Scholarships can be a great way to fund your university education and realize your academic goals all while adding to your student resume.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of scholarships available to prospective undergraduate students. With that said, not all scholarships are equal -and there is more to it than exceptional grades.
In this article, we will explore one of Canada’s most coveted scholarships that you should consider: the Loran Scholarship
The Loran Scholarship
● What Does a Loran Scholarship Mean?
The Loran Scholarship is one of Canada’s largest undergraduate awards as it offers up to 36 Loran Awards in addition to 120 finalist and provincial awards to promising candidates. The Loran Scholars Foundation was established in 1988 as a solution to the gap in the Canadian system of merit-based financial support for high school graduates. This is due to funding going to either applicants with exceptional academic averages or those with exceptional athletic abilities. Loran awards address this gabby granting undergraduate scholarships based on academic achievement, extracurricular activity, as well as leadership potential [1].
● How Much Is the Scholarship Worth?
The Loran Scholarship is valued at $100,000 over four years and granted to prospective students of the 25 partner universities [2].
Every year, the Loran Scholars Foundation evaluates over 5,000 applicants and chooses up to 36 promising students to become Loran Scholars. The selection is based on values such as integrity, compassion, resilience, and autonomy. The scholarship includes a $10,000 annual stipend, a tuition waiver from the partner universities, summer internships, mentorship, extensive networking, annual retreats and scholar gatherings, and an orientation expedition. The Loran Scholars Foundation also grants over 100 finalists and provincial awards to promising students who are not selected as Loran Scholars [3].
● How Do You Become a Loran Scholar?
As a high school student, you must meet the eligibility criteria to become a Loran Scholar.
Be enrolled in your final year of uninterrupted full-time studies in high school.
Have a minimum cumulative average of 85%.
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Be at least 16 years old by September 1 of the following year.
CEGEP students must also meet the following eligibility criteria:
Be enrolled in their final year of uninterrupted full-time studies in CEGEP.
Be at least 16 years old by September 1 of the following year.
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Have an R score equal to or higher than 29.
Applying for this scholarship includes a list of your volunteer hour commitments and community involvement efforts, work experience, and extracurricular activities inside and outside of school, in addition to your grades and academic achievements.
The application process usually takes place in September and October. There is no limit to the number of candidates from a single high school. Although this is the case, it is highly recommended to seek out a school sponsorship first, be it from your teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator.
To determine your eligibility, start by filling out the online application form [4]. After committees review applications, shortlisted applicants are notified 2 weeks to 10 days before the semi-final interview. Then semi-finalists are invited to attend national interviews usually held in February and March.
So, do you think you have what it takes to be considered for this high profile Canadian University Scholarship?
We wish you the best of luck with your application!
