Psychology is one of the most popular majors for university students in Canada. It explores the human mind, behaviors, and relationships on both individual and social levels. A degree in psychology can open up diverse career paths in research, clinical work, education, business, and more.
However, as with any post-secondary program, financing this education is challenging. Fortunately, there are many scholarships available specifically for Canadian psychology students to help offset tuition costs.
This article will explore 10 of the top psychology scholarship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students in Canada. Each entry includes details on eligibility, award amounts, application requirements, and tips for stronger submissions.
Understanding key terms is also important for applicants.
A “scholarship” is gift aid that does not need to be repaid, versus a “bursary” or “loan” that may require repayment. “Merit-based” scholarships evaluate credentials alone while “need-based” ones also consider financial circumstances.
Keep reading to uncover resources that could make a meaningful difference in achieving your academic and career goals in psychology.
15 Best Psychology Scholarships Available in Canada
1. Canadian Psychological Foundation Scholarships
The Canadian Psychological Foundation (CPF) is a national non-profit dedicated to advancing psychology as a science, profession and means of improving lives. They offer various scholarships to Canadian undergraduate and graduate psychology students, including:
- CPF Graduate Scholarship for Thesis Research ($5,000)
- CPF Undergraduate Thesis Award ($2,500)
- Regional Undergraduate Thesis Awards (10 x $1,000)
Eligibility is based on GPA, reference letters, a research proposal, and resumé. Awards support original thesis work addressing issues relevant to CPF’s mission. Strong proposals clearly outline psychological significance, methodology and intended contributions to the field.
As a national foundation, the CPF scholarships are highly competitive but prestigious options for dedicated researchers.
2. OGS Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Through the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program, the provincial government awards several hundred scholarships annually to assist the highest-achieving students pursuing graduate studies in Ontario.
These include Master’s OGS ($5,000/year) and Doctoral OGS awards ($15,000/year). To qualify, applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in an eligible Ontario university program.
Selection is strictly merit-based considering academic excellence as demonstrated by transcripts, references, a statement of research interests and past scholarly or work experience relevant to the proposed program of study.
As a prestigious award recognizing top graduate talent, the OGS program is a highly sought-after funding source for Ontario psychology students.
3. SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarships
Funded through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), these prestigious annual awards of $17,500 each help develop research skills by supporting doctoral students in eligible SSHRC-supported fields of study including psychology.
Applicants must have a first-class average standing and be nominated by their university. Evaluation focuses on the quality and relevance of the proposed research program and potential for future achievement and impact in their field.
Significant research experience through publications, conferences and hands-on work enhances profiles for this nationally competitive award. The SSHRC CGS program cultivates promising young scholars in the social sciences and humanities.
4. CHDIR Mental Health Scholarship
Offered through the Centre for Health Disparities and Inclusion Research at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, this $5,000 award supports a Canadian graduate student (master’s or doctorate level) conducting mental health-oriented research.
The main eligibility criteria are that proposed research addresses an issue relevant to mental health equity, inclusion or recovery.
Selection prioritizes academic excellence as demonstrated by transcripts and references, strengths of the proposed research, and fit with CHDIR’s goals of empowering marginalized populations.
Letters outlining collaborations with community organizations add dimension. This unique scholarship fosters psychology initiatives addressing pressing mental health disparities in Canada.
5. CPA Student Research and Travel Grants
The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) awards various grants annually to support student research and conference travel. The Student Research Grant provides up to $750 for direct research expenses to undergraduate or graduate students investigating psychological topics.
Meanwhile, Student Travel Grants of up to $500 each aid attendance at psychology conferences within Canada. Students presenting their own work receive priority.
To qualify, applicants simply need to be CPA student affiliates in good standing, along with submitting proposal or conference acceptance documentation. These competitively awarded but accessible grants from the national psychology governing body cultivate student engagement and dissemination of new ideas.
6. MSFHR Health Professional Student Research Awards
Administered by the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, these needs-based awards support Master’s or PhD students in the health professions, including psychology. Successful recipients receive $5,000 for direct costs of an original research project under a faculty supervisor’s guidance.
Eligibility requires proven financial need evidenced by a student aid assessment. Selection focuses on the strength, feasibility and scholarly value of the proposed research as demonstrated through documentation like a clearly articulated proposal, references and budget details.
