Carleton University Scholarships: Funding Opportunities You Must Know

Who is this article for? This guide is for high school students, transfer students, and international applicants who want to find, understand, and apply for Carleton University scholarships. Whether you are entering your first year or continuing your studies, this page covers every major award currently open — with eligibility requirements, values, and application steps — all updated annually.

What Are Carleton University Scholarships?

Carleton University scholarships are among the most generous and accessible in Canada. Carleton University scholarships cover students at every level — from high school leavers to doctoral researchers — and many are awarded automatically with no separate application required. Carleton University scholarships range from $1,000 one-time awards all the way to full-tuition multi-year packages worth more than $30,000. Each year, Carleton University scholarships and bursaries collectively distribute over $27.1 million to more than 13,300 undergraduate students alone, making this one of the most well-funded scholarship programs in the country. Whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student, Carleton University scholarships offer a clear pathway to reduce the cost of your education in Ottawa.

Carleton University scholarships are broadly divided into five categories: entrance scholarships, prestige scholarships, in-course scholarships, international student awards, and graduate funding. Understanding how each category works is the first step to maximizing the funding available to you each year. In the sections below, you will find a complete, annually updated breakdown of every major award currently open to applicants.

Entrance Scholarships at Carleton University

Carleton University entrance scholarships are the most straightforward awards to access. If you are admitted with an admission average of 80% or better, you are automatically considered — no separate application needed. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided you maintain satisfactory academic standing.

Entrance Scholarship Values (Annually Renewable)

Admission Average	Annual Scholarship Value	Duration
95% – 100%	$4,000/year	Up to 4 years
90% – 94.9%	$3,000/year	Up to 4 years
85% – 89.9%	$2,000/year	Up to 4 years
80% – 84.9%	Considered (varies)	Up to 4 years

Key eligibility rules:

You must be entering Carleton for the first time from high school or CÉGEP
You must have no previous post-secondary attendance
For entrance scholarship consideration, Carleton must receive your complete application and required grades by June 15 each year
Scholarships are offered for fall entry only

College and university transfer students are not eligible for entrance scholarships but are considered for in-course scholarships after completing one full academic year at Carleton.

Prestige Scholarships — The Most Competitive Awards

Prestige scholarships are Carleton’s highest-value awards and are reserved for the most outstanding students entering directly from high school or CÉGEP. These are not automatically awarded — you must apply, submit a letter of reference, and be shortlisted by a selection committee.

To be eligible, you must:

Be entering Carleton directly from high school or CÉGEP
Have an admission average of 90% or better
Demonstrate strong community or extracurricular involvement
Submit your application and letter of reference by March 1 each year

Notable Prestige Scholarships

Chancellor’s Scholarship

Value: Up to full tuition for all four years (renewable)
This is Carleton’s most prestigious undergraduate award
Selection based on academics, leadership, and community engagement

Carleton University Scholarship of Excellence

Value: $20,000 (over the duration of study)
Awarded to outstanding incoming students

Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarship

Value: $21,500 total
Awarded to exceptional students entering any undergraduate program

Ronald and Deanna Biggs Scholarship

Value: $6,000 – $13,000
Awarded annually to an outstanding full-time undergraduate student entering a Bachelor of Engineering program

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Scholarship

Value: $7,500 in first year, renewable at $4,000 or $3,000 in second, third, and fourth year
One scholarship awarded annually to an outstanding student entering the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

In-Course Scholarships for Continuing Students

If you have already completed one or more years of study at Carleton, you are not limited to entrance awards. Carleton offers a wide range of in-course scholarships awarded on the basis of academic performance, financial need, or both. These are available to current students proceeding from one year to another.

Transfer students from college programs or other universities are automatically considered for general in-course scholarships after completing one full academic year of full-time study at Carleton.

Additionally, departmental awards are available through individual faculties. Students are encouraged to check the university’s online awards database annually for the latest update on department-specific scholarships.

Notable in-course awards include:

Buss Family Scholarship for Children of Carleton University Alumni — Value: $1,200. Awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate student who is a child of a Carleton alumnus. Application required.
Earth Sciences Scholarship — Value: $3,000. Awarded to the top five outstanding students in the Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences. Renewable for one additional year.
International Certificate Program Scholarship — Value: $1,000. Awarded to ten outstanding students entering the Bachelor of Global and International Studies (BGInS).

Carleton University Scholarships for International Students

International students are eligible for several specific Carleton University scholarships, and some require no application at all.

