Audience · STEM
STEM Scholarships in Canada
STEM students in Canada have access to some of the highest-value scholarships available — the Schulich Leader Scholarship alone is worth $100,000 for STEM students. Federal research awards like NSERC and Vanier fund graduate studies, while most universities offer dedicated STEM entrance scholarships and co-op programs that can significantly offset the cost of a degree.
Schulich Leader (STEM): $100,000 over 4 years
NSERC USRA: ~$7,125 for 16-week undergraduate research placement
Vanier CGS (STEM stream): $50,000/year × 3 years (doctoral)
NSERC CGS-M: $27,000 for 1 year of master's study
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Quick facts — STEM Scholarships in Canada
Schulich Leader (STEM)
$100,000 over 4 years
NSERC USRA
~$7,125 for 16-week undergraduate research placement
Vanier CGS (STEM stream)
$50,000/year × 3 years (doctoral)
NSERC CGS-M
$27,000 for 1 year of master's study
University STEM awards
Most universities offer department-specific STEM scholarships
Last verified
March 2026
Top STEM scholarships
Canada's highest-value scholarships for STEM students at the undergraduate and graduate levels:
- Schulich Leader Scholarships: $100,000 for students entering STEM programs — nominations through high schools
- NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA): ~$7,125 for a 16-week research placement — excellent for grad school applications
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Natural Sciences stream): $50,000/year for doctoral students
- NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master's (CGS-M): $27,000 for one year of master's study
- NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral (CGS-D): $35,000/year for 3 years
- Waterloo President's Scholarship of Distinction: $10,000 for students entering STEM programs with 95%+ average
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Co-op and experiential learning
STEM co-op programs are a major financial advantage — earning money while building your resume:
- University of Waterloo Co-op: Typically earns $15,000–$25,000 per 4-month work term in tech/engineering
- UBC Science Co-op: 8, 12, or 16-month placements with competitive pay
- U of T PEY (Professional Experience Year): 12-16 month paid internship for engineering and computer science
- Most STEM co-op students graduate with less debt than peers in non-co-op programs
Tips for STEM students
Practical advice for maximizing funding in STEM programs:
- Ask your high school guidance counsellor to nominate you for the Schulich Leader Scholarship — schools must submit nominations
- Apply for NSERC USRA in your 2nd or 3rd year — it's the gateway to graduate-level research funding
- Many STEM departments offer TA and RA positions that include tuition waivers for graduate students
- Women in STEM scholarships are widely available — check your university's equity office
- Don't overlook industry scholarships from companies like RBC, TD, Shopify, and engineering firms
Frequently asked questions
STEM generally includes science (biology, chemistry, physics, math), technology (computer science, information technology), engineering (all branches), and mathematics/statistics. Some programs also include health sciences.
You cannot self-nominate. Your high school must submit a nomination on your behalf. Talk to your guidance counsellor or principal in the fall of Grade 12. Each high school can nominate one student.
The NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award provides ~$7,125 for a 16-week summer research project with a faculty supervisor. It's valuable experience and makes you a much stronger candidate for graduate-level funding (NSERC CGS-M, Vanier).
Yes. Many universities and organizations offer dedicated Women in STEM awards. Examples include the Actua Young Women in STEM scholarships, university-specific Women in Engineering bursaries, and industry-sponsored awards.
Yes. STEM scholarships can be combined with Canada Student Loans and Grants. A very large scholarship may reduce your assessed need for loans but typically won't reduce your grants.
Official source:
NSERC – Student Programs
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Last verified: March 2026
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Always confirm details directly with the program provider before applying.
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