English Scholarships in Canada
These awards have a reviewed eligibility rule for English and literature students. Some awards ask for creative writing samples, literary analysis, or proof of an English-language program.
SSHRC – Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s
$27,000Due Dec 1, 2026For Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons with a first-class average (as determined by the host institution) who are pursuing an eligible research-based master's or, in some cases, doctoral program at a Canadian institution with a CGRS M allocation. This row is the SSHRC stream of the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship Master's program. The award is $27,000 for 12 months and is non-renewable. Up to 3,000 students are supported annually across CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. Submit one CGRS M application through the Research Portal to the institution where you intend to hold the award, by December 1 before 8:00 p.m. ET.
No essay requiredWalter and Margaret Swayze Bursary in English
$5,000Due Oct 1, 2026University of Winnipeg third- or fourth-year undergraduate English majors with financial need may apply for this bursary. One award of $5,000. Complete the Special Awards for High Needs Students application through the UWinnipeg online awards system. The bursary honours Dr. Walter E. Swayze, who served the Department of English from 1953 to 1987.
No essay requiredGordon and Myrtle Stevenson Scholarship in English
$3,200Annual: September 30Western University full-time English students with a minimum 80% average and financial need may receive the Gordon and Myrtle Stevenson Scholarship in English. Preference goes to students who attended high school in a rural area. One award of $3,200 is available. Apply through Student Center by September 30. Established by Marjorie Stevenson Miller (BA Arts '57) through Foundation Western to honour her parents Gordon and Myrtle Stevenson.
No essay requiredGavino D'Agnillo Memorial Scholarship
$2,000Due Oct 31, 2026Open to a second-year honours student in English, English and Creative Writing, or French Studies at the University of Windsor with a minimum 75% cumulative average and a record of university involvement such as philanthropy, volunteerism, teams or organizations, or campaigns. Preference goes to Kennedy Collegiate graduates. Financial need may also be considered. Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents (including Protected Persons). One award of $2,000. Apply online.
No essay requiredLynne and Peter Woolstencroft Experiential Learning Award
Up to $1,500Rolling deadlineFull-time Faculty of Arts undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo who wish to participate in an extracurricular or course-tied experiential activity not covered by tuition, with a minimum 70% cumulative average, may apply. Awards of varying size up to $1,500 are available. Selection is based on academic achievement and how the activity will benefit knowledge acquisition, professional development, or in-class learning. Submit an application form to the Arts Undergraduate Office. Applications are accepted throughout the year. The fund was established by Professor Emeritus Peter Woolstencroft.
No essay requiredJudith Eve Gewurtz Memorial Poetry Award
$1,250Due Oct 15, 2026York University Creative Writing majors completing Year 3 (90 credits) may submit their best poem for this $1,250 winter-term award. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons who are Ontario residents. Apply by completing a FAAS profile, with attention to the Financial section.
No essay requiredGrace Crawforth Bursary
$1,100Annual: October 31Western University Faculty of Arts and Humanities students in an Honours Specialization in English Language and Literature or French Language and Literature, or a double major in English or French, who demonstrate financial need and meet Ontario residency requirements. One award of $1,100 is available. Apply through Student Center by October 31.
No essay requiredBronwen Wallace Bursary
Amount variesAnnual: October 31Queen's University Arts and Science students in the final year of a B.A. or B.A. (Honours) program with a concentration in English who demonstrate financial need may apply for the Bronwen Wallace Bursary. The amount varies. Preference is given to women students. Apply through the Queen's General Bursary in SOLUS by October 31. Established by friends and colleagues in memory of Bronwen Wallace, B.A. (Hon.)'67, M.A.'69, a gifted writer and spirited colleague.
No essay requiredEnglish Department M.A. Bursary
Amount variesDue Oct 15, 2026Open to graduate students registered in an English M.A. program. Bursaries are awarded to eligible M.A. students. Amounts vary. Application deadlines are June 1 for summer and October 15 for winter terms.
No essay requiredGeoffrey Eathorne Award
Amount variesDue Sep 30, 2026Students in the English Literature program may apply, with preference given to those in third year. If no qualified third-year students are available, the award may go to students in any year of the program. OTSS guidelines apply. The award amount varies.
No essay required
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