Select a link to jump to an article.

SAVE THE DATE | Canadian university application process presentation

An information session for parents and students will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.  

Join on Zoom here.

Year 12 | Upcoming workshops

The UCO will be hosting a variety of post-secondary planning workshops over this term. As we get the ball rolling, the following student workshops are coming up soon. Students need to bring their laptops and questions. 

Students who are applying to U.S. universities should make every effort to attend the following workshops:

• OUAC — Ontario Universities Application Centre

Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 1:10 p.m. in Laidlaw Hall

Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 3:45 p.m. in the Manucha & Bellamy Studio Theatre 

• University of Chicago — Essay Writing (Virtual)

    Thursday, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m. ET: Register here

• Rice University - College Essay Writing (In-person)

Monday, Oct. 2 at 3:45 p.m. in Room 127 (Email Ms. Lopez if you would like to attend)

• Applying to the University of California (UC's) system (In-person)
  Thursday, Oct. 5 at 3:45 p.m. in Room 140 

Year 12 | Scholarships

Researching Scholarships

Scholarships and academic awards abound for Year 12 students. All students can research the UCO's curated list of scholarships by using Naviance. Login to your account and select COLLEGES >  SCHOLARSHIPS. 

Researching and planning your scholarship applications is a process that takes time. The dividend can be quite rewarding. As always, meeting with your counsellor to get direction and support is an important resource to use.

Boston University Trustee Scholarship

Year 12 students applying to Boston University are encouraged to explore the Trustee Scholarship. In addition to exceptional academic credentials, Trustee Scholars are intellectually and creatively adventurous and demonstrate viewpoints, experiences, or achievements beyond the usual. They are, in other words, not just top students, but extraordinarily well-rounded individuals. At BU, Trustee Scholars become part of a unique campus community that offers many intellectual, cultural, and social opportunities. Trustee Scholars rank at the top of their classes and demonstrate exceptional leadership in their schools and communities. The Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus orientation and mandatory undergraduate student fees for four years. To be considered, students must submit their application for admission to BU with one Trustee Scholarship essay by December 1, 2023. More information about the Trustee Scholarship can be found on the website. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their University Counsellor.

University of Toronto National Scholarship Program

Students in Year 12 who are interested in studying at the University of Toronto should check out the U of T National Scholarship Program. There is no nomination requirement, so any UCC student who is interested and qualified can apply. They are looking for a student who is an original and creative thinker, committed to their school and community, a high achiever in academic and creative pursuits, and enthusiastic about learning and intellectual exploration. Applicants must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person. The National Scholarship covers tuition, incidentals and residence fees for up to four years of undergraduate studies at UofT. Finalists not designated as National Scholars 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 application deadline is Oct. 19, 2023, and more information can be found on their website. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their university counsellor as soon as possible to learn more or to talk about applying.

University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

Students in Year 12 who are not Canadian citizens and are interested in studying at the University of Toronto should check out the U of T Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships. The scholarship program is intended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school. A special emphasis is placed on the impact the student has had on the life of their school and community, and their future potential to contribute positively to the global community. The scholarship will cover tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years. More information can be found on their website. 

A student must be nominated to apply for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship. Any interested and qualified UCC applicant should write a one-page letter to the University Counselling Office detailing why they would be a good candidate for the scholarship. These letters should be submitted to Ms. Lopez  by 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their university counsellor as soon as possible to learn more.

Emory College Woodruff Scholars Program 

Students who are in Year 12 and planning to apply to Emory University should consider the Emory College Woodruff Scholars Program. Applicants must submit their application to the university by Tuesday, Nov. 15 (unless they are applying for Early Decision, in which case it is due Tuesday, Nov. 1) and have indicated on their application an interest in being considered for Merit Scholarships. No additional nomination forms, essays, or materials are required to be considered and all students, regardless of citizenship, can be considered for the Scholar Programs. The Scholar Programs seek individuals who are motivated to be agents of positive social change across the broad spectrum of society—research and discovery, arts and culture, policy and justice work, and innovation and entrepreneurship. They select applicants who demonstrate significant promise in developing the Scholar Qualities and who show aptitude for and interest in working to improve their communities. The Scholar Qualities include a forceful and unselfish character, creativity and leadership and intellectual and personal vigour. The scholarship includes full tuition, fees, and on-campus room and meals. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their university counsellor to learn more.

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship 

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is an exciting opportunity that is available to students who wish to pursue their education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

This is a four-year, fully-funded educational experience for students of the highest calibre. It is so much more than tuition and room and board — it sets scholars’ potential free. It offers life-changing summer enrichment and Discovery Fund experiences as well as immersion in a dynamic student body at a world-class university.

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship chooses scholars based on four criteria:

1. Leadership: Morehead-Cains influence, energize and inspire others to work together to make an impact. It’s more than titles held or roles played. For scholars, leadership is about courage and action.

