The Laurier Scholars Award is Wilfrid Laurier University’s most prestigious entrance scholarship, supporting high-achieving students in their studies and career development through mentorship, experiential learning opportunities and community engagement.
The award provides students with $40,000 for their degree, with $7,500 per year for up to four years and $10,000 for an experiential learning opportunity such as a summer research assistantship, international exchange or other hands-on learning opportunity.
In addition to the scholarship, each scholar is paired with two mentors — a senior student in their faculty and a faculty member in the same department or with similar interests. They also participate in colloquiums, leadership development projects and an annual conference to share their achievements.
One incoming undergraduate student from each faculty is chosen per year. Students must have a final admission average of 90% or higher and must have demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities and accomplishments. The program is highly competitive, attracting 450 applications from exceptional applicants across Canada.
Below, Laurier’s 2024-25 scholars share a little bit about themselves, their accomplishments and their experiences in the Scholars Award program.
Hometown: Caledon, Ontario
Receiving a Laurier Scholars Award scholarship provides me with opportunities to engage in research and expand my network. My ultimate goal is to attend a Canadian medical school, but the admissions process is extremely competitive. Fortunately, the benefits of being a Laurier Scholar will enhance my chances for success when I apply.
As someone who thinks very logically but also has an artistic side, the Health Sciences program at Laurier is a great fit for me. The program allows me to implement creative solutions to science-based problems, which is a catalyst for effective problem-solving. The healthcare field stands out to me because I enjoy interacting with people.
This award offers opportunities to work with a faculty mentor and engage in scientific research. I am looking forward to expanding my network, connecting with new people, deepening my knowledge in areas of interest, and further developing my skills in leadership and critical thinking.
Hometown: Newmarket, Ontario
I chose the Game Design and Development program and a Teaching Option because I am very interested in implementing games in learning spaces. I have always been a fan of board games and believe they are so much more than a fun way to spend time. Games are an incredible way to encourage learning.
I am looking forward to being a part of the Laurier Scholars Award program’s ecosystem and connecting with the other wonderful scholars, staff and faculty at Laurier.
Professor Scott Nicholson made a great first impression on me when I spoke to him at the Laurier open house. I look up to him because of his interest in creating games that make a difference in the world, which is an interest I share. After graduation, I would like to teach high school and hope to apply my studies in game design to the field of education.
"Laurier’s small class sizes and strong sense of community have confirmed for me that I made the right decision choosing to study at Laurier’s Brantford campus."
Hannah Gilbert
Hometown: Newmarket, Ontario
I chose Laurier because of its strong sense of community, commitment to academic excellence, distinguished business programs and variety of experiential learning opportunities. Laurier stands out for its supportive environment, where students are encouraged to grow both academically and personally.
I am excited to take part in real-world case studies and competitions offered by Laurier. I am motivated by opportunities to create tangible solutions for organizations – whether by improving business processes, enhancing efficiency or developing innovative approaches to address pressing issues.
I am a member of the Lazaridis Students' Society, the governing student body within the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. I am also involved with the Laurier Consulting Group, which offers pro bono consulting for Canadian businesses, and Women in Leadership Laurier, where I am a mentee learning from female student leaders in the Lazaridis School.
Hometown: New Hamburg, Ontario
I chose Laurier for many reasons, but the main one was the program I am in. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sussex in England is a unique program, which I did not find anywhere else. I have always wanted to be a lawyer and hoped to study abroad at some point, so when I heard about this program, I knew it was perfect for me. Although I will only be at Laurier for two years before I move to England for law school, I love the friendly atmosphere and social opportunities that Laurier offers.
I was very involved and committed to my academic and extracurricular pursuits in high school. I was an active member in four school choirs and the music council. I was also a member of the social action committee. In Grade 10, I started a menstrual equity campaign; by the time I graduated, my school collected more than 2,500 menstrual care products and created a system for those products to be easily accessed. At graduation, I received subject awards in philosophy, vocal music, legal studies and world issues. I also received awards for equity initiatives and academic excellence.
I want to make a positive impact in the world, and I can achieve that through a career in law. I want to prosecute criminal cases related to sex crimes, domestic violence and abuse against minorities. Politics and law go hand in hand, so having a background in political science will help me in law school and my career. I also hope to be involved in politics when I am older. I am passionate about Canadian politics and am interested in improving the political system.
"Laurier stands out for its supportive environment, where students are encouraged to grow both academically and personally."
Charlotte Burdon
Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario
I chose Laurier for its unique undergraduate program in Community Music, which will allow me to begin concentrating on music therapy in my third year. Laurier is one of the few schools where I can pursue music therapy as an undergraduate student. Music is a powerful tool and we are just beginning to understand how music can help heal the mind, body and spirit. I am excited to be part of this growing field of study and practice.
I have always been fascinated by the wide range of effects music has on people. From music-making to writing songs or simply listening, music is an art form with unique and powerful impacts. As I pursue a career in music therapy, I hope to learn more about the intersections between music and wellness, and the role that neuroscience plays in this relationship.
One of the best parts of the Laurier Scholars Award program is the opportunity to meet other dedicated students from across all the faculties in all four years of study. The mentorship program has already been valuable to me, and I am grateful to have support from experienced students and staff as I make decisions about my program and experiential learning opportunities in the coming years.
Hometown: Bayfield, Ontario
Laurier was my first choice because of the combined Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Rights and Bachelor of Laws offered in partnership with the University of Sussex in England. Being able to obtain an undergraduate degree and a law degree in six years is an amazing opportunity that is not available at many other Ontario universities. This program will allow me to fast-track my goal of becoming a Canadian lawyer while gaining international education experience. Laurier’s small class sizes and its strong sense of community have confirmed that I made the right decision to study at Laurier’s Brantford campus.
I am interested in human rights laws and treaties and how they affect the Canadian criminal justice system. I want to investigate the relationship between justice and human rights and learn how legal advocacy can best support marginalized communities. Learning about human rights, intertwined with law, will help me build a strong foundation to support my future career goals.
Living on campus has been a great way to experience extracurricular activities, including events run by the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union and various clubs. I joined the Mock Trial Club and am preparing for a mock trial alongside my peers. I am also employed as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Laurier Brantford YMCA.
"One of the best parts of the Laurier Scholars Award program is the opportunity to meet other dedicated students from across all the faculties in all four years of study. The mentorship program has already been valuable to me."
Maggie Donnelly
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
I knew Laurier was the only choice for me once I decided to pursue a career in social work. The program information was well presented online, which meant I could plan for my courses ahead of time and build out my schedule. Laurier’s Brantford campus is close to my hometown, which is important to me.
I am most interested in the child and youth aspect of social work. I am passionate about supporting children and giving them the freedom to express themselves. As the oldest of nine children, I am very active in my siblings’ lives and want to bring that experience to a minor in Youth and Children’s Studies.
Since joining the Laurier community, I have become a volunteer childminder with Margot’s Place at St. Andrew’s United Church. I work with children under the age of four while their mothers receive well-deserved breaks. I have also signed up for several clubs, including the Bachelor of Social Work Student Association, the Books It Up Club and the Campus Advocacy Club.
