UndergraduateFully Funded

Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Canada National Scholarship Program & International President’s Entrance Scholarships for 2026–2027 are now open. This prestigious scholarship offers significant financial support and transformative educational opportunities for high-achieving students entering university.

Provider: Western University
Host country: Canada
Deadline: February 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Region: North America

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in Canada at the Undergraduate level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Undergraduate · applicants for Canada
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Undergraduate
Deadline: February 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Key eligibility criteria

Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada with a minimum 90% overall average in Grade 12 U/M courses or equivalent. International students may apply only under the International President’s Entrance Scholarship category.

What the fully funded award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

About the Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships (2026)

The Canada National Scholarship Program is one of the country's most prestigious merit-based awards, designed to support academically outstanding students who also demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a strong voice on issues of public concern. It provides significant financial support, national recognition, and access to a network of high-achieving peers. The scholarship covers the duration of the undergraduate program, subject to conditions and renewal criteria. All full-time undergraduate programs at the main campus are eligible, except for foundation year and Hull York Medical School courses. This opportunity is a fast track to Canada’s academic elite for ambitious students with strong grades and impactful ideas, allowing recipients to prioritize learning and leadership rather than financial concerns amidst rising tuition and living costs. ## Overview The Canada National Scholarship Program and International President’s Entrance Scholarships are highly competitive, merit-based awards for students commencing undergraduate studies in 2026. This program identifies and supports exceptional individuals who not only excel academically but also demonstrate significant leadership potential and a commitment to addressing public concerns. The scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their academic and leadership development within a prestigious Canadian university environment, specifically Western University's main campus. ## Benefits Recipients of this scholarship will enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to foster academic and personal growth: * **Significant Financial Support:** The scholarship aims to substantially reduce university education costs, providing a fully funded opportunity. * **National and International Recognition:** Scholars gain recognition as top-tier incoming students in Canada, which bolsters their academic and professional profiles. * **Enhanced Academic Profile:** Being a National Scholar significantly strengthens a student's credentials for future scholarships, internships, and postgraduate ambitions. * **Access to a Prestigious Network:** Scholars join an exclusive network of high-achieving peers, fostering collaboration and lifelong connections. * **Freedom to Focus:** By covering tuition and living expenses, the scholarship enables students to immerse themselves in academics, leadership activities, and innovative projects without financial stress. ## Eligibility The scholarship has specific criteria based on citizenship and academic performance: * **For Canadian National Scholarship:** * Applicants must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada. * A minimum overall average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses or equivalent is required. * Applicants must apply for admission to full-time studies at the main campus of Western University. * Applicants must be nominated by their high school. * **For International President’s Entrance Scholarship:** * Applicants must **not** be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. * The same academic excellence standard (minimum 90% average or equivalent) is expected. ## Required Documents To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, applicants must submit the following: * **School Nomination:** A formal nomination from the applicant's high school. * **Reference Letter:** A letter from a teaching or staff member who is well-acquainted with the applicant's academic work and character. * **Original Essay:** An essay of 1000–1250 words on an issue of public concern, demonstrating critical thinking and engagement. * **Academic Transcript:** Official transcripts of academic records, submitted directly by the school. * **Personal Details and Application Form:** The completed scholarship application form through the National Scholarship application portal. ## Application Steps The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to deadlines and specific steps: 1. **Apply for University Admission:** First, apply for admission to Western University via the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) and obtain your OUAC reference number. 2. **Access Scholarship Portal:** Wait a minimum of 5 business days after OUAC submission, then access the National Scholarship application portal. 3. **Nomination Request:** Complete the **Nomination Request Form**. Your school administrator will then receive an email to provide the required nomination and transcript. 4. **Assessor Request:** Complete the **Assessor Request Form**. Your chosen assessor will receive an email to submit the reference letter on your behalf. 5. **Upload Documents:** Upload your essay (1000–1250 words, in PDF format) and ensure all other personal details and application information are accurately provided within the portal. 6. **Final Submission:** Ensure all required documents, including nominations and reference letters, are submitted by the deadline. ## Key Dates * **Application Deadline:** February 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. ## Selection Criteria Selection is highly competitive and based on a holistic review of the applicant's profile: * **Academic Excellence:** A strong emphasis is placed on a minimum 90% academic average or equivalent. * **School Nomination:** The quality and strength of the school's nomination play a crucial role. * **Reference Letter:** The insights provided in the reference letter regarding the applicant's abilities and potential are highly valued. * **Original Essay:** The essay is evaluated for its originality, critical thinking, depth of understanding, and persuasive argumentation on an issue of public concern. * **Leadership and Initiative:** Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and the potential for significant impact within and beyond the academic environment are key factors. ## Tips To maximize your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship, consider the following: * **Start Early:** Begin your application process well in advance of the deadline, especially for securing nominations and reference letters. * **Academic Excellence is Paramount:** Maintain impeccable academic records throughout your high school career. * **Showcase Leadership:** Actively participate in extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles that align with your passions. * **Craft a Powerful Essay:** Your essay is an opportunity to express your unique perspective, critical thinking skills, and commitment to public issues. Ensure it is well-researched, original, and eloquently written. * **Choose Recommenders Wisely:** Select teachers or mentors who know you well and can highlight your strengths and potential effectively. * **Attention to Detail:** Carefully review all application requirements and instructions to ensure full compliance. ## Official Source For complete details and to access the application portal, please visit the official Western University National Scholarship page: [Canada National Scholarship Application](https://studentservices.uwo.ca/NationalScholarshipStudent/Students/NSIntroPage.cfm)

What the Fully Funded Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships eligibility for Canada applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada with a minimum 90% overall average in Grade 12 U/M courses or equivalent. International students may apply only under the International President’s Entrance Scholarship category.

Documents required for the Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Standardised test scores where required (SAT or ACT for many U.S. universities)
Secondary-school leaving certificate (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, EGSECE or equivalent)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afterschoolafrica.com%2F107648%2Fnational-scholarship%2F&title=Canada%20National%20Scholarship%20%26%20International%20President%27s%20Entrance%20Scholarships%20Application%202026%2F2027%20Open and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada with a minimum 90% overall average in Grade 12 U/M courses or equivalent. International students may apply only under the International President’s Entrance Scholarship …". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afterschoolafrica.com%2F107648%2Fnational-scholarship%2F&title=Canada%20National%20Scholarship%20%26%20International%20President%27s%20Entrance%20Scholarships%20Application%202026%2F2027%20Open, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by February 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Western University will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Editorial verification note

Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.

Last checked 5/21/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Undergraduate level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Western University, and be able to relocate to Canada for the duration of the programme.

Is the Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is February 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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