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Scholarships
Student programs
EDC provides scholarships to students pursuing education at a Canadian, post-secondary institution. Each scholarship is worth $5,000.
20 scholarships are awarded to International Business students.
7 scholarships are awarded to community leaders representing EDC’s inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace.
Applications open February 2025.
Deadline to apply: April 30, 2025 at 11:59:00 PM
Scholarships available
Who is eligible?
- An international business student pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university (undergraduate or Master’s), or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year.
To qualify for this scholarship applicants must:
- Be able to provide their Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
- Be pursuing post-secondary studies in International Business at a Canadian college, university (undergraduate or Master’s), or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year (proof of enrollment will be required).
- Have a minimum 80% average for the most recent academic term.
- Display passion for International Business in one or more of the following areas:
- Education;
- Work experience;
- Volunteering;
- Extra-curriculars activities;
- Memberships;
- Associations;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Community support.
Assets:
- Pursuing studies or displayed passion related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.
- Bilingual in both official languages (English and French). Multilingualism is also considered an asset.
- Have studied or had work experience outside of Canada.
- Be a recipient of awards or honours (academic, community, or other).
Your application must include the following four documents:
1. Letter of intent (written response of maximum 1,000 words or 3-5 minute video/voice clip): Submit a written, video, or audio personal introduction that:
a. Tells us more about yourself.
b. Your current or planned education related to International Business.
c. Your demonstrated passion for International Business.
d. How receiving this scholarship would benefit you.
2. Your resume: Include your resume, highlighting any experience abroad (work, study, internship), memberships, associations or participation in events/activities that show your passion for International Business. Highlight your professional experience in Canada and abroad. Showcase any volunteer work, community support, extracurricular activities or participation in events or activities that highlight your commitment to community involvement.
3. Reference letter (written response of a maximum of 500 words) : A signed reference letter from a professor/teacher, your employer, community member, mentor/coach, or individual who is not related to you. The individual providing the reference must declare their relationship to the applicant and include contact information.
4. Transcripts: Your official transcripts from your most recent academic term, including the grading system specific to your school.
Who’s eligible?
- A Black student pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year.
To qualify for this scholarship applicants must:
- Be able to provide their Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
- Identify as a member of the Black community.
- Be pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year (proof of enrollment will be required).
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership within the Black community, in one or more of the following areas:
- Community advocacy/support;
- Education;
- Volunteering;
- Extra-curricular activities;
- Memberships;
- Associations;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Work experience.
- Must have a minimum of 70% average for the most recent academic term.
Assets:
- Be a recipient of awards or honours (academic, community, or other).
Your application must include the following three documents:
1. Letter of intent (written response of maximum 1000 words or 3-5 minute video/voice clip): Submit a written, video, or audio personal introduction that:
a. Tells us more about yourself.
b. Provides a brief description of your experience as a member of the Black community.
c. Your leadership within the Black community.
d. Your future goals.
e. How receiving this scholarship would benefit you.
2. Reference letter: (written response of a maximum of 500 words): A signed reference letter from a community member, professor/teacher, your employer, mentor/coach, or individual who is not related to you who is familiar with your community involvement. The individual providing reference must declare their relationship to the applicant and include contact information.
3. Transcripts: Your official transcripts from your most recent academic term, including the grading system specific to your school.
Who is eligible?
- An Indigenous student, First Nations status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit (“FNMI”) pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year.
To qualify for this scholarship applicants must:
- Be able to provide their Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
- Identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Inuit, or Métis (FMNI).
- Be pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university, or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year (proof of enrollment will be required).
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership within the FNMI community, in one or more of the following areas:
- Community advocacy/support;
- Education;
- Volunteering;
- Extra-curriculars activities;
- Membership;
- Associations;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Work experience.
- Have a minimum of 70% average for the most recent academic term.
Assets:
- Ability to speak or are pursuing studies of Indigenous language(s).
- Be a recipient of awards or honours (academic, community or other).
Your application must include the following three documents:
1. Letter of intent (written response of maximum 1,000 words or 3-5 minute video/voice clip): Submit a written, video, or audio personal introduction that:
a. Tells us more about yourself.
b. Provides a brief description of your FNMI identity.
c. Your leadership within the FNMI community.
d. Your future goals.
e. How receiving this funding would benefit you.
2. Reference letter (written response of a maximum of 500 words): A signed reference letter from an Indigenous community member or leader, professor/teacher, your employer, mentor/coach, or individual who is not related to you who is familiar with your community involvement. The individual providing reference must declare their relationship to the applicant and include contact information.
3. Transcripts: Your official transcripts from your most recent academic term, including the grading system specific to your school.
Who is eligible?
- A student who identifies as 2SLGBTQI+, that is pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university, or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year.
