The White Rose Scholarships are non-renewable $50,000 scholarships awarded to female graduating students in engineering  who wish to pursue graduate studies (master’s or PhD) at the institution of their choice, in Canada or abroad.

These scholarships are accompanied by a leadership and mentoring program, enabling recipients to develop their skills and draw inspiration from the leaders who are shaping the field.

What the scholarship includes

• A $50,000 scholarship (non-renewable), awarded in two instalments over two years, for each laureate;
• A leadership program: two one week leadership session in Montreal;
• Mentoring;
• Membership in an engaged community of women in engineering.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a White Rose Scholarship, the candidate must, as of the application submission deadline at her home institution:

• Identify as a woman;
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• Be a graduating student in an engineering program at a Canadian university who completed her bachelor's degree in December 2025 or will complete it in May or August 2026;
• Be enrolled, or in the process of enrolling, in a graduate studies program in engineering (master’s or PhD) to begin the year after receiving her bachelor’s degree. *

* If you don't meet this criterion because your life path has prevented you from pursuing graduate studies immediately, please contact us.

Competition process

• Your home institution will conduct an initial preselection stage and retain up to three applications for the next steps of the competition;
• All preselected applications will be evaluated by a nationwide committee;
• A final selection stage in the form of an interview will be required for finalists.

How to apply

For prospective candidates

The application file (written in French or English) will be available starting April 2, 2026 and must be completed online on the Good Grants platform.

Your application file will have to include the following elements:

1. A description of leadership experiences gained through volunteer work;
2. Scholarships, awards, and distinctions received;
3. Technical achievements and research projects in progress or completed;
4. A list of publications and the specific role the candidate played;
5. A description of recent employment positions held;
6. A presentation text (250 words);
7. Answers to the following questions:
   1. What influences led you to choose engineering, and how do your leadership roles contribute to the impact you wish to have on society and to your career goals? (250 words)
   2. Describe the leadership role in which you believe you made the greatest contribution. Why did you get involved, and what concrete impact did this involvement have on your community or on others? (250 words)
   3. Describe a difficulty or failure you experienced in your journey. How did you overcome it, and how did this experience shape your leadership? (250 words)
8. All your unofficial transcripts, including details of your university or faculty’s grading system;
9. Proof of enrollment in a master’s or doctoral program, or if not yet available, proof of admission;
10. A letter of recommendation from a person attesting to your volunteer involvement and achievements;
11. A letter of support endorsing your application (written by a person in authority from your home university, from the faculty, or from the administration of a department or service, etc.).

For the home institution

Your institution may submit up to three candidates. Each candidate must be preselected internally according to the following specifications:

• Each selected candidate must have completed her bachelor’s degree at your institution;
• The applications for preselection will be accessible through the Good Grants application submission platform. Access will be shared with the individuals responsible for evaluating applications within your institution.

The White Rose Scholarships recognize exceptional female students with outstanding academic achievements and engagement. They are leaders in the making who will inspire and shape the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Social engagement and leadership
The candidate must demonstrate a commitment that goes beyond her academic program and technical achievements. Social, cultural and sporting activities will be considered, as well as initiatives that promote leadership, communication, community involvement, engagement with women or with global issues.

Technical achievements
The candidate must demonstrate technical achievement throughout her academic studies. This includes scientific, technological and professional activities.

Academic record
The candidate will be evaluated on her academic record and must have maintained a grade point average of at least 3.0 (or equivalent). Scholarships and other support received as well as the length of previous studies will also be considered.

• April 2, 2026: Opening of the competition
• May 20, 2026: Closing of the competition*
• June 2026: Evaluation of the preselected applications
• September 2026: Interviews with the finalist candidates
• November 30, 2026: In-person scholarship award ceremony in Montreal

*For candidates, the deadline to submit your application is determined by your home university, meaning the institution where you completed your bachelor’s degree. Check with the office responsible for scholarships to find out the deadline set by your university.

For candidates from Polytechnique Montréal, the deadline to submit your application is April 27, 2026. For any additional information regarding the internal competition at Polytechnique Montréal, please contact: bourses.sep@polymtl.ca

For universities, the office responsible for coordinating this competition within participating institutions has until May 20, 2026 to select up to three applications through the online platform Good Grants.