Year 10 students will continue researching their course choices for the IB Diploma Pathway over the break. Students are reminded to refer to the worksheet they received from their counsellor and to the Course Selections unit in their UCO Brightspace Course.

Starting next month, students will be invited to attend a second, 1:1 meeting with their UCO counsellor. 

Students will receive a new link to book a meeting with their counsellor the first week of school in January.

Bookings are open for the January 2026 UAT-UK test sittings. Details of programmes that require UAT-UK tests in the 2026 UCAS cycle can be viewed here. 

Also, keep in mind key dates:

• • Friday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. GMT: General test booking deadline.

Test dates:

• • • ESAT: Jan. 6 and 7

    • TMUA: Jan. 8 and 9

    • TARA: Jan. 12 and 13

York University President's International Scholarship of Excellence (PISE)

The President's International Scholarship of Excellence will be awarded to international high school applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, commitment to volunteer work and extracurricular activities, and leadership skills. Recipients will represent a variety of regions around the world and will be referred to as 'President's International Scholars'. Year 12 students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and have applied to York University are encouraged to explore the website to learn more. Applications are due on Jan. 26. 

McMaster Engineering Entrance Scholarships

Year 12 students who applied to engineering at McMaster University are encouraged to explore their entrance scholarships. Only one application is required to be considered for all eligible Faculty of Engineering entrance scholarships. Applications are due on Feb. 19. Interested students are encouraged to check out the website for more information or speak with their counsellor. 

Western University National Scholarship Program

Year 12 students who have Western University as their top choice should explore Western's National Scholarship Program. UCC can nominate four students for Western’s National Scholarship Program. National Scholarships are designed to recognize all-around excellence. These awards are based on outstanding academic performance (a minimum 90 per cent average calculated on all of Grade 12 courses, not just your “best six.” You do not need a 90 per cent in every course, just an average) and demonstrated ability for creative and innovative thought and a passion for the pursuit of learning.

These scholarships also recognize exceptional achievement in extracurricular activities such as the arts and athletics. A special emphasis is placed on a candidate’s commitment to community service through ongoing contributions to school and community life. Interested students can review a PDF of the application to learn more. Students interested in being nominated should submit a one-page letter to Ms. Lopez by Monday, Jan. 5 at 3:30 p.m. explaining why they are a good candidate to be nominated for the scholarship. The scholarship application is due on Feb. 14. 

Schulich Leader Scholarships

All Year 12 students interested in studying STEM at a Canadian University should explore the Schulich Leader Scholarships. UCC can nominate one student. 

Schulich Leader Scholarships are Canada’s most coveted undergraduate STEM scholarships. One hundred are awarded to entrepreneurial-minded high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program at 20 partner universities across Canada. Half are valued at $120,000 for engineering scholarships, and half are valued at $100,000 for science and math scholarships. Schulich Leaders exemplify academic excellence and an entrepreneurial mindset (demonstrating leadership, charisma and creativity), with strong consideration for financial need. To be considered, you should intend to pursue a career in one or more of the following focus areas: technology, engineering, entrepreneurship and business enterprise, and applied scientific research. If you are interested in being nominated, please submit a one-page letter to Ms. Lopez by Monday, Jan. 5 at 3:30 p.m. explaining why you would make an excellent nominee for the scholarship and outlining how you meet the criteria that the scholarship committee is seeking. Please refer to their website to gain more in-depth information about the scholarship.

Dalhousie Entrance Scholarships

Year 12 students who are applying to Dalhousie University are encouraged to apply for the Dalhousie Entrance Award/Scholarship program by completing the General Entrance Award application available in the application portal after applying to Dal. These are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, community service, financial need and cultural identity. Please note, a small number of awards do require a separate application. Applications are due Feb. 15, and interested students should explore the website or speak with their counsellor for more information. 

Toronto Metropolitan University Prestigious Entrance Scholarships

Year 12 students who have applied to TMU are encouraged to explore their Prestigious Entrance Scholarships. Applications are due on Feb. 1, and interested students should check out the website to get more information about the different scholarships available. 