President’s Welcome Award for International Students

Value: $2,000 – $5,000 CAD
International undergraduate students applying for fall entry are automatically considered
Available only to international students entering directly from high school and paying international student fees
Offered in addition to other Entrance Scholarships

International Students’ Tuition Prize

Value: $10,000 CAD each
Five prizes available annually
Automatically nominated when you accept your offer and pay the $2,000 tuition deposit
Three recipients are randomly selected from early deposit payers; two additional recipients from a later deadline group

Law Entrance Scholarship in Architectural Studies

Value: $10,000
Available to an outstanding full-time undergraduate international student entering the Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Students admitted from a high school in China/Hong Kong are eligible
Application required

Public Affairs and Policy Management Scholarship

Value: $2,000 (in addition to other entrance scholarships)
Up to 10 scholarships awarded to students entering the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management program
Candidates selected from five global regions (two per region) with a minimum admission average of 90%

Richard Van Loon Scholarship

Value: $5,000 (typically)
Awarded annually on the recommendation of the scholarship committee
For outstanding international students from African countries
Open to full-time students proceeding from one year to another
Deadline to apply: February 1 each year

GSA International Student Award

Value: Varies annually
Created to help alleviate the financial burden on international graduate students
Available through the Graduate Students’ Association

Graduate Scholarships at Carleton University

Graduate students at Carleton — at both the Master’s and Doctoral level — have access to a robust ecosystem of scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. Many graduate funding packages are offered directly with the Offer of Admission, and no separate application is required.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Value: $15,000 for one year ($5,000 per term, up to three terms)
Jointly funded by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and Carleton University
Merit-based; recognizes academic excellence in all disciplines
Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible international students on study permits
Applications open annually in August and close in November
Master’s students may hold OGS for a maximum of two academic years; PhD students for a maximum of four academic years

Read More on Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Value: $50,000 per year for three years (fully funded)
One of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards
Administered nationally through CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC
Carleton nominates candidates through an internal process
Recognizes academic excellence, research potential, and leadership

Read More on Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Graduate Assistantships (Teaching and Research)

Value: Minimum $10,000 for teaching assistants; varies for research assistants
Offered with admission to many graduate programs
Provides hands-on academic and research experience alongside financial support

Indigenous Graduate Student Entrance Award

Value: Varies
Awarded by the Vice-Provost of Graduate Studies to Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nation, Métis, or Inuit)
For full-time students entering a Master’s or Doctoral graduate program
Proof of Indigenous identity documentation required

R. James Travers Corresponding Fellowship

Value: Up to $25,000
Annual award covering travel, reporting, research expenses, and a stipend for a journalist
Administered through Carleton’s School of Journalism and Communication

Bursaries and Need-Based Financial Aid

A bursary is a monetary award that, like a scholarship, does not need to be repaid — but it is awarded primarily based on financial need rather than academic performance.

Carleton University Entrance Bursary

Designed for first-year students who demonstrate financial need
Helps meet direct education costs in the first year of study
Apply online by June 30 each year

Leadership Entrance Bursary

For high school students who have taken a leadership role in extracurricular activities and community service
Application required

Conflict-Affected Students Fund

Value: $10,000 per award (four awards available annually)
Open to full-time students impacted by the Ukrainian conflict or other global conflicts
Awarded on financial need and merit, including academic achievement and community service

For Ontario residents, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) can supplement scholarship and bursary funding to further reduce education costs.

Top Carleton University Scholarships at a Glance

Scholarship	Who It’s For	Value	Application Required?
Entrance Scholarship	Incoming undergrad (80%+)	$2,000–$4,000/year	No (automatic)
Chancellor’s Scholarship	Top incoming students (90%+)	Full tuition (4 years)	Yes
Carleton Scholarship of Excellence	Outstanding incoming students	$20,000	Yes
Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarship	Outstanding incoming students	$21,500	Yes
President’s Welcome Award (Intl.)	International undergrads	$2,000–$5,000	No (automatic)
International Tuition Prize	International undergrads	$10,000	No (automatic after deposit)
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	Graduate students	$15,000/year	Yes
Vanier CGS	Doctoral students	$50,000/year (3 yrs)	Yes (via nomination)
Richard Van Loon Scholarship	International (African) students	~$5,000	Yes
Ronald & Deanna Biggs Scholarship	Engineering undergrads	$6,000–$13,000	No
Indigenous Graduate Entrance Award	Indigenous graduate students	Varies	Yes

How to Apply for Carleton University Scholarships

Step 1: Apply for Admission on Time

For most entrance and prestige scholarships, the process begins with your admission application. Submit all required grades and documents to Carleton’s Admissions Services by the relevant deadline — June 15 for entrance scholarships, March 1 for prestige scholarships — each year.

Step 2: Accept Your Offer and Pay the Deposit

For international students targeting the Tuition Prize, accepting your offer of admission and paying the $2,000 tuition deposit automatically nominates you.

Step 3: Apply for Awards Requiring Applications

Prestige scholarships, bursaries, and specific departmental awards require a separate application. Log in to Carleton Central each year to browse and apply for available awards. Graduate students apply through the Graduate Online Application Forms section of Carleton Central.

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Common supporting documents include:

Official high school or post-secondary transcripts
Letter of reference (for prestige awards)
Personal statement or essay
Proof of Indigenous identity (for Indigenous-specific awards)
Resume (for awards with community or extracurricular criteria)

Step 5: Monitor Carleton’s Award Database Annually

New scholarships are added each year. Carleton maintains a searchable online awards database — check it at the start of each academic term for the latest update on new and currently open awards.

Carleton University Official Scholarships and Bursaries Page — The official source for all undergraduate scholarship listings and application details.