To qualify for this scholarship applicants must:
- Be able to provide their Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
- Identify as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, , or other self-identifying definitions, + (2SLGBTQI+).
- Be pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year (proof of enrollment will be required).
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership within the 2SLGBTQI+ community, in one or more of the following areas:
- Community advocacy/support;
- Education;
- Volunteering;
- Extra-curriculars activities;
- Membership;
- Associations;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Work experience.
- Have a minimum of 70% average for the most recent academic term.
Assets:
- Advocacy/involvement in policy change related to the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
- Be a recipient of awards or honours (academic, community or other).
Your application must include the following three documents:
1. Letter of intent (written response of maximum 1,000 words or 3-5 minute video/voice clip): Submit a written, video, or audio personal introduction that:
a. Tells us more about yourself.
b. Provides a brief description of your 2SLGBTQI+ identity.
c. Your leadership within the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
d. Your future goals.
e. How receiving this scholarship would benefit you.
2. Reference letter (written response of a maximum of 500 words): A signed reference letter from a community member, professor/teacher, your employer, mentor/coach, or individual who is not related to you who is familiar with your community involvement. The individual providing reference must declare their relationship to the applicant and include contact information.
3. Transcripts: Your official transcript from your most recent academic term, including the grading system specific to your school.
Who’s eligible?
- A student who identifies as having a disability (visible or invisible) that is pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year.
To qualify for this scholarship applicants must:
- Be able to provide their Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
- Identify as a person with a visible or invisible disability.
- Be pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university, or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year (proof of enrollment will be required).
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership in creating opportunities and/or removing barriers for persons with disabilities in one or more of the following areas:
- Community advocacy/support;
- Education;
- Volunteering;
- Extra-curriculars activities;
- Memberships;
- Associations;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Work experience.
- Have a minimum of 70% average for the most recent academic term.
Assets:
- Advocacy/involvement in policy change related to creating opportunities and/or removing barriers for persons with disabilities.
- Be a recipient of awards or honours (academic, community or other).
Your application must include the following three documents:
1. Letter of intent (written response of maximum 1,000 words or 3-5 minute video/voice clip): Submit a written, video, or audio personal introduction that:
a. Tells us more about yourself
b. Provides a brief description of your experience living with a visible or invisible disability.
c. Your leadership in creating opportunities and/or removing barriers for persons with disabilities.
d. Your future goals.
e. How receiving this funding would benefit you.
2. Reference letter (written response of a maximum of 500 words): A signed reference letter from a community member, professor/teacher, your employer, mentor/coach, or individual who is not related to you who is familiar with your community involvement. The individual providing reference must declare their relationship to the applicant and include contact information.
3. Transcripts: Your official transcripts from your most recent academic term, including the grading system specific to your school.
Who’s eligible?
- A student of Latin American origin or descent, that is pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year.
To qualify for this scholarship applicants must:
- Be able to provide their Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
- Be of Latin American origin or descent.
- Be pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year (proof of enrollment will be required).
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership within the Latin community in Canada or abroad in one or more of the following areas:
- Community advocacy/support;
- Education;
- Volunteering;
- Extra-curricular activities;
- Memberships;
- Associations;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Work experience.
- Have a minimum of 70% average for the most recent academic term.
Assets:
- Be a recipient of awards or honours (academic, community or other).
- Education or work experience within Latin America.
- Ability to speak or are pursuing studies of a Latin language.
Your application must include the following three documents:
1. Letter of intent (written response of maximum 1,000 words or 3-5 minute video/voice clip): Submit a written, video, or audio personal introduction that:
a. Tells us more about yourself.
b. Provides a brief description of your Latin American origin or descent.
c. Your leadership within the Latin community.
d. Your future goals.
e. How receiving this scholarship would benefit you.
2. Reference letter (written response of a maximum of 500 words): A signed reference letter from a community member, professor/teacher, your employer, mentor/coach, or individual who is not related to you who is familiar with your community involvement. The individual providing reference must declare their relationship to the applicant and include contact information.
3. Transcripts: Your official transcripts from your most recent academic term, including the grading system specific to your school.
Who’s eligible?
- An early professional (an individual who is in the initial stages of their career, regardless of their age) that is pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year.
To qualify for this scholarship applicants must:
- Be able to provide their Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
- Be an early professional pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year (proof of enrollment will be required).
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership within the early professionals’ community in one or more of the following areas:
- Community advocacy/support;
- Education;
- Volunteering;
- Extra-curriculars activities;
- Memberships;
- Associations;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Work experience.
- Have a minimum of 70% average for the most recent academic term.
Assets:
- Demonstrated leadership in organizing and managing a group, club, or activity, within or outside of the school environment.
- Be a recipient of awards or honours (academic, community, or other).