Queen’s University Commitment Scholars
The Commitment Scholars Award celebrates and recognizes demonstrated leadership in, and commitment to, racial justice, social justice, or diversity initiatives by a student in their high school or in their community. The award provides dedicated financial, academic, and career support to help students complete their degree. Students applying to Queen’s who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or a protected persons of Canada; Self-identify as a member of an underserved or underrepresented group, including Black, Indigenous and other racialized students, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals; and demonstrate leadership in, and commitment to, racial justice, or EDII initiatives in their high school or their local community are encouraged to apply. Applications are due on Feb. 15. To learn more, students can speak with their counsellor and explore the website. 

Guelph Top Scholarships
Year 12 students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have applied to the University of Guelph are encouraged to explore their top scholarships. Applicants must have an admissions average of at least 90 per cent and have made significant leadership contributions to their and/or community. Applications open on Dec. 1, and interested students should visit the website for more information. 

McGill University Major Entrance Scholarship
Year 12 students who are applying to McGill University are encouraged to explore the major entrance scholarships. Interested students should review the estimated minimum academic requirements published by McGill. Applications are due on Feb. 7, and students can explore the website for further information or speak with their counsellor. 

Babson College Weissman Scholarship

Year 12 students interested in Babson College are encouraged to explore the Weissman Scholarship Program. Weissman Scholars at Babson College are leaders who already enjoy distinction in their schools and communities. They've earned grades in their secondary school that place them among the top students in their programs. They've demonstrated a passion for intellectual, creative, and entrepreneurial pursuits, and have a vision for how Babson and the Weissman Scholarship Program can help further dreams, for themselves and the world. Selection for the Weissman Scholarship is based on the following criteria: Academic excellence and intellectual passion; Great distinction in leadership activities; and Strength of vision for how their goals can be fulfilled at Babson with the support of the Weissman Scholarship Program. Applications are due on Dec. 1 if applying EDI or EA and Feb. 1 if applying EDII or RD. More information can be found on their website.

Huron University's International President Scholarships

The International Presidential Scholarship (IPS) is awarded to an incoming international student with a mid-year average of 90 per cent or higher (as calculated by Huron) and an exceptional record of extracurricular and community involvement, and a passion to positively contribute to global society. The scholarship covers full tuition and ancillary fees and is renewable for up to 4 years. The application is due on Feb.1. More information can be found on their website. 

St Andrews McEuen Scholarship

Year 12 students who are applying to St. Andrews in Scotland are encouraged to explore the McEuen Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a Canadian citizen, and it is renewable based on academic and extracurricular achievement. The scholarship covers all tuition and residence fees and £200 towards miscellaneous expenses. The application can be found online and is due on Jan. 31. Interested students are encouraged to learn more by exploring the website.

St Lawrence Canadian Scholars Program 

All Year 12 students interested in applying to St. Lawrence University are encouraged to explore the Canadian Scholars Program. The Canadian Scholars Program seeks students who have excelled academically and demonstrated leadership in some compelling way in their communities. This leadership may be school-related, service-related or any other avenue in which the student has invested substantive time. The scholarship value for the Canadian Scholars Program ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 USD per year, with four-year total values of $100,000 to $200,000 USD. Any UCC student who is eligible and feels like they are a good fit based on the scholarship criteria can apply. Interested students must complete the Common Application, in addition to the Canadian Scholarship Application Essay.

Huron University Hellmuth Scholarship 

Year 12 students who have applied to Huron are encouraged to explore the Hellmuth Scholarship. The Hellmuth Scholarship is awarded to an incoming student with a mid-year average of 90 per cent or higher (as calculated by Huron) and an exceptional record of extracurricular and community involvement, as well as a demonstrated passion for student life through community leadership, volunteer service, passion for arts, athletics, etc. The scholarship covers full tuition and ancillary fees and is renewable for up to 4 years. The application is due on Jan. 15 and can be accessed through the Huron Connect Portal. Other Huron scholarships can be found on their website. 

Washington University in St. Louis Signature Scholar Programs

All Year 12 students interested in applying to Washington University in St. Louis are encouraged to explore the Signature Scholar Programs. There are three different scholar programs, so explore the website for more details on eligibility for each one. Any UCC student who is eligible and feels like they are a good fit based on the scholarship criteria can apply through the Common Application.

Queens's Major Admissions Award

Queen's University has a number of other Major Admission Awards that do not require a nomination. Many of them have a financial need component. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their counsellor or check out the website for more information.