The Desjardins Foundation Scholarships are annual awards offered by the Desjardins Foundation to help Canadian students pursue post‑secondary education by providing financial support.
These scholarships focus on effort, perseverance, community involvement, and financial need — not just academic grades. Each year, thousands of students receive financial awards to support their education at vocational, college, and university levels.
Summary Table: Desjardins Foundation Scholarships 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Desjardins Foundation Scholarships |
| Host | Desjardins Foundation (Canada) |
| Application Period | March 1 – March 31 (annually) |
| Award Range | $1,000 – $5,000 CAD |
| Eligible Countries | Canada (citizens & permanent residents) |
| Levels | Vocational, College/CEGEP, Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctorate |
| Selection Basis | Effort & involvement (not GPA only) |
| How to Apply | Online via the official Desjardins scholarship portal |
What Are the Desjardins Foundation Scholarships?
The Desjardins Foundation Scholarships are designed to support Canadian students — particularly those who have shown persistence in their studies, involvement in their communities, and a strong commitment to completing their education. Unlike many awards that focus only on grades, these scholarships value hard work, determination, and contribution to the community.
Each applicant’s submission is automatically considered by both the Desjardins Foundation and participating local “caisses,” increasing the chances of winning a scholarship.
Desjardins Foundation Scholarships 2026 Award Amounts
Scholarship amounts vary according to the level of study students plan to undertake in the fall semester:
| Level of Study | Award Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Vocational Training | $1,000 |
| College / CEGEP | $1,500 |
| University – Undergraduate | $2,000 |
| University – Master’s | $3,000 |
| University – Doctoral | $5,000 |
| (Amounts are based on current Desjardins scholarship information.) |
These funds can be used toward tuition, textbooks, housing, and other education‑related expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Desjardins Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Reside in Canada.
- Be a member of a Desjardins caisse in Quebec or of the Desjardins Ontario Credit Union at the time of application and when the scholarship is awarded.
- Be 30 years old or younger by December 31 of the award year.
- Be enrolled (or planning to enroll) in a post‑secondary program for the fall semester — full‑time.
(Part‑time students may be considered under specific conditions, such as disability or being a parent of a young child.)
Meeting the basic eligibility requirements gives applicants entry into the selection process, which is not solely based on academic excellence but also on other personal and community achievements.
How & When to Apply
Below are the steps to apply for the Desjardins Foundation Scholarships 2026:
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Application Period: March 1 – March 31 every year.
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Application Mode: Online through the official Desjardins scholarship portal.
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Applicants are required to complete the online application with personal, academic, and membership information.
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If selected, recipients must provide proof of enrollment in their fall post‑secondary program before receiving the award.
Successful applicants are typically notified by late spring, and scholarship funds are distributed around the beginning of the academic year.
Why This Scholarship Matters
This scholarship stands out for several reasons:
- Recognizes perseverance and community involvement, not just grades.
- Offers thousands of awards across Canada every year.
- Provides financial support that can be used for tuition, books, accommodation, and more.
- Encourages students from all fields — trades, college, universities — to pursue their goals.
Tips for Applicants
To improve your chances:
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Highlight your community work and volunteer activities.
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Clearly explain why you chose your field of study and your long‑term goals.
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Demonstrate your commitment to education and personal growth.
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Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before applying.
FAQs
1. What is the Desjardins Foundation Scholarship?
The Desjardins Foundation Scholarship is an annual financial award program in Canada that supports post‑secondary students who demonstrate perseverance, community involvement, and commitment to education — not just academic grades. Scholarships are awarded to students in vocational training, college/CEGEP, undergraduate, and graduate programs.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada.
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Be a member of a Desjardins caisse in Quebec or the Desjardins Ontario Credit Union when applying and when the scholarship is awarded.
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Be enrolled full‑time in a post‑secondary program (vocational, college/CEGEP, or university) for the fall semester.
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Be 30 years old or younger by December 31 of the award year.
Part‑time students may qualify in special situations such as having a disability or being a young parent.
3. What are the scholarship award amounts?
Scholarship values depend on the student’s level of study:
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Vocational training: $1,000
-
College/CEGEP: $1,500
-
University – Undergraduate: $2,000
-
University – Master’s: $3,000
-
University – Doctoral: $5,000
4. When can I apply for the scholarship?
Applications are usually open every year from March 1 to March 31. The application process is fully online via the Desjardins scholarship portal.
5. Do I need to be enrolled before applying?
You should indicate the program you plan to enroll in. If you are selected, you will be required to provide proof of enrollment in your fall program before the scholarship funds are awarded.
6. Is the scholarship taxable income?
For Canadian tax purposes:
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In Quebec, scholarship amounts are generally tax‑free but still need to be included in net income before deductions.
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For federal and Ontario tax returns, scholarship income may be tax‑free if you are an eligible student, though portions over certain thresholds can affect credits or benefits.
Tax slips for winners are issued in February; if you don’t receive one, contact the Foundation.
7. How are winners selected?
Scholarships are awarded through a combination of random draw and evaluation by the Foundation and participating caisses. Both automatically consider all applications to maximize opportunities.
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