At Wilfrid Laurier University, we’re inspiring lives of leadership and purpose. 

The prestigious Laurier Scholars Award is an annual entrance scholarship to offer high-achieving students the opportunity to participate in a dynamic learning environment that will foster innovative thinking and ethical, visionary leadership. 

Award recipients join a community of scholars and receive mentorship, networking, research and experiential learning opportunities throughout their degree. 

Laurier is also committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, which empower all students to reach their potential. To help nurture a vibrant learning environment, we welcome students from a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences.

Laurier Scholars Award

Seven students will be selected to receive a $40,000 entrance scholarship. The Laurier Scholars Award includes $7,500 per year for up to four years and an experiential learning award of $10,000. The experiential award may be used to fund a summer research assistantship, international exchange or another hands-on learning opportunity that connects in-class knowledge to learning experiences outside the classroom. 

This is an annual scholarship. The award values, number of awards and award criteria are subject to change.

How to Apply

The Laurier Scholars application will be available on LORIS (Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System) to fall 2023 domestic and international applicants who have applied for a full-time undergraduate program at Laurier. Students are required to meet the eligibility criteria to be considered for the Laurier Scholars Award, which includes:

• attending a postsecondary institution for the first time;
• an admission average of 90% or higher;
• an offer of admission to full-time studies starting in fall 2023.

Students are selected for the Laurier Scholars Award based on their academic achievement and a separate application, which includes:

• a personal statement,
• list of your activities and/or accomplishments,
• a letter of recommendation, and
• a virtual interview may be required for shortlisted candidates.

Deadline to apply: February 23, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

See our application instructions for the Laurier Scholars Award.

Renewal Requirements

To receive the maximum value of the award, totalled at $40,000, you will be required to maintain the annual renewal requirements. 

Laurier Scholars Program Details

Laurier’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, including social innovation and sustainability efforts, provides Laurier Scholars with a strong foundation to create new ideas and make meaningful change.

We are continuously developing our new Laurier Scholars Program with the current and future needs of students in mind. While details are subject to change as this program develops, the following information provides a general overview of what award recipients may expect as a Laurier Scholar. Future additions and modifications are expected; however, we will only make changes that preserve the goals and intentions of which this program was created.

Overview

Over the course of your undergraduate studies, you'll build networks with your cohort of scholars through formal and informal gatherings. You'll engage in both independent and collaborative projects, choosing from different experiential learning offerings that focus on three key areas:  

1. Academic Development
2. Career and Leadership Development 
3. Community Engagement 

See below for a list of programs, supports and opportunities that will help you grow in these areas.

The Scholars’ Colloquium

These periodic meetings of the Laurier Scholars focus on academic skills development and enrichment, customized to you and your fellow scholars. The colloquium features guest moderators from across the university, including faculty, librarians and academic support staff. The colloquium will also connect you to resources that will help you develop career, teaching, research and wellness skills. 

Faculty Mentorship

Across all four years of your degree, you will be mentored by a designated professor from your faculty. Your faculty mentor will provide ongoing academic and professional guidance to help you excel throughout your university career. 

Peer Mentorship

In the final year of your degree, it will be your turn to be a mentor. You and your cohort of scholars will provide mentorship to first-year scholars and help facilitate the colloquium. The first cohort of scholars will be mentored by high-achieving senior students from their majors.

Leadership Development Projects

At least once during your degree, you will participate in a community service initiative, an international project or exchange, a community-oriented course or a conference. 

You can participate in projects connected to Laurier’s Changemaker Campus (our international designation by Ashoka U), which may be offered in collaboration with the Alternative Reading Week, StartUp Lab, and C3 Innovation Labs.  

Annual Scholars’ Conference

Each year, you can showcase your year’s work to the Laurier community through the Scholars' Conference. For your presentation, you will use diverse media, including film, podcasts, story maps, and major academic projects to capture your learning and share your knowledge with your peers, mentors and the greater community. 

Pathways to Publication

Throughout your degree, you will have the opportunity to develop as an advanced writer, thinker and researcher by working with your faculty mentor and professional staff from Writing Services. You may have the opportunity to collaboratively publish your work with WLU Press.

Questions

If you have questions about the Laurier Scholars Program, please contact chooselaurier@wlu.ca.