Your application must include the following three documents:
1. Letter of intent (written response of maximum 1,000 words or 3-5 minute video/voice clip): Submit a written, video, or audio personal introduction that:
a. Tells us more about yourself.
b. Provides a brief description of how you identify as an early professional.
c. Your leadership within the early professionals’ community.
d. Your future goals.
e. How receiving this scholarship would benefit you.
2. Reference letter (written response of a maximum of 500 words): A signed reference letter from a community member, professor/teacher, your employer, mentor/coach, or individual who is not related to you who is familiar with your community involvement. The individual providing reference must declare their relationship to the applicant and include contact information.
3. Transcripts: Your official transcripts from your most recent academic term, including the grading system specific to your school.
Who’s eligible?
- For a student who identifies as female, that is pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year.
To qualify for this scholarship applicants must:
- Be able to provide their Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
- Identify as female.
- Be pursuing studies at a Canadian college, university or CEGEP for the 2025/2026 academic year (proof of enrollment will be required).
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership in the advancement of women’s rights, in one or more of the following areas:
- Community advocacy/support;
- Education;
- Volunteering;
- Extra-curriculars activities;
- Memberships;
- Associations;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Work experience.
- Have a minimum of 70% average for the most recent academic term.
Assets:
- Advocacy/involvement in policy change related to creating opportunity and/or removing barriers for women.
- Be a recipient of awards or honours (academic, community or other).
Your application must include the following three documents:
1. Letter of intent (written response of maximum 1,000 words or 3-5 minute video/voice clip): Submit a written, video, or audio personal introduction that:
a. Tells us more about yourself.
b. Provides a brief description of your experience as a female.
c. Your leadership within the advancement of women’s rights.
d. Your future goals.
e. How receiving this funding would benefit you.
2. Reference letter (written response of maximum 500 words): A signed reference letter from a community member, professor/teacher, your employer, mentor/coach, or individual who is not related to you who is familiar with your community involvement. The individual providing reference must declare their relationship to the applicant and include contact information.
3. Transcripts: Your official transcripts from your most recent academic term, including the grading system specific to your school.
What is the application timeline?
Applications open in February and close on April 30th each year.
Are extensions ever granted?
No. Applications must be completed online, on or before the deadline.
If my application is successful, when do I receive my scholarship?
Scholarship recipients are informed of their successful application in July, and the payment is made following receipt of proof of enrollment in August.
Can I apply if I’m a CEGEP graduate and went straight into the second year of my bachelor’s degree program?
Yes, you are eligible to apply and must meet all other eligibility requirements.
Can I apply if I’m a college student in a university transfer program?
Yes, you are eligible to apply and must meet all other eligibility requirements.
Can I apply if I’m a college student in a diploma program?
Yes, you are eligible to apply and must meet all other eligibility requirements.
Can I apply if I already have one bachelor’s degree and am now in my second or third year of a second bachelor’s degree program?
Yes, you are eligible to apply if your previous degree was in a different area of study, and must meet all other eligibility requirements.
Can I apply if I’m studying international business at university but am currently on a co-op placement?
Yes, you are eligible to apply and must meet all other eligibility requirements.
Can I apply if I’m in an MBA or other related graduate studies program?
Yes, you are eligible to apply for our International Business Scholarship, but Master’s students are not eligible for our Community Leader Scholarships.
Can an EDC employee apply?
No, EDC employees and their dependents are not eligible.
Can I apply if I’ve already received an EDC scholarship?
No, recipients cannot be awarded more than one EDC scholarship. This scholarship is awarded only once per student, meaning recipients cannot receive it more than once in their lifetime.
Can I apply to EDC’s International Business Scholarship if I am taking only one international business course?
No, you must be enrolled in International Business.
Can I apply if I’m an international student at a Canadian university?
No, our scholarships program is open only to Canadian students who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Scholarship recipients must be able to provide their Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
Are scholarship applicants considered for internships?
No, EDC does not offer an internship program. Student job postings can be found on EDC's Careers page.
Our selection committee will evaluate your scholarship application based on your:
- demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in international business
- clear expression of how the scholarship will help you pursue field of study
- level of academic achievement (as reflected in your transcripts or honours)
- experience in Canada and abroad (including work, internships, volunteering and study exchanges) during the current degree program
- leadership potential (as reflected in extracurricular activities)
- letters of reference
- language skills
- leadership potential (as reflected in extracurricular activities)
- letters of reference
- language skills
If you are awarded an EDC scholarship—congratulations! You’ll receive your funds in the fall once you’ve provided proof of enrollment.
Work experience outside of Canada (e.g., a paid/unpaid internship abroad or any type of paid employment overseas within the timeframe of your current degree and for a minimum of three months) is valued by the selection committee. To demonstrate your experience abroad, you must have your foreign employer complete a reference letter.
Recruitment for internships is a separate function. To be considered for internship opportunities, apply for specific positions posted on EDC's Careers page.
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