UOSU awards over $100,000 worth of scholarships every year to outstanding students to recognize the hard work, excellence and contributions of UOSU members (uOttawa undergraduate students) to our campus. Check back in Fall 2025 to learn about our next round of scholarships!
This winter, we’re awarding over $100,000 in scholarships to recognize the hard work, excellence and contributions of UOSU members (aka uOttawa undergrads) to our campus! Along with the scholarships below, we’re awarding Student Life Awards scholarships, the recipients of which will be announced on April 4th, organizing a Francophone writing contest, and debuting a Francophone Excellence scholarship, which will be launched later this month.
The scholarship listed here are open as of March 13 until March 31. Read the descriptions attentively and open the application form found at the bottom of the page in another tab so you can refer to them. You may apply for multiple scholarships but can only receive one. Please fill out one application per scholarship. We can’t wait to read your applications!
The UOSU Continuing Education Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students at uOttawa who are in their graduating year and continuing their education journey to support them in their transition. The scholarship is awarded to students who have made efforts through either writing a professional exam or submitting an application to a Masters or Graduate program.
Applicants must be in their graduating year and reflect on their educational journey in their application. They should share their motivations and briefly describe how their continuing education plans align with their future career goals and how this scholarship would support them.
The UOSU Future of uOttawa Award is presented to first-year students who have excelled in one or several of the following areas: academics, student government, advocacy, athletics, student life, arts and philanthropy.
Applicants must be in their first year of study. They should speak about their first-year experience and provide concrete examples of their achievements. Additionally, applicants should reflect on how they plan to continue contributing to the future of uOttawa and how they envision their involvement evolving in the years ahead.
The UOSU and its services depends on dedicated volunteers to offer our events and programming: we could not do this without you. This awards rewards students who have gone above and beyond to support the work of the UOSU or one of its service centres in a volunteer capacity, through outstanding time commitment, leadership or innovation.
Applicant must indicate specifically how and when they volunteered for the UOSU, specifying the service centre(s) if applicable and detailing their contributions. They are encouraged to indicate an estimate of time commitment, but it is not the only criteria considered. *Please note that under the terms of the UOSU Constitution, volunteers on the Board of Directors are ineligible to this scholarship.
This award recognizes and rewards student-athletes who demonstrate excellence and engagement in balancing their athletic, academic and personal commitments. Preference will be given to student-athletes actively working to make sports at uOttawa safer, more inclusive and equitable.
Applicants must be student-athletes with the uOttawa Gee-gees. They should mention specific athletic, academic or personal achievements and reflect on future goals.
The UOSU Francophone Excellence Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students at the University of Ottawa in recognition of their exceptional commitment to preserving and promoting the French language and its cultural heritage. This scholarship highlights innovative projects and initiatives, both on and off campus, that have had a positive impact on the Francophone community through language advocacy, community service, research, artistic expression, and more.
Applicants must reflect on their personal relationship with the French language and clearly describe the initiatives they have led within the Francophone community. They should explain their motivations, emphasize how their work has celebrated Francophone heritage and inspired others, and specify how receiving this scholarship would allow them to continue and expand their engagement. Responses should be approximately 500 words.
The following scholarships are inspired by the mandate and mission of each of its service centres. Two $1000 scholarships are awarded for each category. Applicants do not need to be users or volunteers of the service centre but are invited to discover the communities, events, services and initiatives they offer.
UOSU’s Pride Centre strives to promote and respect a culture of affirmation through the celebration of individual diversity and choice in all areas of life, with a core focus on the intersection of gender and sexuality. Instagram
This scholarship recognizes and rewards students promoting or furthering the academic study of queer and gender issues or demonstrating initiative and leadership in volunteer or community initiative serving 2SLGBTQ+ students. This can include academic or research projects and/or exceptional volunteer and community involvement as an individual or in student groups. Recipients are dedicated to fostering queer acceptance and understanding on campus.
Preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in their application, with thought given to intersectionality. Applicants should describe the specific academic or extracurricular project(s) they led or were deeply involved in, as well as reflect on how the scholarship would help them continue to champion diversity and inclusion.
UOSU’s International House creates programming designed to improve the well-being of international students, help them connect among themselves, and better integrate into the Canadian environment. Instagram
This scholarship recognizes an international student who is actively engaged in supporting the international student community at uOttawa. This could include volunteering for an international student organization, mentoring fellow international students, or contributing to initiatives that foster a sense of belonging for those students. This scholarship is awarded to an international student who is dedicated to uplifting fellow international students, sharing knowledge, and helping them thrive.
