Awards

Conestoga College's Student Financial Services administers over 400 awards, bursaries and scholarships, worth more than $3.6 million, including $1.5 million in donor-funded awards, each year.

To be eligible for many of these awards, students must submit the General Awards Application through the Student Portal each term.

Award application dates


TermOpens at 9 a.m.
Closes at 4 p.m.
​Fall 2023
​September 19, 2023
​October 6, 2023
Winter 2024
January 22, 2024
February 9, 2024
Spring 2024
May 21, 2024
June 7, 2024
Each term, you will receive an email when the application opens.

Apply for an award


To be considered for an award, complete the following steps:

  1. Log in to the Student Portal
  2. Select the Services tab
  3. Select My Forms
  4. Select the General Awards Application
  5. Complete all of the information in each tab
  6. Review your application and submit

Awards directory

The awards directory lists all of the awards available through Student Financial Services.

Awards: all programs

View awards available to all programs
#Educatetheworld President’s Honour Roll Award

​This award has been established in honour of 2020 Alumni of Distinction Award recipients Massi Basiri and Meti Basiri. This award is a reflection of their commitment to make education available to all people, their leadership in the local community and around the world and is a testament to their personal journey as international students studying abroad and the many barriers that they have overcome along the way. The recipient of this award is a graduating student who has achieved the distinction of being on the President’s Honour List and has shown a positive attitude and perseverance in overcoming hardship and/or adversity in their life.

Value
$1000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
ApplyBoard International Student Premier’s Award Bursary

​This award has been established in honour of the 2021 Premier’s Award - Business category recipients Massi Basiri and Meti Basiri. This award is a reflection of their outstanding contribution to the international student community and post-secondary education and was made possible by the Colleges Ontario Premier’s Award Bursary, provided to recipients of the annual Premier’s Awards. Meti and Massi have chosen to direct this generous bursary to support International Students at Conestoga.

Value
$1,000
Programs
All Programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Arnold Rose Academic Grant
The Arnold Rose Academic Grant is awarded to a student who is in their third year of a technology program at Conestoga and demonstrates academic excellence.
Value
$500
Programs
Any technology program
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Campus Living Centres Award
Campus Living Centres provide residential housing that enriches students' experiences. This award is given to a student who lives in residence, who is active in the college community, and is academically successful.
Value
$500
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Canadian Federation of University Women (Cambridge) Award
The Canadian Federation of University Women (Cambridge) has established this award to recognize mature women who have chosen to attend school in an effort to better themselves.
Value
$1,000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Canadian Federation of University Women (Guelph) Bursary
The Canadian Federation of University Women (Guelph Chapter) has made this bursary available in an effort to assist women in their educational pursuits. The recipient must demonstrate financial need, and preference will be given to women who reside in Wellington County.
Value
$500
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Carol Gregory Student Leadership Award
This annual award is given to a full-time student at Conestoga who has made a positive impact on the college community trough leadership and support for their peers. The recipient of this award is nominated by another member of the Conestoga community.
Value
$250
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Conestoga College Athletic Award
This award has been established to support Conestoga's varsity athletes who demonstrate academic success and commitment to their sport. Recipients of the award are selected by coaching staff.
Value
Varies
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Conestoga College International - English for Academic Studies to Post-Secondary Studies Scholarship

​Eligible applicants will be ranked on highest academic average in Level 4 of Conestoga’s English for Academic Studies (EAS) program. Following the completion of the EAS program, students must be entering a degree, diploma or graduate certificate at Conestoga College and must be eligible to proceed.

Value
$1,500
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
School
All Schools
Conestoga College International - Entrance Excellence Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded each intake to students at the highest level of academic performance. Applicants will be ranked based on past academic performance (highest academic average) and awards will be distributed across all countries of origin.


Value
$1,500
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
School
All Schools
Conestoga College International - Regional Scholarship

​This award is awarded to students beginning studies in the fall, winter or spring terms. Applicants will be ranked based on past academic performance (highest academic average) and awards will be distributed across all countries of origin.

