Entrance Scholarships

How Do I Apply for an Entrance Scholarship?

In order to be considered for an entrance scholarship you need to submit a complete application for admission to the University by March 1.

High school graduates who have not attended a post-secondary institution and are within one year of graduation are also eligible for entrance scholarship consideration.

How does the Mount calculate my scholarship?

The Mount uses a simple formula for calculating the average used for scholarship awards. We use the most current transcript received in our office by March 1. The scholarship average is comprised of the applicants top five grade 12 academic grades; including English. If the applicant does not have five grade 12 academic grades, then the top grade 11 academic grades will be used to round out the five. It is important to note that in order to qualify for entrance scholarships, the applicant’s official transcript needs to present at least three grade 12 academic grades by the March 1st deadline.

Each IB, AP or advanced level course used in the calculation of the scholarship average will add one percentage point to that average.

Students are automatically considered for the following scholarships:
Please note that this listing is accurate, but that changes may occur.

125th Anniversary Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association Entrance Scholarship
Established by the Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association, this scholarship is for a student entering Mount Saint Vincent University in either a full-time or part-time course of study.

Aramark Canada Ltd. Scholarship
Established by Aramark Canada Ltd. in recognition of their long-standing relationship with Mount Saint Vincent University. This scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time student entering any program of study at Mount Saint Vincent University

The Dennice Leahey, CM Scholarship
Established by Dennice Leahey, BA ’64, DHUML ’14. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student from Pugwash District High School pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Recipients should be involved in the community or have volunteer experience. Preference to a female student.

Dr. Elizabeth Parr-Johnston Endowed Scholarship
Established by her friends in the Mount’s corporate and local communities to honour and recognize the leadership and contribution of Elizabeth Parr-Johnston as the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of the Mount (1991-96). This scholarship is awarded annually to an entering or in-course full-time female student in an undergraduate degree program who shows leadership promise.

Dr. Sheila A. Brown Endowed Scholarship
Established by Dr. Sheila Brown, along with her colleagues and many friends, this scholarship honours Dr. Brown’s leadership and contribution to Mount Saint Vincent University as the University’s ninth President and Vice-Chancellor (1996-2006) and recognizes her commitment to the enhancement of the University’s Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time student entering any undergraduate degree program of study who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in her/his entering grades.

Elizabeth L Foley Burbridge Endowed Scholarship
Established by a bequest from the late Paula Burbridge Aitken (class of 1942) and her daughter, Pamela Mary Aitken Chisholm, in memory of Paula’s mother and Pamela’s grandmother, the late Elizabeth L Foley Burbridge of Northern New Brunswick. This scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time student, with preference to a student from Northern New Brunswick, entering any undergraduate degree program of study who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in her/his entering grades

Farmers Co-operative Dairy Endowed Scholarship
Established by Farmers Co-operative Dairy Limited, to attract outstanding achievers to the Bachelor of Business Administration degree program. This entrance scholarship is available annually to a graduating female high school student in Nova Scotia, based on academic qualifications and involvement in extra-curricular activities in their high school or community. In the absence of a qualifying student, the scholarship will be awarded to an in-course student in the Business program who meets all the normal criteria for scholarship consideration.

Frank and Mary Elizabeth (Brady) O’Brien Scholarship
Established through a bequest from the Estate of Mary Elizabeth O’Brien, a Mount alumna who respected education, this scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students enrolled in any degree program. This scholarship is in memory of Frank and Mary Elizabeth (Brady) O’Brien, ACAD `39

Lillian Wainwright Women in Science Entrance Endowed Scholarship
A tireless supporter of Mount Saint Vincent for many years, Dr. Lillian Wainwright has worked hard to ensure that her students had every opportunity to become involved in the world of science. Deeply concerned about the need for more women in the field of science, Dr. Wainwright has allowed the establishment of a scholarship in her name. It will be awarded annually to an entering female student with a serious interest in the scientific field.

