March 5 2025
Applications for the National Union’s scholarship program for 2025-2026 are open!
Each year, the 425,000 member National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) offers 9 scholarships of $2,500 each that reflect our pursuit of equal opportunity for workers.
Entrants must be the children/grandchildren or foster children/grandchildren of members or retirees of the National Union’s Component unions or its affiliates and who are planning to enter their 1st year of a Canadian public post-secondary educational institution on a full-time basis in 2025-2026.
In addition, there are two $2,500 Young Worker Scholarships awarded to those under 30 who are members or children/grandchildren, or foster children/grandchildren of a National Union member or retiree and who are attending or planning to attend a public, post-secondary institution in 2025-2026.
All scholarships awarded will be based on the best 750–1,000 word essay as listed below. Essays will be marked on the basis of content and style. The deadline for applications and essays is July 15, 2025 and scholarships may have additional requirements, as noted below.
If you have any questions, please refer to the FAQ page.
Scholarship for Black Students
In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Scholarship for Black Students must identify as a Black student. Their application must include an essay on the topic of: Describe the contributions of 2 Black trailblazers (past or contemporary) and how these have inspired you as a person.
More details on the Scholarship for Black Students
Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship
In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship must be entering a field of study in policing, criminal justice, community services or health care. The essay topic is: The importance of their field of study in either policing, criminal justice, community services or health care in delivering public services to Canadians.
More details about the Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship for Indigenous Students
In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Scholarship for Indigenous Students must identify as Indigenous. The essay topic is: The importance of quality public services in enhancing the quality of life of Indigenous Canadians.
More details about the Indigenous Scholarship
Scholarship for 2SLGBTQIA+ Students
In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Scholarship for 2SLGBTQIA+ Students must identify as an 2SLGBTQIA+ student. The essay topic is: The importance of trade unions in supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
More details about the 2SLGBTQIA+ Scholarship
Scholarship for Students of Colour
In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Scholarship for Students of Colour must identify as a person of colour. The essay topic is: The importance of quality public services in enhancing the quality of life of people of colour in Canada.
More details about the Scholarship for Students of Colour
Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship
In addition to the general requirements above, the applicants for the Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship must identify a disability. The essay topic is: The importance of quality public services in enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities.
More details about the Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship
Tommy Douglas Scholarship
There are no other requirements, other than the general requirements above, for applying for the Tommy Douglas Scholarship. The essay topic is: How Tommy Douglas contributed to making Canada a more just and equitable society.
More details about the Tommy Douglas Scholarship
Young Worker Scholarship
Two scholarships will be awarded to workers under the age of 30 as of the application deadline and who are members or children/grandchildren, or foster children/grandchildren of a National Union member or retiree and who are attending or planning to attend a public, post-secondary institution in 2025-2026.
In what ways are unions still important in the contemporary workplace?
More details about the Young Worker Scholarships
The deadline for applications and essays is July 15, 2025 and the names of the winners will be published on the National Union and its Components’ social media sites.
For further information please phone 613-228-9800 or email scholarship@nupge.ca.