Value
Varies
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
School
All Schools
Conestoga College International - Second Program Scholarship

​This scholarship is awarded to students who have previously graduated from a Conestoga diploma, degree or graduate certificate program (excludes certificate programs) and who apply to a second program within four months of completion. Students will be ranked on the highest academic average (GPA) from the previous program of study.

Value
$1,500
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
School
All Schools
Conestoga Co-op Student of the Year Award
Each year, the Co-operative Education department recognizes outstanding co-op students at an awards ceremony in March during National Co-op Week. Students are nominated by their co-op employer, and winners are selected by the Co-op Awards Selection Committee. Both the winning students and employers receive recognition.
Value
$400
Programs
Co-op programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) Academic Excellence Award

​CSI created this award to recognize the 20 Conestoga students who have achieved the highest average (above 85%) in their area of study at the end of the fall term. Recipients must have completed the winter awards application. In the event of a tie, preference will be given to students with college involvement.

Value
$500
Programs
All Programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) Community Achievement Award

CSI created this award to recognize students who have demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following areas: community service, international engagement, intercultural understanding and promotion of diversity, intellectual pursuits, and artistic or athletic endeavours. Recipients are selected based on their academic performance, application essay, and reference letters.

Value
$2500
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) eSports Scholarships

CSI established these scholarships to recognize athletes and volunteers within the Conestoga eSports community who demonstrate a commitment to, and excellence in, their academic studies. Recipients are nominated by the coaches.

Value
$1000
Programs
All Programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Conestoga Students Inc. Athletic Scholarship
These awards have been established to recognize varsity athletes, or those that volunteer within the Conestoga varsity athletic community, who demonstrate a commitment to, and excellence in their academic studies. The recipients of these scholarships are nominated by the varsity coaches.
Value
$1,000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Conestoga Students Inc. Student Service Award
CSI has made this award available to recognize students who are actively involved and volunteer within the college community. Recipients must have a minimum grade average of 75%.
Value
$1,000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Dan and Joe McEdwards Skilled Trades Award

​Dan and Joe McEdwards were skilled tradesmen who built strong families and comfortable retirements through their long, fulfilling careers in the trades.

Born in 1927, Dan worked for the department of highways, based in Puslinch, building many of the roads we travel throughout Waterloo, Wellington, and Guelph.

Born in 1934, Dan's brother Joe worked at a hardware store in Guelph, then attended trade school in Toronto to earn his carpentry license. He built houses in the Puslinch, Freelton, Hamilton and Guelph regions. In the 1960s, he took a "job for life" at Stelco Steel in Hamilton, working for more than 35 years on site projects in Stelco's carpenter shop.

Though times have surely changed, the McEdwards family wishes to support students who also seek a rewarding career in the skilled trades. This award is established in Dan and Joe's honour to assist students who are passionate about the trades and who recognize their fundamental value in today's fast-changing world.

The recipient of this award is a full-time student in their second term of a program in Conestoga's School of Trades who achieved a minimum average of 75% after the end of their first term and who demonstrates a passion and commitment to their field of study with respect to their career goals.

Value
$500
Programs
All
Terms offered
Winter
School
Trades & Apprenticeship
Dino and Hazel Tonin Memorial Award

This award has been established in memory of Dino and Hazel Tonin. Established by Debra Ann Tonin, in memory of her parents who were strong advocates for the value of education and the advantages it can bring. They believed that education frees an individual to change the course of their life and realize their dreams.

The recipient of this award is a mature student in their second or third year of study who demonstrates compassion, caring and kindness to others through community involvement/volunteerism above and beyond the 40 hours required to graduate high school.

Value
$1,000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Downtown Brantford BIA Academic Grant

​The Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area Board of Management (DBBIA) is privileged to host Conestoga College in downtown Brantford, and this award is in recognition of our relationship, and in appreciation for the students who populate, and contribute to, our community. The recipient of this award is a second-year business student at the Brantford campus who has demonstrated academic success and community involvement.

