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: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake
Region: North America

Official source Track this application

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: 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.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Undergraduate
Deadline: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

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.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

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)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships eligibility

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.

Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

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

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://studentservices.uwo.ca/NationalScholarshipStudent/Students/NSIntroPage.cfm to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: 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.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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

Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
To be confirmed for the 2027 intake
Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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?+

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 funding does the Canada National Scholarship & International President’s Entrance Scholarships offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://studentservices.uwo.ca/NationalScholarshipStudent/Students/NSIntroPage.cfm to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: 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.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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