Schulich Builders: Scholarships for Skilled Trades

Applications for The 2026–2027 Schulich Builders Scholarship Open on February 9, 2026. The Deadline to Apply is June 30, 2026.

We encourage all eligible candidates to start preparing early to ensure they meet all the requirements.

Schulich Builders Scholarships are awarded to students enrolling in full-time certificate and diploma programs within eligible skilled trade fields at participating Ontario colleges. Colleges offer the Schulich Builders Scholarships in programs with the most in-demand jobs in the skilled trade sector in Ontario.

The Schulich Builders program awards 120 scholarships annually, with 10 scholarships allocated to each participating college.

As a partner institution, George Brown Polytechnic will award:

  • Five scholarships for eligible one-year certificate programs, valued at $20,000 each
  • Five scholarships for eligible two-year diploma programs, valued at $40,000 each ($20,000 per academic year)

These scholarships help cover tuition, living expenses, and required tools. In addition to financial support, Schulich Builders at George Brown benefit from dedicated institutional resources designed to enhance their student experience and support their transition into employment in the skilled trades upon graduation.

Read success stories from Schulich Builders alumni.

Schulich Builders Scholarships aims to recognize and enable Ontario’s future skilled trade workers, with an annual investment of over $3 million through top Ontario colleges.

 

A GBC Engineering student on a job site

Eligibility Criteria

Schulich Builders Scholarships are looking for responsible, hardworking, dedicated people who: 

  • Are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents
  • Meet college admission requirements
  • Are enrolling in the first year and first semester, of a full-time, eligible skilled trades towards a one-year certificate or two-year diploma program at a participating college starting in Fall 2026

Please note if you’re selected as a Schulich Builder:

  • The funds will be issued in two to three instalments ($20,000 per academic year)
  • You must successfully complete each semester and remain full-time in consecutive semesters or years for the duration of your program to receive the total amount of $20,000 per academic year

Selection Criteria

Student must meet the following criteria to be in contention for a Schulich Builders Scholarship: 

  1. Strong work ethic and character, as evidenced by one letter of recommendation by someone directly connected to you, preferably: 
    1. High school staff member 
    2. Employer 
    3. Co-worker 
    4. Community service organization 
  2. Demonstration of financial need; description of challenges and barriers to attending the college, as well as impact that the bursary will have on the ability to attend the college;  and community involvement.
  3. Willingness to act as an ambassador and promote their career choice in the skilled trades and the Schulich Builders program in high schools and community outreach.
  4. Clear interest in pursuing employment in the skilled trades and readiness to enter the workforce upon graduation.

Application Process

  1. Student submits admission application to college(s) of interest
  2. Student completes the Schulich Builders Scholarship application to include:
    1. Written responses outlining motivation, employment goals, and why they should be considered for the scholarship
    2. Financial information
    3. One letter of recommendation outlining interest in pursuing a skilled trade as well as a character reference.
  3. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in an interview as part of the selection process.
  4. Colleges select their Schulich Builders recipients.

Eligible Trade Programs

Eligible programs have been updated for the 2026–2027 application cycle.

Schulich Builders Scholarship logo
George Brown College Foundation logo
Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgement

George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.

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