Value
$500
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
Business
Equitable Life of Canada Community Venture Awards

​The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada has established this award to recognize entrepreneurs for their passion, perseverance and dedication as they strive to successfully launch businesses that seek to strengthen our community and improve the quality of life for those living in Waterloo Region.

Value
$1500
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Family & Children's Services of Guelph and Wellington County Bursary
This award was created to support students who are, or were, in Extended Society Care with Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County. The recipient of this award demonstrates academic success and has financial need.
Value
$600
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
First Generation Bursary
The First Generation Bursary is awarded to domestic students who demonstrate financial need and whose parents have never attended post-secondary studies, inside or outside of Canada.
Value
Varies
Programs
All
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Francis Pegahmagabow Memorial Scholarship
Pegahmagabow (1891-1952) was a resident of the Wasauksing First Nation Reserve (Parry Island) near Parry Sound, Ontario. He was the First Nations soldier most highly decorated for bravery in Canadian military history and the most effective sniper of World War I. Three times awarded the Military Medal and seriously wounded, he was an expert marksman and scout, credited with killing 378 Germans and capturing 300 more. Later in life, he served as chief and councillor for the Wasauksing First Nation, and as an activist and leader in several First Nations organizations. This award was created to support a full-time Conestoga student of Indigenous descent who has demonstrated academic success.
Value
$1,000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
G. Al Logan Memorial Award
The Al Logan Memorial Award is given to a student who displays warmth and responsiveness in caring for and enriching the lives of a student or group of students. Al Logan displayed the qualities of warmth and caring both at Conestoga and in the community. It is a real honour to have these qualities recognized by friends and faculty. The recipient of this award is a student who exemplifies Mr. Logan's exceptional qualities and is nominated by a Conestoga community member.
Value
$250
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Gladys & Norman Raiter Bursary
The Estate of Norman Raiter provided this trust to support students with financial need at Conestoga.
Value
$100
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Graduating Class Endowed Award

​This endowed fund has been established in honour of Conestoga’s graduating class. We are proud of our graduates and all they have and will continue to accomplish. This fund will allow the college to distribute annual awards to current students on behalf of the graduating class, thereby giving them an opportunity to support the success of the next generation of Conestoga graduates.

Value
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Indigenous Student Bursary
The Indigenous Student Bursary is awarded to domestic students who demonstrate financial need and self-identify as being an Indigenous Person. Recipients must be registered with Indigenous Services.
Value
Varies
Programs
All
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
J. David Stewart Memorial Award
This award has been established in memory of J. David Stewart, former director of Continuing Education. This award recognizes a part-time student who displays a pursuit and drive for knowledge, a commitment to lifelong learning and a sense of community.
Value
$500
Programs
Part-time diploma or certificate
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
James W. Church Award
This prestigious award was established in 1977 by the Board of Governors in honour of the late James W. Church who was the founding President of Conestoga College. The James W. Church Award recognizes a student who excels in the three areas deemed by Dr. Church to be important for a person to become all that they are capable of being.
Value
$1,000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Masonic Foundation of Ontario Endowed Bursary
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario Endowed Bursary was established to provide financial assistance to enable students to complete their post-secondary education when unforeseen financial difficulties might otherwise compel them to give up before graduation. This bursary is available to domestic students who do not qualify for emergency funding provided by Conestoga. In order to receive this bursary all other avenues of available funding must have been explored.  A maximum of one award will be distributed to an individual per academic year.
Value
Varies
Programs
All
Terms offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
School
All Schools
Métis Nation of Ontario Bursary

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Métis Student Bursary Program provides bursaries to registered students who are verified Métis citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Applicants will be required to consent to a citizenship verification check to confirm eligibility for these awards. Recipients of this bursary must be full-time students who demonstrate financial need.

If you have any questions, please email PSEsupport@metisnation.org.

Apply for the MNO Métis Student Bursary Program.

