Major Admission Awards

Students who demonstrate superior academic ability, creative and original thinking, involvement in school or community activities, and proven leadership can apply for a Queen’s major admission award. Financial need is also a consideration for some of our major admission awards.

  • Available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada
  • You may attend high school in Canada or internationally
  • Students taking a gap year can still apply for the major admission awards
  • Recipients will not be eligible for other merit-based scholarships

Please review the Eligibility section for additional requirements.

The values shown for admission scholarships and awards were in effect at the time of publication. Queen's University reserves the right to revise or withdraw any award without prior notice.

 

Application Dates and Instructions

* Please note: The Queen’s Accelerated Route to Medical School (QuARMS) admission process is no longer linked to the Chancellor’s Scholarship application process. For complete information about the QuARMS pathway and admission process, please refer to the School of Medicine website.

  • Review the eligibility criteria for each of the major admission awards you wish to be considered
  • Prepare your responses to the MAA application in advance of submitting online in the SOLUS Student Centre (SOLUS cannot be accessed until after applying for admission to Queen's)
    • Note: The practice application contains the exact questions that will appear on the online MAA application. There will not be any additional questions. The Practice application for the 2024-25 admission year is currently available on the Application Forms page. 
  • If you’re applying for the Chancellor’s Scholarship, make sure you have confirmation that your high school will be nominating you. You’ll need your High School Official’s name/email address when you submit the online MAA Application in SOLUS

Upon submitting your application, an email will be sent to your High School Official requesting they submit the High School Official form electronically to our office. You will then receive an email confirming the form has been received by your High School Official.

Please note: The High School Official will identify whether or not you have been selected as the nominee by your school.

  • We encourage you to follow up directly with your High School Official to verify

Apply for admission to Queen’s via the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) no later than November 20 to ensure that you gain access to SOLUS to submit your MAA application by December 8. It takes 4-6 business days to receive your SOLUS login from the date you applied to Queen's University. 

The deadline to submit the Major Admission Award Application on SOLUS is December 8, 2023

Students who have applied for major admission awards, including the Chancellor's Scholarship, must fulfill all admission requirements for their desired program(s). Review Admission Requirements.

The deadline for the Supplementary Essay is not the same as the Major Admission Awards Application. For enquiries regarding Supplementary Essays, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at admission@queensu.ca

Applicants who receive an early offer of admission are still being considered for the major admission awards. Results can be viewed on your SOLUS Student Centre in late February.

All Students

Do not submit multiple copies of the same grades. It is expected that students have a cumulative average of 90% or higher throughout high school in order to be competitive in our major admission award competition.


Ontario Students

Students studying in an Ontario High School must submit ONE of the following:

  • A Credit Counselling Summary
  • A Student Status Sheet

The document submitted should include:

  • All previously completed course marks – grade 9 through last completed year
  • November grades for those courses you are currently enrolled in
    • If your November grades are not included in your Credit Counselling Summary or Student Status Sheet you will be required to submit an additional document with your current November grades – a report card, or hand written on an unofficial transcript or on school letterhead – signed by a school official

Non-Ontario Students

Students studying in a Non-Ontario High School must submit ALL of the following:

  • An Unofficial High School Transcript – grade 9 through last completed year
  • November grades for those courses you are currently enrolled in
  • A list of all courses to be taken during the 2023-24 academic year

Current year courses and November grades may be hand written, together or on separate documents, on either an unofficial transcript, report card, or on school letterhead – signed by a school official.

To view your active Award Applications:

  1. Log into SOLUS Student Centre
  2. Select the Financial Aid tile
  3. Select the View Award Application Status navigation

Learn how to view your Queen's financial aid on SOLUS, and how Queen's financial aid is paid.

Awards

The grades listed for individual awards are based on the Canadian School System. The grades listed should act as a guide for your academic accomplishments throughout your high school studies.

Established by the Bank of Montreal and awarded to students entering the first year of any program at Queen's University. The selection of the recipient will be based on a combination of financial need, superior academic ability, proven leadership qualities, and involvement in the life of his or her school and community.

Category Details
Total value $40,000
Program of study All
Criteria
  • Superior academic ability
  • Creative and original thinking
  • Proven leadership qualities
  • Financial need
High school grades 90% +
Duration Renewable for 3 subsequent years (4 years total) provided a GPA of 3.5 is achieved in a full course load each year. Selected recipients will receive further information about renewal criteria
Annual value $10,000
Number available 5
Deadline to apply December 8, 2023

A submitted Financial Aid and Awards Profile is required – available on your SOLUS Student Center.

In celebration of its 150th anniversary (1841-1991), Queen's University offers 50 Chancellor's Scholarships to students chosen on the basis of nomination by high school principals and submission of a detailed application form. Students must be entering the first year of any undergraduate program at Queen's to qualify for a Chancellor's Scholarship. Students in their second year of CEGEP are also eligible to apply.

