Algoma U Awards of Excellence are available to all Canadian citizen secondary-school graduates who have completed all their qualifying requirements in the academic year prior to commencing university studies at Algoma University. Canadian citizen International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Diploma recipients are equally considered for Awards of Excellence. To qualify, candidates must be entering into their first undergraduate program and enrol in and maintain 24 credits over 2 consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study. Awards are based on the average of the 6 highest grades, 4 U or M (or can use Grade 12 U or M) final grades presented for admission. Algoma U Awards of Excellence are renewable – please see below for renewal information.

Candidates must be enrolled in at least 24 credits over two consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study in the current year they are receiving the award. The Algoma U Awards of Excellence are non-cumulative with the Edward and Frank McGrath Award of Excellence, Carl J. Sanders Scholarship, Peggy & Willmont MacDonnell Scholarship, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie Admission Scholarship I & II, the Algoma U Achievement Scholarship and John R. Rhodes Scholarship. Note that the Edward and Frank McGrath Award of Excellence, Carl J. Sanders Scholarship and the Peggy & Willmont MacDonnell Scholarship will be awarded to the highest achieving students in the 90 – 94.9% category. The entrance award levels are outlined below and are based on a 30-credit compliment.

Registration in course loads less than 30 credits but greater than or equal to 24 credits will be prorated accordingly.

Platinum: An entrance award of $4,000, renewable for up to three additional years, to all candidates presenting an entrance average of 95% or greater. Maximum value: $16,000.

Gold: An entrance award of $3,000, renewable for up to three additional years, to all candidates presenting an entrance average of 90-94.9%. Maximum value: $12,000.

Silver: An entrance award of $2,500, renewable for up to three additional years, to all candidates presenting an entrance average of 85-89.9%. Maximum value: $10,000.

Bronze: An entrance award of $1,500, renewable for up to three additional years, to all candidates presenting an entrance average of 80-84.9%. Maximum value: $6,000.

IB Diploma: Awards of Excellence Guidelines

Algoma University renewable entrance scholarships are renewed using a tiered approach of the award. Students who satisfy the condition of renewal based on the required complement of credits, appropriate terms of study, and academic average, may be able to renew according to the renewal awards levels outlined below and based on a 30-credit compliment. For example, if a student’s entrance average is 80% (bronze entrance award) but achieves an average of 85% after the first year of studies, the scholarship would be renewed at the silver award level.

Registrations in course loads less than 30 credits but greater than or equal to 24 credits will be considered:

• Platinum: $4,000 (95 – 100%)
• Gold: $3,000 (90 – 94.9%)
• Silver: $2,500 (85 – 89.9%)
• Bronze: $1,500 (80 – 84.9%)

A scholarship of up to $2,000 is given to the child of an Algoma University Alumni with the highest average on the 6 best U or M courses presented for admission and is now enrolling in the first year of full time studies at Algoma U. The candidate must enroll in and maintain 30 credits over two consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study at Algoma U. This award is non-renewable. Applications are accepted through the General Entrance/Continuing Awards application.

A scholarship of up to $2,000 is given to the child of an Algoma University Alumni with the second highest average on the 6 best U or M courses presented for admission and is now enrolling in the first year of full-time studies at Algoma U. The candidate must enroll in and maintain 30 credits over two consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study at Algoma U. This award is non-renewable. Applications are accepted through the General Entrance/Continuing Awards application.

A scholarship of up to $2,000 is given to a student transferring to Algoma U under a college articulation agreement who has the highest GPA in the last full year of their college program. The candidate must enroll in and maintain 30 credits over two consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study at Algoma U. This award is non-renewable.

The Algoma University Alumni Entrance Award IV is a scholarship of up to $2,000 which is given to the applicant submitting the best 500-word essay. Essays must be written in English, should consider Algoma University’s characteristics and historical relevance of the Thunderbird logo, and explain why they chose Algoma University and why they chose to undertake studies in their particular field. This award is non-renewable. Applications are accepted through the General Entrance/Continuing Awards application.

