Let’s be real—being a student isn’t cheap. Between tuition, textbooks that cost more than rent, and the occasional “I deserve this” splurge at your favorite store, your wallet is probably screaming for help.
But what if we told you there’s a way to get paid to be in school—without working endless part-time jobs or surviving on instant ramen?
Enter: Scholarships and contests.
That’s right—free money is just sitting there, waiting to be claimed. And the best part? There’s something for everyone—whether you’re a high-achiever, an athlete, a volunteer, a future entrepreneur, or just really good at convincing people why you deserve cash (a valuable life skill, honestly).
We’ve rounded up some of the best scholarships, niche awards, and tips to help you actually win them. Plus, we’ll break down how to find hidden scholarships at your own school and how to use that sweet, sweet free money once you get it.
Let’s go get that bag.
1. Why Scholarships & Contests Are the Ultimate Student Life Hack
Sure, you could work extra shifts to cover tuition. But why not let someone else pay for your education?
Here’s why scholarships are the best kind of money:
✅ You don’t have to pay it back. Unlike student loans, this is your money to keep.
✅ They can stack up. Winning one scholarship? Great. Winning multiple? Even better.
✅ They’re not just for straight-A students. There are scholarships for athletes, artists, community leaders, and even left-handed people. (Yes, seriously.)
The biggest mistake students make? Not applying. Millions of dollars in scholarships go unclaimed every year because people assume they won’t win. But trust us—someone’s getting that money, and it might as well be you.
2. Biggest Scholarships & Contests for Canadian Students in 2025
Here are some of the most exciting, high-paying scholarships in Canada. If you qualify, apply ASAP.
🏆 The Loran Scholars Foundation
- Amount: Up to $100,000
- Who Can Apply: Canadian high school students who have leadership experience & community involvement
- Deadline: October 2025
💡 The Schulich Leader Scholarships
- Amount: Up to $120,000 for STEM students
- Who Can Apply: Students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math
- Deadline: February 2025
🎨 The STEAM Horizon Awards
- Amount: $25,000
- Who Can Apply: High school students excelling in Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, or Math
- Deadline: January 2025
📝 The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award
- Amount: Up to $28,000
- Who Can Apply: Students committed to making a difference in their communities
- Deadline: February 2025
3. Niche Scholarships You Didn’t Know Existed
Not everyone is a STEM whiz or a community leader. That’s okay—there are scholarships for literally everyone.
🔧 Trade & College Student Scholarships
If you’re heading to a college or trade school instead of university, there’s free money for you too:
- The CWB Welding Foundation Awards (for students entering welding programs)
- Apprenticeship Incentive Grants (for skilled trades students)
- Colleges Ontario Awards (for students attending Ontario colleges)
🎭 Arts & Creative Scholarships
- The Canadian Art Foundation Awards (for students in visual arts)
- The CBC Creative Nonfiction Prize (for writers)
- Music Counts Scholarships (for aspiring musicians)
🌱 Scholarships for Environmental & Social Justice Activists
- The Eco Canada Environmental Scholarship
- The Canadian Women in Municipal Government Scholarship (for future politicians & community leaders)
4. Scholarships for High School Students
High school is the best time to apply for scholarships—before you’re drowning in university assignments.
Some scholarships available only to high schoolers:
- Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarships (for students overcoming adversity)
- RBC Indigenous Student Awards
- The Future Aces Foundation Award (for students demonstrating leadership & character)
Even if you’re not planning to attend university immediately, apply now—some scholarships let you defer the money until you enroll in school.
5. Smaller Scholarships That Add Up
Not every scholarship is worth $100K—but smaller ones are easier to win and can add up fast.
Some quick-win scholarships include:
- $1,000 Dairy Farmers of Canada Scholarship
- $2,500 Girl Guides of Canada Scholarship
- $500 Local Business & Community Awards
Apply for as many as possible—winning five $2,000 scholarships is just as good as winning one big one.
6. Does Your School Have Hidden Scholarships? Here’s How to Find Out
Most schools offer their own exclusive scholarships that only their students can apply for. Here’s how to find them:
🔎 Check your school’s website. Look under “Financial Aid” or “Scholarships.”
📧 Email your academic advisor. They know everything.
🏫 Visit your school’s financial aid office. There might be scholarships with no online applications that you’d never know about otherwise.
Pro tip: Some schools offer automatic scholarships based on grades—so even if you don’t apply, you might be getting free money just for showing up.
7. How to Nail Your Scholarship Applications
Now that you know where to apply, here’s how to actually win.
✍️ Write a Killer Essay
Most scholarships require an essay. Here’s how to make yours stand out:
- Tell a story. Avoid generic “I want to help people” statements—make it personal.
- Be specific. Instead of saying, “I love volunteering,” explain how you organized a fundraiser that raised $2,000.
- Proofread like your life depends on it. Typos = automatic L.
🏆 Get Winning Reference Letters
Choose references who actually know you—teachers, mentors, or bosses.
- Ask early. No one writes a good letter last-minute.
- Give them details. A reference who can say, “This student led a 50-person project” is way stronger than “This student is nice.”
⏳ Apply Early & Often
Scholarships are first come, first serve. Set reminders, create a checklist, and apply before the deadline panic sets in.
8. How to Use Your Scholarship Money Wisely
Winning a scholarship = free money. But before you blow it all on concert tickets, here’s how to make it last.
💸 Pay off tuition first. Boring, but smart.
🏠 Cover rent & groceries. Living costs add up fast.
🎓 Invest in your education. Laptop upgrade? Study abroad program? Make it count.
💰 Save some for emergencies. Because life happens.
9. Final Thoughts: Start Applying & Start Winning
Scholarships = free money. And with so many options available, there’s literally no reason not to apply.
Even better? SPC+ through CIBC can help you save even more. Get SPC+ free with CIBC and check out how they can support students financially at spccard.ca/cibc.
Now, go secure that bag. Your future self will thank you.
Spend. Save. Repeat.