2. Scholarship: Morehead-Cains thrive in an academically rigorous environment, yet are able to contribute to their communities in other ways. They are ready to take full advantage of UNC’s academic excellence.

3. Character: Courage, humility, integrity, maturity, perseverance, self-awareness, generosity and empathy — these are the core values of the Morehead-Cain community. Morehead-Cains embrace the fact that they are growing and learning.

4. Physical vigour: Morehead-Cains demonstrate a sustained commitment to fitness and wellness. They value what is gained — collaboration, sportsmanship, discipline, stamina and persistence — by preparing for and engaging in competitions and performances. (Due consideration is given to those with physical limitations.)

The application is due on October 1. UCC has nominated 3 students for this scholarship but any UCC student is welcome to apply. We have had scholars who were and were not nominated.  Previous Morehead-Cain Scholars from UCC include Randy Chang ’23, Kene Ochuba ’21 and Kimathi Muiruri ’17.

You can find further information about this incredible opportunity on their website. Please reach out to your counsellor if you have any questions or for support with your application.

Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship 

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident interested in studying computer science, computer engineering, data science or software engineering at any of the following institutions starting in 2024–25, Polytechnique Montreal, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of New Brunswick or the University of Waterloo, we encourage you to consider applying for the Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship. 

The Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship will provide full financial support to help foster a new generation of technology leaders. Through this program, they aim to empower exceptional students with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to drive technological innovation and tackle complex challenges to ensure a more sustainable and resilient Canada.

Ten scholarships are available and are valued at $25,000 CAD per academic year. Within this allocation, $10,000 is specifically to cover tuition expenses, while the remaining $15,000 is designated as a stipend. Only 500 submitted applications will be accepted for review.

You can find further information about The Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship on their website. Please reach out to your counsellor if you have any questions.

Loran Award

The Loran Award is one of Canada’s most prestigious honours paying particular attention to a young person’s character. To find the next generation of leaders for Canada, they look beyond the transcript and find the promise of character: integrity, courage, compassion, determination and a high level of personal autonomy. Tenable at 25 Canadian partner universities, the Loran Award is valued at $100,000 over four years, including mentorship, funding for summer work experiences, and participation in an extensive network of past and present scholars. This year, up to 36 Loran Awards will be offered. In addition, the Loran committee is granting up to 124 finalist and provincial/territorial awards ($6,000 or $2,000 each, respectively) to promising candidates.

All interested and eligible students are welcome to apply by filling out the application, uploading a transcript, and naming a reference. School sponsorship is no longer required. Previous Loran Scholars from UCC include Toni Agbaje-Ojo ’21 and Vlad Chindea ’18.

The deadline for all applications is Oct. 11, 2023, before 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) 

To learn more about the Loran Award, the eligibility criteria and the application process, visit the Loran Scholars website. Please reach out to your university counsellor for support and any questions you may have about your application.

To learn more about the Loran Award, the eligibility criteria and the application process, please register for one of their webinars and hear from Loran alumni firsthand.

• Session 1: Sept. 25 @ 12 p.m. ET

• Session 2: Oct. 4 @ 6 p.m. ET

Or visit the Loran Scholars website. Please reach out to your university counsellor for support and any questions you may have about your application.

Robertson Scholars 

Students who are in Year 12 and planning to apply to either Duke University or the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill should consider the Robertson Scholars Program. No nomination is required so any interested and qualified UCC student can submit an application. 

Robertson Scholars are curious and conscientious leaders who think deeply and embrace innovation. They get into action in large and small ways to change the current reality at the level of the self, the group, and the system. Robertson Scholars understand that systems change requires collaborative effort, and as such, are always aware of the ways in which their actions affect others. They're committed to building community and see transformational leadership development as a practice. They're open to deep introspective work and continuous conversations necessary to develop new perspectives. Robertson Scholars act with integrity and align their choices to their values. 

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program provides eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees for Scholars at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. Scholars also have access to generous funding for up to three summer experiences, funding for conferences throughout the academic year, and for two semesters of study abroad. The Robertson application portal is currently open, and applications are due Nov. 15, 2023. Interested students can sign up for an online session called Exploring the Robertson at Duke and Carolina or speak with their university counsellor to learn more.

Waterloo Engineering Webinars

Register now

Which Waterloo Engineering program is right for you?

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 at 8:30 p.m. ET

Applying to Waterloo Engineering

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 at 8:30 p.m. ET

Tips for Applying to Waterloo Engineering

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 at 8:30 p.m. ET

Guide to preparing for Oxford admissions tests

For students applying in October 2023 for entry in 2024:

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 

Book for the 10 a.m. (UK time) session

Book for the 5 p.m. (UK time) session

Virtual presentations