In recognition of the generosity of the Sanders family, a $3,500 scholarship, renewable for up to three additional years, is available to the secondary school graduate who has completed all of his or her qualifying requirements in the academic year prior to commencing university studies at Algoma U, and who presents the second-highest average over 90% on the 6 best, U or M courses presented for admission. The candidate must enrol in and maintain 30 credits over two consecutive terms of study at Algoma U. For renewal, candidates must maintain a minimum average of 80% each academic year on 30 credits taken in two consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study. Candidates must be enrolled in 30 credits over two consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study in the current year they are receiving the award. Maximum Value: $14,000. The Carl J. Sanders Scholarship is non-cumulative with the Algoma U Awards of Excellence, Edward & Frank McGrath Award of Excellence, Peggy & Willmont MacDonnell, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie Admission Scholarships, Algoma U Achievement Scholarships and the John R. Rhodes Scholarship.

Starting in September 2024, international students entering into a degree in Computer Science will be considered for a Computer Science Award of up to $2500/year. This award applies to students who are starting their program in 2024 Fall. Students will be required to meet registration requirements by the registration deadline for the term and have a valid Social Insurance Number on file as of the last day to withdraw without academic penalty to receive the award. Awards are disbursed over Fall and Winter terms only and are not available for the Spring term. Awards will be disbursed to student fees after the last day to withdraw without academic penalty for each term. Award amounts and disbursements will be final. If a student does not have a valid SIN on file as of the last day to withdraw without academic penalty for the term, they will no longer be eligible to receive the award. This award is available for students entering in Fall 2024 only. Students taking an accelerated path for one of the Computer Science degrees listed below will be considered for this award permitting all other award criteria have been met. Completing a degree through an accelerated path will reduce the overall award that a student can be considered for. This award cannot be deferred and is subject to change without notice.

General Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – 3 Year (up to $2500/year for a total of $7500)

General Bachelor of Computer Science – 3 Year (up to $2500/year for a total of $7500)

Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – 4 Year (up to $2500/year for a total of $10,000)

Honours Bachelor of Computer Science – 4 Year (up to $2500/year for a total of $10,000)

Provides entrance scholarships of $1000 each to students at the Sault Ste. Marie campus of Algoma University who are graduates of any secondary school in the District of Algoma. Eligible students will be enrolled in full-time studies in any program with a minimum course load of 24 credits over 2 consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study and present an admissions average of at least 70% in their last year of study. Students must have completed all of their qualifying requirements in the academic year prior to commencing university studies. A minimum of one award is to be issued annually to a student who is Metis, First Nations or Inuit. Applications are accepted through the General Entrance/Continuing Awards application.

The Dr. David Walde Humanitarian Scholarship award will be used to provide an entrance scholarship, valued at $500, to a student from Sault Ste. Marie entering their first year of study at Algoma University and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work Program or is majoring in CESD or Community Development. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in full-time studies, with a course load of 24 credits over two consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study. He/she will have the highest average based on the 6 best U or M final grades presented for admission. This award is non-renewable.

Through a generous contribution from the estates of brothers Edward and Frank McGrath, a $3,750 scholarship, renewable for up to three additional years, is available to the secondary school graduate who has completed all his or her qualifying requirements in the academic year prior to commencing university studies at Algoma U and who presents the highest average over 90% on the 6 best, U or M courses presented for admission. The candidate must enrol in and maintain 30 credits over 2 consecutive terms of study (fall/winter) at Algoma U. For renewal, candidates must maintain a minimum average of 80% each academic year on 30 credits taken in two consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study. Candidates must be enrolled in 30 credits over two consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study in the current year they are receiving the award. Maximum value: $15,000. The Edward & Frank McGrath Award is non-cumulative with the Algoma U Awards of Excellence, Peggy & Willmont MacDonnell Scholarship, Algoma U Achievement Scholarship, and the John R. Rhodes Scholarship.

The Inzola Group “35” Scholarship will provide one award of $1,000 to a student enrolled full-time in any year of a Visual Arts program with a course load of 24 credits over two consecutive terms (fall/winter) and a minimum average of 70%. The first priority is offered to a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student.
In any given academic year, if Algoma University is not able to identify a student who meets the initial criteria for this award, the scholarship will be awarded to a student enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration Program.