The resulting experience and findings enhance career competitiveness. This well-funded award is ideal for students conducting innovative psychology research while balancing financial responsibilities.
7. Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund Graduate Scholarship
Coordinated through the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund Graduate Scholarship values mental health research aligned with its mission of reducing stigma and improving access to services. Two $20,000 awards are available annually.
The application requires a psychoeducation proposal outlining original community intervention, program or strategy development with relevant literature support. Selection prioritizes academic excellence and the strength, innovation and impact potential of the proposed initiative.
Letters from collaborating organizations strengthen applications demonstrating applied, solution-focused approaches to contemporary mental health challenges. This impactful award fosters real-world psychological solutions.
8. David F. Duncan Northern Research Award
This $5,000 award supports original thesis or dissertation research conducted at Yukon College in the territories of Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut. It aims to foster undergraduate or graduate scholarship addressing issues specific to northern indigenous populations.
Eligible applicants should be enrolled at Yukon College in a relevant field like psychology. Successful candidates present proposals for culturally sensitive studies blending both traditional ecological knowledge and Western scientific frameworks. Selection emphasizes how findings could benefit communities.
This distinct award cultivates culturally informed psychological insights on indigenous populations in Canada’s far north.
9. Sinneav Family Psychology Travel and Research Award
Offered by the Psychology Foundation of Canada, this $2,500 award helps a Canadian undergraduate take their interests international through a summer travel/research experience related to psychology.
Preference goes to projects advancing understanding of human diversity, social justice or community well-being related themes. Applicants submit proposal documentation outlining planned activities, organizational affiliations, impact goals and robust budgets.
Strong candidates show ability to reflect critically on global perspectives gained and share learnings on return. This accessible award expands horizons for aspiring psychology students worldwide.
10. Donner Canadian Foundation Student Scholarships
The Donner Canadian Foundation provides needs-based scholarships to Canadian undergraduate and graduate students majoring in political philosophy, psychology or related interdisciplinary fields focusing on society and justice. Up to $15,000 is available annually.
Merit is assessed based on transcripts, references, financial needs, and a statement outlining career goals and research interests within these themes. Selection emphasizes academic excellence, financial circumstances, and potential positive impact of chosen field.
Clear articulation of aspirations and justifications maximizes competitiveness for this unique interdisciplinary scholarship supporting social justice-oriented study.
11. Canadian Institutes of Health Research Graduate Scholarships
Administered by CIHR, Canada’s health research investment agency, these national scholarships valued at $21,000 per year support Master’s and PhD students conducting research within CIHR’s mandate, including in psychological fields related to health.
Selection emphasizes academic excellence, research potential, and relevance to CIHR priorities like mental illness prevention/treatment.
12. Jane Walker Memorial Scholarship
Awarded annually by the Canadian Psychological Association of Ontario, this $2,000 scholarship memorializes a founding member dedicated to applied psychology.
Eligible candidates are 2nd year+ psychology undergrads demonstrating outstanding academic performance and clear career goals in an applied field like clinical, counseling, school or rehabilitation psychology.
13. Psychologists Assistance Program of Ontario Award
PAP Ontario provides this $1,000 scholarship fund to a deserving psychology graduate student pursuing research meaningful for psychologists’ mental health and wellness.
Selection weighs academic achievement and strength of proposals demonstrating relevance and practical applications for therapist care practices.
14. Baxter & Alberta Baxter International Scholarships
Through Wilfrid Laurier University, these $5,000 renewable awards support top international students studying developmental, cognitive or neuroscience psychology.
Eligibility requires admission to Laurier’s graduate program and demonstrated academic excellence through references and research proposals.
15. David R. Morrison Research Grant
Aiming to facilitate understanding of employee mental health, this annual $5,000 grant from the Industrial Organizational Psychology program at University of Guelph funds I-O psychology graduate student research on workplace factors and psychological well-being. Selection prioritizes rigorous methodology and significance.
Conclusion
Financing post-secondary education, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, presents challenges that scholarship funding can help alleviate. This article explored 10 of the top scholarship opportunities available specifically for Canadian students of psychology across the country.
With dedicated research, well-constructed applications, and commitment to the field’s scientific advancement, these awards recognize the next cohort of leaders in psychology.