Carleton University Prestige Scholarship 2027 – Up to $32,000 for Bachelor's Study

Scholarship Description

The Carleton University Prestige Scholarships are the institution's highest and most prestigious entrance awards. This exclusive group of scholarships is designed to recognize and reward exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. The program encompasses several named awards, including the Chancellor's Scholarship, the Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarship, the Carleton University Scholarship of Excellence, the Carleton University SHAD Scholarship, the Jay Woo and CAA Scholarship, and the Riordon Scholarship.

These awards are highly competitive and are offered only to students who are entering Carleton University directly from high school or CEGEP. Recipients are selected based on a combination of outstanding academic performance (a minimum 90% admission average) and a demonstrated record of leadership roles in extracurricular activities throughout their secondary school years.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at Carleton University, located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Carleton is a comprehensive university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, journalism, and public affairs, offering a vibrant campus experience in Canada's capital city.

Scholarship Deadline

The application for the 2027-2028 academic year opens in October 2026. The submission deadline is March 1, 2027. If the deadline falls on a weekend, the application must be submitted the first working day after the deadline date.

Host Institution

Carleton University – Founded in 1942, Carleton is a dynamic university with a strong reputation for innovation in teaching and research. Located in Ottawa, it offers students unique opportunities for experiential learning, co-op placements, and engagement with government and industry. The university's Awards and Financial Aid office administers the Prestige Scholarships, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree).

Eligible Fields: The scholarship is open to students pursuing any undergraduate degree program at Carleton University. There are no restrictions on the field of study.

Duration: 4 years (renewable annually).

Target Group

The scholarship is open to domestic and international students entering Carleton University directly from high school or CEGEP. This includes high school graduates from Ontario, across Canada, and international applicants. Applicants must have no previous attendance at a post-secondary educational institution (college or university, excluding CEGEP) and must be pursuing post-secondary studies for the first time.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: Four years (renewable annually with a 10.0 GPA).

Number of Awards: Approximately 24 scholarships are awarded each year across the various categories.

Scholarship values include:

• Chancellor's Scholarship (10 awards): $32,000 ($8,000 per year for four years).
• Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarship (7 awards): $21,500 ($6,500 in the first year and $5,000 in each of the second, third, and fourth years).
• Carleton University Scholarship of Excellence (3 awards): $20,000 ($5,000 per year for four years).
• Carleton University SHAD Scholarship (2 awards): $20,000 ($5,000 per year for four years).
• Jay Woo and CAA Scholarship (1 award): $20,000 ($5,000 per year for four years).
• Riordon Scholarship (1 award): Full tuition in first, second, third, and fourth year (capped at Canadian domestic full tuition fee amount).

Important Note: Prestige Scholarships replace any previously awarded Entrance scholarships. All Prestige Scholarships are renewable with an annual GPA of 10.0 (A-standing).

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria for 2027:

• Admission Average: Must have an admission average of 90% or better.
• Extracurricular Activities: Must have demonstrated leadership roles in extracurricular activities throughout secondary school.
• Enrollment: Must be entering Carleton University directly from high school or CEGEP.
• No Previous Post-Secondary: Only candidates with no previous attendance at a post-secondary educational institution (college or university, excluding CEGEP) will be considered.
• First-Time Studies: Must be pursuing post-secondary studies for the first time.
• Application: Must submit a completed Prestige Scholarship application form along with a reference letter.

Application Procedure

1. Confirm eligibility – Ensure you meet all criteria: entering directly from high school or CEGEP, a 90%+ admission average, demonstrated leadership, and no previous post-secondary attendance.
2. Download the application form – The application form is available on the Carleton University Awards and Financial Aid website. Download the file to your computer and open it in Adobe to fill it out electronically.
3. Complete the application – Fill out all required sections of the application form. Be prepared to detail your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community involvement.
4. Obtain a reference letter – Secure a signed reference letter from a referee (e.g., a teacher, guidance counselor, or community leader) who can speak to your leadership and character.
5. Submit your application – Send your completed application and the signed reference letter via email to awards@carleton.ca. Ensure you include your student number in the email.
6. Meet the deadline – Submit your complete application by March 1, 2027. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Important notes: Do not include any additional attachments such as resumes, portfolios, photos, or certificates. Only one reference letter per candidate will be considered. Prestige Scholarships replace any previously awarded Entrance scholarships. If you have already been awarded an entrance scholarship, it will be superseded if you receive a Prestige Scholarship.

Official Website & Application Link

Carleton University Prestige Scholarships – Official Page

Carleton Awards and Financial Aid: https://carleton.ca/awards/

Application Submission Email: awards@carleton.ca