Minnie Alma Covert Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Established to recognize the dedication and perseverance of Minnie Alma Covert, a mature student, widow and mother, who attended university at a time when educational opportunities for women were few and limited. This scholarship is awarded to a full-time mature student entering any program of studies at the University.

Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship
Awarded yearly to the child of an alumna/alumnus of Mount Saint Vincent who has been accepted into the first year of a degree, diploma, or certificate program at the Mount. The qualifications for the scholarship are the same as for the University entrance scholarships. There are now more than 28,000 alumni world-wide.

Mount Saint Vincent University Faculty Endowed Scholarship
Established by the faculty of Mount Saint Vincent, awarded to a full-time student entering any program of studies at the Mount. This award exemplifies the faculty’s commitment to our students.

MSVU Pension Members’ Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established by the University and members of the University’s pension plan. This scholarship is to be awarded as an entrance or in-course scholarship to a student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in accordance with the criteria set out in the Endowment Scholarship Agreement.

Murial Duckworth Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is to be awarded to a female student entering Mount Saint Vincent University in the Bachelor of Arts, intending to major in a discipline in the humanities.

Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. Endowed Scholarships
Established by Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. to recognize Mount Saint Vincent University’s commitment to academic excellence and the tourism profession. Awarded annually to full-time students entering the Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management program: one scholarship awarded to a student entering directly from high school and one scholarship to a student from the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), entering directly upon the completion of the NSCC’s Tourism and Hospitality Management diploma.

RBC Endowed Scholarship
Established by RBC Financial Group in support of the University’s capital campaign, Building Tomorrow Together, this scholarship recognizes the Bank’s commitment to promoting and recognizing academic achievement, community service and leadership abilities. This scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time student entering any undergraduate degree program of study who has demonstrated strong academic achievement in her/his entering grades and leadership in student government, sports and/or their community.

Shirley (Aqui) Forde Philippines Scholarship
Established by Shirley Forde, BSc ’57, BEd ’62, MAEd ’62. This renewable scholarship is awarded annually to a student coming to Mount Saint Vincent University from the Philippines pursuing studies in the arts, sciences or education with preference to a student pursuing a bachelor of science degree. Preference also to female students and to students who will return to the Philippines upon completion of their degree.

Sister Frances Carmel Regan Memorial Scholarship
Established by Shirley Forde (BSc ‘57, BEd ‘62, MAEd ‘62) as a lasting tribute to the spiritual and educational dedication of Sister Frances Carmel to Mount Saint Vincent College. Awarded annually to a female student entering Mount Saint Vincent University and enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program who is in financial need and who has displayed interest in the cause of humanity by her participation in the community. Applicants must submit a résumé and a letter demonstrating financial need.

Sister Irene Marie Endowed Scholarship
Established by Henry Tracy in loving memory of Sister Irene Marie as an expression of his gratitude. Sister Irene Marie was the first director of the Home Economics Department and Food Services ad Mount Saint Vincent College. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student entering the Applied Human Nutrition program who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in her entering grades. The award may be renewable.

Sister Romaine Bates Endowed Scholarship
Established by Suzanne M. Reynolds in recognition of Sister Romaine’s many years of teaching both in the City of Halifax and within the Sisters of Charity. Her strength of character and leadership in addition to her warmth and personal example inspire all who know her. Awarded annually to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in their entering grades to Mount Saint Vincent University.

TD Bank Group Endowed Scholarship
TD Bank Financial Group is committed to helping students succeed in their post-secondary studies and as such has established the TD Scholarship in Business Administration. This scholarship is awarded to a female student entering Mount Saint Vincent University’s Business Administration program who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in their entering grades. Recipients may be residents of any province or territory in Canada and must qualify as entitled to the Canadian Resident Tuition Fee Structure.

How do I apply for a Diamond Jubilee Entrance Scholarship?