Category Details
Total value $48,000
Program of study All
Criteria
  • Superior academic ability
  • Creative and original thinking
  • Proven leadership qualities
  • High school nomination required. Nominations from institutions where the applicant is enrolled in part-time studies will not be accepted
    • Students on a gap year must receive a nomination from their prior full-time high school. As there are restrictions on the number of nominees per school, it is up to the discretion of the High School Official whether to nominate a prior student over a student that is currently enrolled
    • A student from Quebec may receive a Chancellor's nomination from either their prior full-time high school or their current full-time CEGEP
  • Number of nominations per high school is based on graduating class size:
    • Less than 250 – 1 nominee
    • 250-499 – up to 2 nominees
    • 500 or greater – up to 3 nominees
High school grades 90% +
Duration Renewable for 3 subsequent years (4 years total) provided a GPA of 3.5 is achieved in a full course load each year. Selected recipients will receive further information about renewal criteria
Annual value $12,000
Number available 50
Deadline to apply December 8, 2023

 

Named Chancellor Scholarships

The following named Chancellor's Scholarships have been made possible due to generous donations from specific donors. If a student is selected to receive a Chancellor's Scholarship the name of their award may be amended to one of the following awards. Please note that only the name of the award will change after a student has been selected; the value of the Chancellor's Scholarship will not change depending on the name of the award.

Alumni National Scholarship

Established through donations of Queen's Alumni.

Grace Adelia Ashbaugh Scholarship

Established under the terms of the will of Frederick K. Ashbaugh.

May and Murray Ball Sesquicentennial Scholarship

Established by a bequest from May Ball, B.A. (Hon.) 1925, in memory of her brother, Murray and awarded to a student entering the first year of any program at Queen's University.

Dolan Entrance Scholarship

Established under the terms of the will of L. Kathleen Dolan.

Robert L. Dunsmore Scholarship

Established under the terms of the will of Robert L. Dunsmore.

Robert Cheyne Eddy Memorial Scholarship

Established by his family and the family of C.G. Eddy in memory of Robert Cheyne Eddy, M.C., B.Sc. (Eng.) '41, M.B.A. (Western) '72, of Bathurst, New Brunswick and is awarded to a student from the Atlantic provinces.

John B. Stirling Entrance Scholarship

Established to honour John Bertram Stirling, Chancellor of Queen's from 1958 to 1974 and awarded to a student entering the first year of any program at Queen's University.

Bethia Best West Scholarship

Established under the terms of the will of Bethia Best West. Awarded to a student entering the first year of any program at Queen's University.

Established by the Chernoff Family which includes Mr. Michael N. Chernoff, B.Sc. (Eng.) 1959, Mrs. Dorine (Dennison) Chernoff, B.A., Manitoba, Ms. Catherine Chernoff, B. of Architecture, Texas, and Mr. M. Bruce Chernoff, B.Sc. (Eng.) 1987. The awards recognize and are in memory of Nick and Maud Chernoff, Michael's parents, who homesteaded on the Saskatchewan prairie and although acquiring very little education themselves, recognized the importance and value of a higher education and dedicated their lives to seeing their children through Canadian universities. The awards also recognize Charlie N. Chernoff, B.Sc. (Eng.) Saskatchewan, Michael's brother, who over the years provided valuable assistance in furthering Michael's career in the earth sciences. These awards have been established to attract and encourage students from all parts of Canada to come to Queen's. The program is especially intended to support qualified Canadian students who otherwise would be unable to study at Queen's. Awarded annually to full-time students entering the first year of any program at Queen's University. Selection of the recipient will be based on a combination of superior academic ability, creative and original thinking, proven leadership qualities and financial need. Preference will be given to students from rural and remote areas of Canada. The awards are renewable for three subsequent years provided a first class standing is maintained and financial need remains evident.

Category Details
Total value $48,000-$60,000
Program of study All
Criteria
  • Superior academic ability
  • Creative and original thinking
  • Proven leadership qualities
  • Financial need
  • Students from rural or remote areas of Canada
High school grades 90% +
Duration Renewable for 3 subsequent years (4 years total) provided a GPA of 3.5 is achieved in a full course load each year. Selected recipients will receive further information about renewal criteria
Annual value $12,000-$15,000
Number available 11
Deadline to apply December 8, 2023

A submitted Financial Aid and Awards Profile is required – available on your SOLUS Student Center

Established in November 1998 by D.R. Sobey, BCom 1957 and Rob Sobey, BA (Honours) 1988. Last revised in June 2023. Awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need, academic excellence, proven leadership skills, and involvement in school or community activities, to students entering first year of any first-entry undergraduate degree program and who reside in one of the Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island). Preference will be given to students entering the first year of a Bachelor of Commerce degree program in the Smith School of Business. The award is renewable for three subsequent years provided a satisfactory academic average is maintained each year and students remain enrolled in full-time study. 

Category Details
Total value $80,000 - $120,000
Program of study All
Criteria
  • Resident and student of one of the Atlantic provinces
  • Entering first year of any undergraduate degree
  • Academic excellence
  • Proven leadership
  • Involvement in school or community activities
  • Financial need
High school grades Demonstrated academic excellence
Duration Renewable for three subsequent years provided a satisfactory academic average is maintained each year and students remain enrolled in full-time study. Selected recipients will receive further information about renewal criteria
Annual value $20,000 - $30,000
Number available Up to 10
Deadline to apply December 8, 2023

A submitted Financial Aid and Awards Profile is required – available on your SOLUS Student Center.