Value
$500
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Narhari Sharma Memorial Award
Mr. Narhari Sharma was a symbol of love, wisdom, strength, vision, courage and selflessness. He was gentle soul who lived to help others. Education and equality were two of his key values. This award was established in his name to support a full-time international student at Conestoga who demonstrates academic success, and the qualities of  wisdom, strength, vision, courage and selflessness. The recipient will have demonstrated leadership and have gone out of their way to help others achieve their goals. The recipient of this award is nominated by Conestoga staff and faculty.
Value
$1,000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Neil Aitchison Conestoga Students Inc. Scholarship
The Neil Aitchison Conestoga Students Inc. Scholarship was created to honour the first president of the Doon Students’ Association (1968), later renamed Conestoga Students Incorporated. Neil Aitchison is a strong community partner and has demonstrated exceptional leadership with his continued support of the Conestoga community. The recipients of this scholarship are students who demonstrate academic success, community service, the ability to motivate others and leadership through life's challenges.
Value
$3,000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
OPSEU SEFPO Solidarity Award

​This award was created by OPSEU SEFPO Local 237 & 238 to recognize a student who demonstrates a commitment to social activism on and off campus.

Value
$500
Programs
All Programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Petra Liverpool Memorial Award for Black Students

​Petra Liverpool, a Trinidadian native, immigrated to the United Kingdom for a better life for herself and her family. She was not a woman of great means, but a woman of great compassion and empathy. She dedicated her life to the church and serving those in greatest need. She was an asset to her community and her generous and good-natured spirit is missed.

In memoriam, this award has been established to respond to the educational needs of the Black community. It recognizes excellence and community commitment, and supports access to post-secondary education for students of Caribbean and African heritage.

Value
$500
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Rick Casey Courage to Cope Award
Throughout his career at Conestoga, Rick was a strong advocate for people with disabilities. Upon his retirement in 2007 friends and colleagues donated funds to establish the annual Rick Casey Courage to Cope Award which is presented in recognition of Rick’s dedication and contribution to students with a disability, in particular those with mental health struggles as they continue in their efforts to challenge stigma, to attain personal success and to become full participants in their communities.
Value
$250
Programs
All programs - Registered with Disability Services
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
Ricoh Canada Inc. Bursary

​Ricoh's Founder, Kiyoshi Ichimura, built Ricoh on three founding principles – "The Spirit of Three Loves" – which includes "love your neighbour," "love your country" and "love your work." These are foundational drivers of Ricoh's corporate philosophy and the Ricoh Way, which guides the company’s decision-making and activities. Ricoh views business, society and the planet as interconnected. Ricoh focuses on the creation of new markets and value propositions by broadly looking at social issues and taking on the challenge to resolve them while simultaneously achieving social development and Ricoh’s business goals. Ricoh is aware of its responsibility as a corporate citizen and demonstrates this through charitable contributions throughout the year, such as the Conestoga College Bursary. The recipient of this bursary is a student who has successfully completed year one or two of their program and shows ambition and leadership skills.

Value
$5000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Rohingya Community Leadership Award

This award has been established in honour of Saifullah Muhammad, a graduate of Conestoga’s Journalism program and recipient of the Alumni of Distinction Award (2020). The recipient of this award is a second-year student who has demonstrated a dedication to their studies and a commitment to leadership and community involvement.

This award is to support a student entering their second year of a full-time program at Conestoga.

Value
$1000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Ross and Doris Dixon Charitable Foundation Students with Disabilities Award
The Ross and Doris Dixon Charitable Foundation Students with Disabilities Award was created to provide students registered with Accessibility Services the funds to purchase specialized equipment to assist with their studies (such as adaptive computer software or tape recorders) or to help pay tuition costs.
Value
Varies
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Scotiabank Global Citizenship Award
Each year, up to three students will be selected to receive Scotiabank Global Citizenship Awards to support international experience activities, including an approved study abroad or work experience. Recipients of this award must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and have been accepted to a study abroad term or overseas work experience.
Value
$3,000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall, Winter, Spring
School
All Schools
The President's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership
The President’s Award of Excellence in Student Leadership is presented to a graduate and recognizes the outstanding contributions made by a student who exemplifies excellence in leadership. They will have had a positive impact on their program, the college and their community. They will have demonstrated support to students and the development of future student leaders. The depth and breadth of their contributions will have increased throughout the course of their studies, and beyond the requirements of a paid or appointed role. The recipient of the President’s Award of Excellence in Student Leadership is recognized with a College Coat of Arms at Convocation.
Value
No Monetary Value
Programs
All Programs
Terms offered
Fall, Spring
School
All Schools
The Rebellion 'Carve Your Path' Award
It takes tremendous bravery to lift oneself up and create a more inspired future. This award was created to help celebrate the courage it takes to carve your own path. This award is given to a student who is a single mother who has demonstrated academic success, positivity, kindness, and leadership.
Value
$2800
Programs
All Programs
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools
The Rotary Club of Brantford - Sunrise Endowed Bursary