The John R. Rhodes Scholarship was established in 1979 through generous donations from friends and family of the late John Rhodes.  This scholarship will cover full one-year tuition at a maximum of $7,000 and is offered to a student at the Sault Ste. Marie campus of Algoma University who is a graduate of any secondary school in the District of Algoma and who has demonstrated academic achievement and community leadership while involved in political, social or educational activities. The John R. Rhodes Scholarship is non-cumulative any renewable admission award offered by Algoma University. Recipients that maintain the criteria required for the Award of Excellence will be automatically considered for the respective tier in years 2, 3, and 4 of their program. The recipient must have completed all qualifying requirements in the academic year prior to registering at Algoma University and must enroll in and maintain a minimum of 12 credits per term over two consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study. The candidate must enter with an Academic Excellence of 80% or more. The application period for 2024-25 has closed. 

The Mary Guyon Memorial Scholarship provides an entrance scholarship to a student enrolled full time in any program at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie. The eligible candidate will be attending post-secondary for the first time, demonstrate academic excellence, and have a financial need. The eligible candidate will have submitted a Financial Needs Assessment by June 30th of their entering year for consideration.

In honour of Peggy and Willmont MacDonnell, this $3,000 scholarship, renewable for up to 3 additional years, is available to the high school graduate who has completed all qualifying requirements in the academic year prior to commencing university studies at Algoma U and who presents the third-highest average over 90% on the 6 best U/M courses presented for admission.

The candidate must enroll in and maintain 30 credits over 2 consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study. For renewal, candidates must maintain a minimum average of 80% each academic year on 30 credits taken in 2 consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study. Candidates must be enrolled in 30 credits over 2 consecutive terms (fall/winter) of study in the current year they are receiving the award. Maximum value: $12,000.

The Peggy and Willmont MacDonnell Scholarship is non-cumulative with the Algoma U Awards of Excellence, Edward & Frank McGrath Award of Excellence, Carl J. Sanders Scholarship, City of Sault Ste. Marie Admission Scholarships, Algoma U Achievement Scholarships and John R. Rhodes Scholarship.

The Prince Women’s Institute and Prince Township Scholarship provides $500 to a student in their first year of studies at Algoma University. The recipient must be a resident of Prince Township and be studying full-time. In the event that a recipient cannot be found, the scholarship can be given to an upper-year student who meets this criteria.

The Sardar, Rajwant, Paul and Anita Sohi Family Scholarship will provide two scholarships valued at a minimum of $1,250 each, to first-year students who are: 1st Generation students and are First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. Preference will be given to students enrolled in either a science or engineering program. To be eligible the candidate(s) must be a resident of Ontario, demonstrate a financial need, and be enrolled in full-time studies at Algoma University, with a course load of 30 credits over two consecutive terms of study (fall/winter). He/she must have a minimum average of 70% in their first term. This award is non-renewable.

In any given academic year, if Algoma University is not able to identify student(s) who meet the criteria for this award, the scholarship will be awarded to an Ontario resident who is 1st Generation and First Nations, Metis, or Inuit that demonstrates a financial need, is in good academic standing, and is enrolled in any program. Applications are accepted through the General Entrance/Continuing Awards application. The eligible candidate will have submitted their Financial Needs Assessment by June 30th of the year they are entering studies.

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Award is a $500 non-renewable, cumulative entrance award that recognizes recent Ontario Secondary School graduates who have completed any Specialist High Skills Major. The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Award will be automatically assessed and no additional application is required. To be considered for this award, you must:

• Have successfully completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent)
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident entering your first year of post-secondary studies for the first time
• Have a minimum final admission average of 75%+ in your top 6 U/M level courses
• Indicate on your OUAC application that you will complete or have completed a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
• Must be enrolled as a full-time student  at Algoma University with a minimum course load of 24 credits over two consecutive terms (fall/winter)

The SHSM Award will be given to the first 40 applicants to meet all requirements and accept their offer of admission. The SHSM Award is non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be deferred to another year.

Provides a $500 scholarship to a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student in full-time studies with a major in Anishinaabe Studies or Anishinaabemowin. The eligible recipient will have a minimum 70% average. In the event that there are no qualified applicants, a student meeting the above criteria enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work program can be considered. The application period for 2024-25 has closed.

The TD Environmental Science Award provides a $3000 entrance scholarship to a student with an Environmental Science major at Algoma University. A full-time course load of 24 credits over fall and winter is required. The eligible recipient must present a minimum 70% entrance average. This award is non-renewable.