Mature Students

Mature students entering the University for the first time or re‑entering to complete a first degree after a period away from study, are eligible for these Scholarships listed below.

Mature entrants must apply specifically for an award individually by providing the following supplemental documentation to the Committee on Admissions and Scholarships:

• a formal letter of application which should indicate the applicant’s likelihood for academic success and, therefore, their suitability for an entrance award
• a résumé
• at least two letters of reference,

Submit application material to scholarships@msvu.ca– include scholarship name in the subject line.

Deadline for admission and supplemental application material in order to be eligible for specific entrance scholarships: March 1 for study beginning the following September

High School Applicants

High School Applicants who apply before March 1 with an average of 80 percent or more are eligible for these Scholarships and will be automatically considered when they make application for admission.

Alice Egan Hagen Jubilee Endowed Scholarship in Science
Established in memory of Alice Egan Hagen, alumna, artist, teacher and pioneer in the art pottery movement, by her daughter Rachel Dickinson and grandchildren. Renewable for up to three consecutive years of study (to a maximum of four years) provided the student achieves a minimum 3.5 GPA overall average in at least 5.0 units during each consecutive academic year.

Dr. Agnes Foley Macdonald Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by her son, the Honourable Mr. Justice Angus L. Macdonald, and friends, in memory of this renowned poet, alumna of the Mount, and wife of Premier Angus L. Macdonald.

Dr. Ruth Goldbloom Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established through the generosity of family and friends to commemorate Dr. Ruth Goldbloom’s work as a board member and volunteer for schools, hospitals, and cultural organizations. Ruth Goldbloom has given her time and energy to furthering the aims and ideals of the Mount and establishing support on its behalf. From 1974-80 she served on the Board of Governors and was chairperson for three years. Her many honours include an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (Mount) (1985), an honorary life membership from the Alumnae Association and an honorary LLD (Dalhousie) (1987).

Helen Patton Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Bequeathed to Mount Saint Vincent in the estate of the late Helen Patton, academy alumna, in appreciation to the Sisters of Charity.

Honoria Conway Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Donated by the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, Saint John, New Brunswick, and named for their founder, Honoria Conway. Preference will be given to students from New Brunswick and the Digby area of Nova Scotia.

Louyse Drouin Kennedy Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established in memory of this active alumna (Montreal Chapter) by her husband, the Honourable Mr. Justice James T. Kennedy of the Supreme Court of Quebec.

M. Eileen Finnegan Hayes Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by active alumna and staunch supporter of the Mount’s ideals, Eileen Hayes, her family and friends, and awarded to an outstanding student entering a program in applied human nutrition.

Margaret E. Oland Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by Philip W. Oland in memory of his aunt Margaret Eileen Oland.

Margaret Reardon Brown Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by Garnet Brown in honour of his mother, an academy alumna, to represent the Brown family’s continuing support to the Mount since its earliest days.

Maureen Mantin Johnson Alumnae Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by Mount Saint Vincent Alumnae Association, friends and family in memory of an exemplary student and devoted Mount alumna

Muriel Donahoe Duxbury Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by her friends and family to honour this former president of the Mount Alumnae Association, well-known Halifax educator, outstanding community leader, and active volunteer.

Nancy Ruth Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
To honour the dedicated work of Nancy Rowell Jackman to the betterment of living conditions for women and global peace, by her mother, Mary R. Jackman.

Ralph M. Medjuck, Q.C. Centennial Hotels Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by Ralph M. Medjuck, Q.C. , as an entrance or in-course scholarship to a student of outstanding academic achievement enrolled in the Tourism and Hospitality Management program.

Senator W.H. Dennis Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established in memory of Senator William H. Dennis, a man of foresight and initiative, a supportive friend of the Sisters of Charity, a national leader and a highly-regarded publisher. Donated by his son, Graham Dennis, who has continued the family tradition of educational support.

Sir James Dunn, Bart., Q.C., Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established in memory of the late Sir James Dunn, Bart., Q.C., lawyer, industrialist and philanthropist, by his wife, Lady Beaverbrook.