Tips to Win a Carleton University Scholarship

1. Maintain a strong academic average. Many of Carleton’s most valuable awards are grade-driven. Keeping your average above 90% opens access to the full range of prestige scholarships, in addition to the automatic entrance awards.

2. Engage in extracurricular activities. Prestige scholarships specifically assess community and secondary school extracurricular involvement. Volunteering, leadership roles, and student government experience all strengthen your profile.

3. Apply early. The March 1 deadline for prestige scholarships comes before most students receive their final grades. Start gathering letters of reference and preparing your personal statement well in advance each year.

4. Do not miss internal deadlines. For external awards like the OGS and Vanier, Carleton holds its own internal deadline that often falls earlier than the national deadline. Check with the Graduate Awards Office for the latest update each cycle.

5. Use the awards database. Carleton’s online awards database lists hundreds of scholarships, bursaries, and departmental awards. Many students miss funding simply because they never searched the database. Make it a habit to check it annually.

6. Combine awards. Many of Carleton’s awards can be held simultaneously. For example, the President’s Welcome Award for international students is offered in addition to other entrance scholarships — you can stack multiple awards to significantly reduce your tuition.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships — Official Information — For Carleton graduate students pursuing Canada’s most prestigious doctoral award.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program — Ministry of Colleges and Universities — Official provincial government page for OGS eligibility and application guidance.

What People Also Ask

Q: Does Carleton University give scholarships to international students? Yes. Carleton University offers several scholarships specifically for international students, including the President’s Welcome Award ($2,000–$5,000), the International Students’ Tuition Prize ($10,000), and program-specific awards such as the Law Entrance Scholarship in Architectural Studies ($10,000). Many are awarded automatically at the time of admission.

Q: What GPA do you need for a scholarship at Carleton University? For entrance scholarships, you need a minimum admission average of 80%. The higher your average, the larger the award — students with averages of 95% or above receive $4,000 per year, renewable for four years. For prestige scholarships, a minimum average of 90% is required.

Q: Does Carleton University offer full scholarships? Yes. The Chancellor’s Scholarship covers full tuition for all four years of an undergraduate degree and is Carleton’s most prestigious undergraduate award. It requires an application and selection by committee, and is offered each year to a small number of outstanding incoming students.

Q: Is Carleton University scholarship automatic? Entrance scholarships are automatic — if you are admitted with an 80% average or higher, you are automatically considered with no separate application required. Prestige scholarships and many departmental awards do require an application.

Q: Can transfer students get scholarships at Carleton University? Transfer students from college programs or other universities are considered for general in-course scholarships after completing one full academic year of full-time study at Carleton. They are not eligible for entrance scholarships.

Q: When does Carleton University scholarship application open? Entrance scholarship consideration begins automatically with the admission application. Prestige scholarship applications are due by March 1 each year. Bursary applications open annually with a deadline typically around June 30. Graduate award cycles, including the OGS, open each August.

Q: What is the Carleton University Prestige Scholarship? Prestige scholarships are Carleton’s highest-value undergraduate awards. They include the Chancellor’s Scholarship (full tuition), the Carleton Scholarship of Excellence ($20,000), and the Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarship ($21,500), among others. They are awarded to students entering directly from high school or CÉGEP with a 90%+ admission average.

Q: Does Carleton University offer merit-based scholarships? Yes. The majority of Carleton’s entrance and prestige scholarships are merit-based, awarded on academic performance and, for prestige awards, extracurricular involvement. There are also need-based bursaries available for students with demonstrated financial need.

Final Thoughts

Carleton University scholarships represent one of the most accessible and generous funding systems in Canadian higher education. With over $27 million distributed annually to more than 13,000 students each year, there is genuinely something for every level of applicant — domestic or international, undergraduate or graduate, first-year or continuing student. The key is knowing where to look, applying on time, and checking Carleton’s awards database regularly for the latest update.

If you are a high school student, submit your admission application early and let your grades speak for the automatic entrance award. If you are aiming higher, build your extracurricular profile and prepare a strong prestige scholarship application by March 1 each year. And if you are a graduate student, explore the OGS, Vanier, and internal departmental awards through Carleton Central.

Pro Tip: Always verify current scholarship values, deadlines, and eligibility criteria directly on Carleton University’s official awards website, as these details may be updated annually.

Carleton University scholarships — Carleton University Ottawa campus.

The following articles from LicensureHub.com will help you explore more scholarship opportunities in Canada:

Ottawa University Scholarships: Your Complete Guide to Funding — Discover automatic admission awards, international student funding, and graduate aid at Canada’s largest bilingual university — just a few kilometres from Carleton.
UBC Undergraduate Scholarships: 7 Powerful Funding Opportunities You Must Know — A complete guide to UBC’s most lucrative merit and need-based scholarships for domestic and international students.
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: 5 Powerful Secrets — If you plan to pursue a graduate degree at Carleton or any Canadian university, this federal award is the most important funding opportunity you need to know.
UVic Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide to Securing Funding — A full breakdown of University of Victoria scholarships for domestic and international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.