Exceptional Canadian students
National Scholars demonstrate outstanding academics, creative thinking, broad achievement and a deep commitment to their school and community.
Full 4-year scholarship at ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ
Our flagship undergraduate admissions scholarship for Canadian students. The National Scholarship Program covers tuition, incidental and residence fees for up to four years of study.
Nominated by your high school
Each Canadian high school may nominate one student per year through the National Book Award process.
The National Scholarship Program is the largest scholarship program for Canadian students at ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ.
12 incoming National Scholars for 2025
$1.6M+ in funding for 2025
10 provinces represented in 2025 competition
Become a National Scholar
If you've been nominated by your school for the National Book Award you will be invited to submit an application to the National Scholarship Program.
Before you apply Confirm your eligibility
To apply for the National Scholarship Program, you must be:
- a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
- in your final year of Canadian secondary school or first-year CEGEP
- planning to start university in the upcoming academic year (or planning to take a gap year)
- nominated by your school for the ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ National Book Award
Sep - Oct Your school nominates you
Ask your guidance counsellor, principal or head of school if your school participates in the National Book Award program.
Schools will receive access to the 2026 nomination form on September 1, 2025. The deadline for schools to submit nominations is October 10, 2025. If you are nominated by your school, you'll receive a confirmation email with next steps.
Sep - Oct Apply for admission to ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ
In order to submit your National Scholarship Program application, you must first apply to at least one undergraduate program at the ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ. The deadline to apply for admission to ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ and be considered for the National Scholarship Program is October 17, 2025.
Oct - Nov Submit your National Scholarship Program application
After you’re nominated and receive your JOINid, which you’ll get after you apply, you’ll gain access to the online National Scholarship Program application. You must complete and submit the scholarship application by October 31, 2025. You will not be automatically considered—you must submit the application.
As part of your application, you will be asked to choose a person within your school or your community to send us a confidential reference letter to support your application. Once you submit your application, your referee will be sent a link to submit their letter of reference. The deadline for your letter of reference is also November 7, 2025.
Dec - Feb Participate in selection interviews
Approximately 25 finalists will be notified and invited to participate in virtual selection interviews in February 2026.
Only successful applicants are notified.
More details about the National Scholarship Program
Award value
The National Scholarship Program covers tuition, incidental and residence fees for up to four years of study. Runners-up will receive Arbor Scholarships at a value of $7,500 in the first year and $1,500 per year for three additional years of undergraduate study. The scholarship is tenable only at the ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ.
Important dates & deadlines
- School nomination deadline for the National Book Award: October 10, 2025 (11:59pm EDT)
- Student deadline to apply for the 2025 National Scholarship: October 17, 2025 (11:59pm EDT)
- Student deadline to apply for admission to ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ: October 31, 2025 (11:59pm EDT)
²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ National Book Award
The ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ National Book Award Program recognizes and rewards the very best Canadian secondary school students, regardless of which university those students choose to attend. National Book Award recipients are students who demonstrate superior academic performance, original and creative thought and exceptional achievement in a broad context. They excel in academic pursuits, demonstrate enthusiasm for intellectual exploration and have a strong involvement in the lives of their schools and communities. The award recipients receive the National Book Award (a physical book) recognizing their achievements and academic potential to be presented at their high school's graduation or awards ceremony.
Meet the National Scholars Learn more about our scholars
Questions
We're here to help! For questions about applying to the ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ National Scholarship Program, please visit our .
Resources for guidance counsellors, principals & heads of school
We value our relationships with guidance counsellors, principals and heads of schools across Canada. We’ve prepared resources and answers to commonly asked questions about the National Book Award to help you advise your students.