Sister Margaret Young Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by her parents, Mary and Wilfred F. Young, long-time supporters of the Mount, to honour their daughter who is an alumna, professor of music, initiator of the fine arts program and Sister of Charity.

Sister Marie Agnes White Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by Dr. Catherine Wallace and former students to honour this Mount Professor Emeritus of English. She is fondly remembered as a brilliant and tireless teacher, and true Renaissance woman, by former students and colleagues.

Walter O’Hearn Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by His Honour, the late Judge Peter O’Hearn to honour his father who in 1925 as Attorney General fought diligently in the House of Assembly to pass the charter that would allow Mount Saint Vincent to grant its own degrees.

Women Friends of the Mount Jubilee Endowed Scholarship
Established by hundreds of women in Canada supportive of the ideals of higher education at Mount Saint Vincent University, this entrance scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time female student entering any undergraduate degree program of study who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in her entering grades.

How Do I Apply for an Entrance Scholarship?

High school students who apply for admission before March 1 with an average of 80 percent or more qualify for an entrance scholarship. In order to be considered, the following entrance scholarships require supplemental application material as noted in each description below.

Annette Verschuren Endowed Scholarship
Established by Annette Verschuren, DHUML ’96, to recognize Mount Saint Vincent University’s commitment to academic excellence. This scholarship is awarded annually to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in their entering grades to the University and who are able to demonstrate financial need.

Applicants must submit the following supplemental documentation:

• a résumé
• a letter demonstrating financial need

Submit application material to scholarships@msvu.ca – include scholarship name in the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1

Beta Sigma Phi Endowed Scholarship
Established in 1982 by the Halifax-Dartmouth City Council of Beta Sigma Phi, this Scholarship is awarded annually to a full or part-time student who is either an active Beta Sigma Phi member, or the child, grandchild or spouse of an active member. In the absence of such a candidate, a deserving student will be chosen by the University. Please contact your Beta Sigma Phi Chapter for an official membership letter and email to scholarships@msvu.ca

First Choice Airways Endowed Scholarship
Established by First Choice Airways and the 302 passengers who stayed at Mount Saint Vincent University as a result of the terrible tragedy in New York City, September 11, 2001. This scholarship was established as a thank you to the Mount community for the care and compassion shown to the passengers and will be a permanent reminder of the strong relationship developed between the passengers, First Choice Airways and the staff, students and faculty of Mount Saint Vincent University. Awarded annually to a student entering Mount Saint Vincent University who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism.

Applicants must submit the following supplemental documentation:

• a résumé documenting commitment to volunteering

Submit application material to scholarships@msvu.ca – include scholarship name in the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1

Harrison McCain Scholarship
The Harrison McCain Scholarships/Bursaries are available annually to current high school students entering university who will graduate from a high school in Canada. Each award has a program value of $16,000 payable over a four-year course of study in the amount of $4,000 per year. The number of scholarships/bursaries available may vary from year to year. Renewal criteria to be met each year.

Review the Harrison McCain Scholarship Information page for submission details.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1

Hildred Martin Leadership Endowed Scholarship
Established by Hildred Martin, who had a strong commitment to equality and continuing education, this scholarship is awarded to a full time female indigenous black student from Nova Scotia, who had made a positive and significant contribution to her community, who has displayed a capacity for leadership and is committed to continuing their education in a post-secondary institution. This award is renewable.

Applicants must submit the following supplemental documentation:

• a résumé outlining extra-activities and leadership qualities
• a letter demonstrating financial need and career aspirations

Submit application material to scholarships@msvu.ca – include scholarship name in the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1

International Women’s Forum Atlantic Chapter Scholarship
The International Women’s Forum (IWF) – Atlantic Chapter advances leadership across careers, cultures and continents and helps prepare future generations of women leaders. IWF – Atlantic Chapter has established this entrance scholarship to recognize a female student from Atlantic Canada studying full-time who is in financial need, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in her entering grades to the University and through her leadership has made a positive and significant contribution to her community. Applicants must submit a statement of financial need and a résumé outlining their community involvement.

