vary by Faculty and are listed below.
3. This award does not require an application.
Important to Note: Scholarship offers are projected based on your admission average at the time of your application. Your scholarship offer is conditional, pending receipt of your final grades from OUAC

Value: $80,000 ($20,000 per year)
Eligibility for Award:
1. Self-identify as Inuit, or as Status/Non-status First Nations from the Six Nations of the Grand River or the Mississaugas of the New Credit
2. Entering a degree program at McMaster in 2022-23
Criteria:
1. Minimum admission average of at least 75%
2. Demonstrate financial need
3. An AwardSpring application which includes:
  1. Essay describing the influence that your Indigenous heritage has had on your volunteer activities, leadership opportunities, university program choice, career path, or other community involvement that is important to you (1 – 2 pages).
  2. A reference letter from a non-family member
Deadline: April 1st, 2021 at 11:59 pm (ET)

Value: $7500 (up to 10 awards available per year)
Eligibility for Award:
1. Must be an international visa student, currently studying at a high school, and entering Level 1 of their first baccalaureate degree program
Criteria:
1. This award requires a letter of reference from an official from their high school (i.e. principal, department head, guidance counselor, etc.), who can comment knowledgeably about your academic achievements, character, community service, and leadership potential
Deadline: February 12, 2021 at 11:59 pm (ET)

Value: $3,000 per student (variable numbers of awards each year)
Eligibility for the award:
1. Must be an international visa student, currently studying at a high school, and entering Level 1 of their first baccalaureate degree program.
Criteria:
1. Students are automatically considered for this award once enrolled at McMaster for the upcoming fall term.
2. Awards are based on final admission averages.

Value: $3000 per student
Eligibility:
1. Must be an international visa student, currently studying at a high school and entering Level 1 of their first baccalaureate degree program.
Criteria:
1. Students are automatically considered for this award once enrolled at McMaster for the upcoming fall term.
2. Awards are based on final admission averages.

Value: up to $25,000 per year in award funding towards tuition, compulsory fees, books, equipment and living costs, and one guaranteed McMaster University work experience. Tenable for up to four years.
Eligibility for Award:
1. Students from equity deserving groups in the Golden Horseshoe area.
2. Demonstrate financial need.
Criteria:
1. An AwardSpring application which includes:
  1. Short essays detailing the barriers to accessing post-secondary education you are facing and your desire to attend McMaster.
  2. A reference letter.
Deadline: February 12, 2021 at 11:59 pm (ET)

Value: $2,500
Eligibility for Award:
1. Must be a self-identified Black student applying for admission to a Level 1 program.
Criteria:
1. An AwardSpring application which includes:
  1. Short essays detailing your impact on your community, what you hope to accomplish during your time at McMaster, and your financial situation.
  2. A list of your extracurricular and employment activities.
  3. A reference letter.
Deadline: February 12, 2021 at 11:59 pm (ET).

Value: $1200-$5000
Eligibility for Award:
1. Eligible candidates must be entering a Humanities 1, Studio Art or Music program at McMaster with a minimum admission average set by the Faculty.
Criteria:
1. An AwardSpring application which includes:
  1. A short essay (up to 250 words); or
  2. A two minute video
Deadline: May 10, 2021 at 11:59 pm (ET).

Value: Approximately $100,000 over four years of undergraduate studies (includes tuition waiver and $10,000 annual stipend)
Eligibility for Award:
1. Be in your final year of uninterrupted full-time studies in high school or CEGEP (if you are planning to attend university outside of Quebec after only one year of CEGEP, you can apply in your first year of CEGEP)
2. At least 16 years old by Sept. 1 of the following year.
3. Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Criteria:
1. High school students: present a minimum cumulative average of 85%.
2. Cegep students: present an R score equal to or higher than 29.

Value: Up to $80,000 – $100,000 over four years
Eligibility for Award:
1. Entering an eligible Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) program.
2. Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
3. Must be selected as high school’s nominee (Canadian schools only).
Criteria:
1. Awarded to the top entrepreneurial-minded STEM students that demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, creativity and charisma.
2. Strong consideration will be given to students with financial need.