​This award has been established in order to reduce the financial burden on students and enable them to complete their program so they may find meaningful employment in their field of study. Education is one of the main tenets of Rotary International whose philosophy is that education is a key component in its dedication to improve lives and create a better world to support its peace efforts. The recipient of this bursary is a mature student in their second or third year of study, who has returned to school to upgrade or change careers.

Value
$1000
Programs
All programs
Terms offered
Fall
School
All Schools
Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year Award
Each year the Work-Integrated Learning Support Services (WILSS) department recognizes outstanding WIL students at an awards ceremony in March during National Co-op & WIL Week.  Students are nominated by their placement supervisor or WILSS staff member and winners are selected by the WIL Awards Selection Committee. The winning students receive financial awards and both students and employers receive recognition.
Value
$500
Programs
All
Terms offered
Winter
School
All Schools

Awards FAQ

What is an award, bursary and scholarship?

Award: A monetary award based on a combination of criteria which may include merit, community involvement or financial need. May be used interchangeably with “academic grant”. May also be used to refer to awards, bursaries and scholarships collectively.       

Bursary: A monetary award based on financial need. Bursaries may include other criteria for selection such as a specific program, gender or heritage.       

Scholarship: A monetary award based on academic performance, and in some cases, other forms of earned merit.

What awards are available through the application?

By submitting the awards application, you will be considered for all Conestoga awards, scholarships, and bursaries that are available each term. A complete list of what is available can be found in the awards directory (above).  

Do I need to complete the application in one sitting?

No. You can save a draft of your application and complete it at any time before the deadline. You will receive a link in your email to return to the form later.  

Can I update my application after I have submitted it?

No, your original application cannot be updated. However, you may complete the application again, before the application deadline, with the updated information you wish to include. Only the most recent application will be considered.       

I missed the application deadline. Can I still submit my application?

No. Late applications are not accepted.   

I am a part-time student. Can I apply for awards?

If you are in a full-time program but taking a reduced course load, and are registered with Accessibility Services , you can complete the application. If you are registered part-time through Continuing Education, you can not complete the application.        

I am an international student. Can I apply for awards?

Yes. International students may apply for awards. International students do not qualify for bursaries which have a financial need component.       

I am on co-op this term. Can I apply for awards?

No. Students who are on a co-op term are not eligible to receive awards while they are on a work-term. If you are in a co-op program, you are encouraged to apply for awards every term you are in classes.   

Why can't I access the awards application?

The awards application is only available to students who are registered in the current term and who are not on co-op.       

When will I know if I am receiving an award?

After the application deadline, students will be notified at any time before the end of the term if they are shortlisted, or selected, for an award. All communications about awards will go to your Conestoga email. Only selected students will be contacted.

What does it mean if I am shortlisted for an award?

This means that you have already met some of the criteria to be considered for an award (i.e. minimum GPA, specific program, etc.), but we require some additional information from you in order to complete the selection of the award recipient. Common supplementary information we may ask for includes:

  • information about community or campus involvement,
  • letter(s) of reference, and/or
  • an essay/statement on a specific topic.
Being shortlisted does not guarantee that you will receive an award.
I submitted the application. Why didn't I receive an award?

Completing the awards application does not guarantee that you will receive an award. Each award has unique criteria that are required for selection. In some cases you simply may not meet the criteria for an award.