Applicants must be international students at uOttawa and should reflect on their journey, sharing specific examples or supporting the international student community through volunteering, mentorship, or other initiatives.
UOSU’s Racialized and Indigenous Student Experience (RISE) Centre creates programming to empower and highlight the successes of BIPOC students at uOttawa. Instagram
This scholarship recognizes and supports the BIPOC students who demonstrate and excel leadership in their communities, particularly on campus. Through activism, advocacy, and creating spaces for BIPOC empowerment, recipients of this award are committed to fostering positive change and helping advance equity in the uOttawa community and beyond.
Applicants must identify as BIPOC and should describe their leaderships efforts, including specific initiatives, projects, or advocacy leadership and work that they have been involved in, as well as any upcoming ones.
UOSU’s Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD) promotes the inclusion of students with disabilities on campus namely through advocacy, a sensory room and an online community. Discord
This scholarship recognizes students who are actively involved in advocating for individuals with disabilities. This includes academic projects, research, or volunteer work focused on promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. Preference will be given to those demonstrating leadership in creating a more inclusive environment on campus.
Applicants must be involved in advocacy or initiatives that improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. They should describe the specific academic or extracurricular project(s) they led or were deeply involved in, as well as reflect on how the scholarship would help them continue their advocacy work.
UOSU’s Sustainable Development Centre (SDC) empowers the campus community to take meaningful action toward environmental sustainability and climate change. Instagram
This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership and innovation in sustainability through academic or extracurricular initiatives. This includes addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable solutions on campus or in the community. Preference will be given to those who work on creative and impactful sustainability projects.
Applicants must be involved in sustainability initiatives and should describe the specific projects or research they have undertaken. They should also reflect on how this scholarship would support their continued work in promoting sustainability.
UOSU’s Feminist Resource Centre (FRC) advocates for gender equity across campus through campaigns and workshops, and it assists in accessing resources for sexual and reproductive health and sexual violence prevention. Instagram
This scholarship recognizes women and gender-diverse students who demonstrate leadership in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Whether through academic achievements, research, or extracurricular activities, preference will be given to those working to break down barriers and encourage more inclusivity in STEM disciplines.
Applicants must identify as women or gender-diverse individuals and should describe their involvement in STEM-related initiatives or projects. They should reflect on their journey as a woman or gender-diverse student in STEM and how they will continue to support gender diversity in STEM.
UOSU’s Food Bank supports students experiencing food insecurity by providing essential food support. Instagram
This scholarship recognizes students who have contributed significantly to addressing food insecurity in the uOttawa community. Whether through volunteering at the UOSU Food Bank or organizing other initiatives to promote food security, these students actively work to reduce hunger and support those in need.
Applicants must have been involved in food security efforts and should describe their role in contributing to food security, either through volunteer work or organizing initiatives. They should reflect on how this scholarship would assist them in continuing their work to fight hunger.
UOSU’s Student Rights Centre (SRC) offers guidance and support to students who need information about uOttawa regulations and practices, want to appeal decisions made by the university administration, or want to file human rights complaints. Instagram
This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in advocating for students' rights, justice, and fairness on campus. Whether through legal work, volunteer efforts, or student activism, preference will be given to those actively promoting social justice and equality for all on campus.
Applicants must be actively involved in student rights or advocacy efforts and should describe the specific initiatives or projects they have led or contributed to. They should reflect on the impact of their advocacy work and on how this scholarship would support its continuation of student advocacy work.
UOSU’s Clubs Administration Service is a central hub for all student associations and clubs associated with UOSU, providing resources and guidance to ensure successful operation and growth of clubs. Instagram
This scholarship recognizes students who have shown exceptional commitment to a UOSU recognized club at uOttawa. Whether through outstanding leadership, innovative communications or engaging events, these students contributed to the club’s success.
Applicants must be actively involved in a student club at uOttawa and should describe their specific contributions to the club. They should reflect on how receiving this scholarship would help them continue their involvement and commitment to the club.
UOSU’s Bike Co-op is a DIY space which equips students with the tools and expertise to build or repair a bicycle. Instagram
This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership in promoting active transportation and physical activity on campus. This could include organizing events, advocating for better infrastructure, or promoting healthy lifestyles. Preference will be given to those who are committed to fostering a more active and sustainable campus environment.
Applicants must have contributed to initiatives or projects that promote cycling, active transport, or physical wellness. They should describe the specific activities or campaigns they’ve led or been involved in and reflect on how this scholarship will enable them to continue advocating for physical activity and/or sustainable transportation options.
