Desjardins Scholarships provide financial assistance to post-secondary students across Canada. We will explore everything you need to know about Desjardins Scholarships, including eligibility requirements, award amounts, application process, and deadlines.
Background on Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is one of the largest cooperative financial groups in North America, with over 7 million members across Canada. Founded in 1900, Desjardins remains dedicated to its cooperative roots by operating for the benefit of its members rather than shareholders. Beyond offering banking, insurance, and investment services, Desjardins is committed to giving back to communities through various philanthropic initiatives.
Their scholarship program was established in the 1960s to support the post-secondary pursuits of Canadian youth. Since then, Desjardins has awarded over 200,000 scholarships totaling more than $800 million. Administered through the Desjardins Foundation, the scholarship program aims to promote higher learning across the country.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Desjardins Scholarship, you must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:
Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person (convention refugee). International students usually do not qualify unless indicated otherwise for a specific scholarship stream.
Be Accepted to a Post-Secondary Program
You need to be accepted into a full-time study program at the post-secondary level, including programs at universities, colleges, trade schools, and more. Most awards are for students entering their first year of studies directly from high school.
Demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Performance
Desjardins will assess your academic history, with a minimum grade average usually ranging from 75-80%, depending on the scholarship stream. Your overall track record, including grades from the last completed year, will be considered.
Submit Scholarship Application by Deadline
You must complete and submit a Desjardins Scholarship application form by the specified deadline, which is usually in March/April of the following academic year. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
A few scholarships have additional requirements, such as being a client or family member of a Desjardins group or a member or employee. Be sure to thoroughly review the eligibility for the specific awards you decide to apply for. Meeting these basic criteria does not guarantee selection, as awards are highly competitive.
Types of Desjardins Scholarships
There are several categories of Desjardins Scholarships available each year for post-secondary students across Canada:
General Scholarship Program
This is one of the largest scholarship streams with over 1500 awards valued between $1,000- $8,000 each. It is open to all applicants meeting the basic eligibility criteria who are attending a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution of their choice directly from high school.
Heritage Scholarship Program
Open to bilingual students who demonstrate their commitment to Canada’s linguistic duality. Awards range from $1,000 to $8,000.
Community Involvement Scholarship Program
For students actively engaged in their communities through volunteer work. You must demonstrate leadership and involvement in extra-curricular activities. Awards are $4,000 each.
Scholarships for Aboriginal Students
Designed to encourage Indigenous youth to pursue post-secondary education. Awards range from $2,000 to $8,000 each, depending on the program of study. No minimum grade requirement.
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Providing $4,000 awards for students with physical, sensory, medical, learning, or mental health disabilities to help overcome barriers to their education.
Special Regional & Provincial Scholarships
A few additional awards are available only for residents of specific cities/regions in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each.
Desjardins also offers targeted scholarships for students entering a number of popular fields including health care, business, law, engineering & technology. Be sure to research all available awards that match your profile and location.
Award Amounts
While some Desjardins Scholarships provide just one-time awards, many are renewable for subsequent years of study if you maintain good academic standing. Here is an overview of the award amounts:
- General & Heritage Scholarships: $1,000 – $8,000 (renewable at $2,000 – $4,000)
- Community Involvement: $4,000 (renewable at $2,000)
- Aboriginal Student Awards: $2,000 – $8,000 (renewable at same amount)
- Students with Disabilities: $4,000 (renewable at $2,000)
- Regional/Provincial Awards: $1,000 – $5,000 (one-time or renewable varies)
The maximum a student can receive over their entire post-secondary career is $36,000 from Desjardins Scholarship awards based on maintaining eligibility. Multi-year renewable scholarships provide substantial funding support for your education costs.
Application Process
Now that you understand the eligibility requirements and award types, here are the key steps to apply for a Desjardins Scholarship:
- Create an online account on the Desjardins Foundation’s website and select the awards you want to apply for based on your profile. Deadline is usually mid-March.
- Complete the online application form, which requires information like your academic history, extracurricular activities, career goals, references etc.
- Upload transcripts of your grades from the last year of study completed (usually midterm marks if still in school) as well any other supporting documents required.
- Scholarship selections are based on your application, submitted documents, and in some cases, interviews or supplemental assessments.
- All applicants will receive a notification by mid-May regarding the status of their application. Award payments are made directly to your post-secondary institute in two installments.
- For renewable scholarships, you must submit proof of registration and satisfactory grades each year by the given deadlines.
It is important to apply as early as possible before the deadline to avoid any delays or issues with your application. Contact Desjardins directly if you have questions or need help with any part of the process. Proper planning is key to strengthening your chances of success.
Improving Your Chances of Selection
With thousands of applicants annually, here are some additional tips that can help boost your chances of being selected for a Desjardins Scholarship:
- Have a clear career plan outlined along with your program of study and goals for after graduation.
- Emphasize active involvement in community initiatives and leadership roles taken on outside of academics.
- Ask teachers/professors for letters of reference highlighting your strengths, character, and potential.
- Proofread your application thoroughly for any errors before submitting it. Get others to review it as well.
- Consider retaking any courses to improve grades if you are below the minimum average requirement.
- Highlight any awards, achievements, publications, or other distinctions received in or outside of school.
- Customize each application and award selection specifically based on eligibility rather than using a generic cover letter.
- Follow up if you need help with transcripts or documents or if your status changes after applying.
- Meet all deadlines – late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
While the process is competitive, taking the time to thoroughly complete each section of your application is key to standing out from other candidates vying for the scholarship funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common inquiries about Desjardins Scholarships:
What Programs of Study Qualify?
Desjardins Scholarships support all accredited Canadian post-secondary programs including university degrees, college diplomas and certificates, as well as trades and apprenticeship programs.
Do I Need to be a Desjardins Client?
No, you do not need to be a Desjardins customer, member or have any prior affiliation to qualify. The eligibility criteria is based on your personal profile as a Canadian student.
Can International Students Apply?
In most cases, international students are not eligible unless specified otherwise for certain awards. You must be a citizen, permanent resident or have protected person status to qualify.
How are Scholarship Recipients Selected?
An independent selection committee evaluates all eligible applications using a pre-determined selection process and criteria such as your academic achievement, involvement, personal profile, and fit for the specific award.
Will I Be Contacted for an Interview?
Interviews are not required for all scholarships, but may be conducted at the discretion of the selection committee, especially for some of the more specialized and targeted awards. Interviews are held virtually since 2020 due to the pandemic.
How do I Receive my Scholarship Funds?
Successful recipients will be notified by Desjardins with instructions on activating their award which is directly paid to their post-secondary institute in two installments—one per semester or term. Funds can only be used towards tuition, books, and supplies.
