The Daniel Schickedanz Scholarship Award Program 2026 is now accepting applications from newcomer and migrant youth across Canada. The program will provide 10 scholarships worth CAD $815 each to support young people pursuing higher education or demonstrating meaningful community involvement.
Delivered through a partnership between the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) and Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), the scholarship program is designed to recognize the educational goals, leadership, and community contributions of youth from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Applications are open until September 25, 2026.
What is the Daniel Schickedanz Scholarship Award Program?
The Daniel Schickedanz Scholarship Award Program supports young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds as they pursue education and contribute to positive change in their communities.
The initiative was inspired by Daniel Schickedanz’s belief that young people can achieve their potential when they receive appropriate opportunities and support.
The scholarship program is part of a 10-year initiative running from 2021 to 2030 and focuses on education, leadership, inclusion, diversity, and the rights of refugees and migrants.
How Many Scholarships Are Available in 2026?
In 2026, the program will award:
- 10 scholarships in total
- CAD $815 for each successful recipient
- Priority consideration for first-time recipients
The scholarships are divided equally between two categories.
Educational Commitment Stream
Five scholarships will be awarded to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to their education.
Applicants may highlight:
- Their educational goals and aspirations;
- Their commitment to continuing or improving their education;
- Challenges they have overcome during their educational journey;
- How their experiences have influenced their education; and
- How financial assistance would support their future plans.
Applicants can be completing high school, preparing for post-secondary education, or already studying on a full-time or part-time basis.
Community Engagement Stream
The remaining five scholarships are intended for newcomer youth who demonstrate meaningful community participation and leadership.
Applicants may showcase:
- Volunteer experience;
- Community involvement;
- Leadership and initiative;
- Contributions supporting refugee, migrant, diversity, or inclusion initiatives; and
- Their plans to continue contributing to their communities.
This stream recognizes young people who use their skills and time to support others and create positive change.
Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?
Applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
They must:
- Be 16 to 25 years old when applying;
- Identify as a migrant or newcomer youth and not have been born in Canada;
- Reside in Canada;
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, Convention Refugee (Protected Person), or a non-status person living in Canada; and
- Provide the required supporting documentation.
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants should ensure that their submissions are complete and clearly demonstrate why they qualify for the relevant scholarship stream.
How to Apply for the Daniel Schickedanz Scholarship
Eligible youth can apply online by reviewing the scholarship requirements, completing the application form, and submitting all required supporting documents.
The application deadline is September 25, 2026.
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline because late submissions will not be considered. The program also states that only complete applications will be considered and that only selected applicants will be contacted.
Why This Scholarship Matters for Newcomer Youth
Financial barriers can make pursuing higher education more difficult for newcomer and migrant youth. A scholarship such as the Daniel Schickedanz Award can provide financial assistance while also recognizing the educational ambitions and community contributions of young people.
Importantly, the program has two distinct streams. This means applicants can focus their application on either their educational commitment or their community engagement, depending on which area best reflects their experience.
The program also highlights the broader role newcomer youth can play in Canadian communities through education, volunteering, leadership, and advocacy.
What Applicants Should Keep in Mind
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and ensure that every required document is included.
A strong application should clearly explain:
- Who you are and your newcomer or migrant background.
- Your educational goals or community involvement.
- The challenges or experiences that have shaped your journey.
- Your future plans.
- How the scholarship funding would help you.
Applicants should also select the stream that most closely matches their achievements and goals rather than trying to fit their experience into both categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each of the 10 scholarship recipients will receive CAD $815.
The program will award 10 scholarships: five through the Educational Commitment Stream and five through the Community Engagement Stream.
Applicants must be between 16 and 25 years old, identify as newcomer or migrant youth, reside in Canada, and meet one of the program’s specified immigration or citizenship statuses.
Yes. Permanent residents living in Canada are among the eligible groups listed by the program, provided they meet the other requirements.
Applications for the 2026 scholarship program are open until September 25, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.