Established in January 2021 by the Estate of Norma Catherine Gregory and awarded on the basis of academic excellence, creative and original thinking, proven leadership skills, and involvement in school or community activities to students entering the first year of any first-entry undergraduate degree program in Smith Engineering. The award is renewable for three years provided a minimum GPA of 3.5 is maintained in a full-time course load in each subsequent year, and involvement in leadership and extra-curricular activities remains evident. Applicants will be selected on the basis of a nomination by their high school and submission of a detailed application. Applications are to be made to the Office of the University Registrar, Financial Aid, and Awards on December 1. Value: $48,000 ($12,000 x 4 years).

Category Details
Total value $48,000
Program of study Smith Engineering 

Criteria

Must be nominated for the Queen’s Chancellor’s Scholarship. Please refer to Chancellor’s Scholarship ‘Criteria’ for additional details

High school grades 90% +
Duration Renewable for 3 subsequent years (4 years total) provided a GPA of 3.5 is achieved in a full course load each year and involvement in leadership and extra-curricular activities remains evident. Selected recipients will receive further information about renewal criteria
Annual value $12,000
Number available 1
Deadline to apply December 8, 2023

Established by a bequest from Doris E. Marsh in memory of her sister, Doctor Iris May Marsh, Arts '57 and awarded to a student entering the first year of any program at Queen's University. The selection of the recipient will be based on a combination of financial need, superior academic ability, proven leadership qualities, and involvement in the life of his or her school and community. The award is renewable for three subsequent years provided a minimum GPA of 3.5 is maintained and financial need remains evident.

Category Details
Total value $48,000
Program of study All
Criteria
  • Superior academic ability
  • Creative and original thinking
  • Proven leadership qualities
  • Financial need
  • Permanent family residence must be in Ontario
  • Involvement in the school and community
High school grades 90% +
Duration Renewable for 3 subsequent years (4 years total) provided a GPA of 3.5 is achieved in a full course load each year and financial need remains evident. Selected recipients will receive further information about renewal criteria
Annual value $12,000
Number available 5
Deadline to apply December 8, 2023

A submitted Financial Aid and Awards Profile is required – available on your SOLUS Student Center.

Established in June 2006 by the Melvin R. Goodes Foundation in honour of Melvin R Goodes, B.Com. 1957, LL.D. 1994, and awarded on the basis of financial need, academic excellence, and demonstrated leadership qualities to full-time students entering the first year of any direct entry undergraduate program. Preference will be given to students who are graduates from Westdale Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario. If no eligible candidates can be found from Westdale Secondary School, then the award will be open to students who were residents of the City of Hamilton, Ontario on admission to Queen's University. The award is renewable for three subsequent years provided a minimum GPA of 3.0 is maintained in the first year and minimum GPA of 3.5 is maintained in subsequent years in a full course load.

Category Details
Total value $48,000-$60,000
Program of study All
Criteria
  • Academic excellence
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities
  • Financial need
  • Preference will be given to students who are graduates from Westdale Secondary School
High school grades

90%+

Duration Renewable for 3 subsequent years (4 years total) provided a GPA of 3.0 is achieved in first year and a GPA of 3.5 is achieved in each subsequent year in a full course load. Selected recipients will receive further information about renewal criteria
Annual value $12,000-$15,000
Number available 2
Deadline to apply December 8, 2023

A submitted Financial Aid and Awards Profile is required – available on your SOLUS Student Center.

Category Details
Total value $48,000
Program of study Smith Engineering 
Criteria
  • Superior academic ability
  • Creative and original thinking
  • Proven leadership qualities
  • Financial need
  • Permanent family residence must be in Ontario
High school grades 90% +
Duration Renewable for 3 subsequent years (4 years total) provided a GPA of 3.5 is achieved in a full course load each year. Selected recipients will receive further information about renewal criteria
Annual value $12,000
Number available 1
Deadline to apply December 8, 2023

A submitted Financial Aid and Awards Profile is required – available on your SOLUS Student Center.

 

Deferral of Admission Awards

Information about a deferral of admission can be found on the Undergraduate Admissions website.

If Undergraduate Admission grants a deferral of your admission to the program of study that you have accepted (e.g. Commerce), then your scholarship will also be deferred.

Please note this is for merit-based scholarships only.

Any award that has financial need criteria cannot be deferred. Bursaries are granted based on your current level of financial need. If you are not able to attend in a given year you cannot defer your bursary to use in another year. You may apply for a General Bursary when you are a registered student at Queen’s University and your financial need will be evaluated based on your circumstances at that time.

 

Thank Your Donor

If you received a donor sponsored award then we will provide you with further information about how you can express your appreciation in the coming weeks. Donors enjoy learning more about the recipients of their awards; this acknowledgement provides them with a first-hand understanding of what their gift has meant to you.