Applicants must submit the following supplemental documentation:

• a résumé outlining community involvement
• a statement of financial need

Submit application material to scholarships@msvu.ca – include scholarship name in the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1

Leslie V. Sansom Continuing Education Endowed Scholarship
Established in memory of Leslie V. Sansom, noted Halifax feminist and scholarship advocate. Mature students entering the University for the first time or re-entering to complete a first degree after a period away from study, are eligible for this award and should follow the application instructions as described below.

The award is made to women who come to the University from the workplace, or after a period of time working in the home, for the purpose of career development; have a clear plan for entering or re-entering the workforce upon completion; have knowledge of and concern for current social issues; and have demonstrated this knowledge and concern through active involvement. In any given year when there are suitable applicants, awards may be presented to either one full-time or two part-time students.

Applicants must submit the following supplemental documentation:

• on an additional sheet, describe your community involvement as it relates to your interests and concerns for current social issues
• provide at least one letter of testimonial from someone in the community organizations with whom or for whom you have worked
• on a separate sheet, please provide a brief statement of why you have decided to attend university and your long-range goals. Elaborate on the relationship between your career and educational plans.
• provide any additional information you would like the Scholarship Committee to know about you – this could include a résumé and other related documents
• a completed Leslie V. Sansom Continuing Education Scholarship Application form

Submit application material to scholarships@msvu.ca– include scholarship name in the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 15

Mary O’Regan Scholarship
Established by Mary (Furey) O’Regan, BMus ’62, BEd ’65. This renewable scholarship is awarded to students with demonstrated financial need from Cape Breton Regional Municipality transferring to or entering Mount Saint Vincent University. Preference will be given to students who attended Glace Bay High School. This scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years for students maintaining good academic standing.

Applicants must submit the following supplemental documentation:
– a Mary (Furey) O’Regan Scholarship Application outlining extra-curricular activities as well as work or volunteer experience and a statement of financial need.

Submit application material to scholarships@msvu.ca – include scholarship name in the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1

Project Hero Award
Mount Saint Vincent University is proud to participate in Project Hero. Project Hero is an initiative co-founded by Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Reed and Retired General Rick Hillier to provide support to children of Canadian military who have fallen while serving in an active mission.

Review the Project Hero Information page for submission details.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1

Sister Frances Carmel Regan Memorial Scholarship
Established by Shirley Forde (BSc ‘57, BEd ‘62, MAEd ‘62) as a lasting tribute to the spiritual and educational dedication of Sister Frances Carmel to Mount Saint Vincent College. Awarded annually to a female student entering Mount Saint Vincent University and enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program who is in financial need and who has displayed interest in the cause of humanity by her participation in the community.

Applicants must submit the following supplemental documentation:

• a résumé
• a letter demonstrating financial need

Submit application material to scholarships@msvu.ca – include scholarship name in the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1

Student Leadership Award
Mount Saint Vincent University is pleased to offer the Student Leadership Awards to new students who have exhibited high standards of leadership and achievement prior to attending the Mount. It is anticipated that students receiving this Award will continue their high levels of involvement while studying at the Mount. The Student Leadership Awards consist of a room in residence at no charge. The number of awards available may vary from year to year.

Review the Student Leadership Award information page for submission details.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1

President’s Scholarship

A limited number of the prestigious President’s Scholarship are offered each year to the top applicants. To qualify the student must have a high scholarship average, as well as demonstrate a contribution to their school and/or community.

Applicants must submit the following supplemental documentation:

• a completed President’s Scholarship Application Form (PDF)
• an essay (see application form for details)
• reference letters (academic and extracurricular activity)
• a résumé

Submit application material to scholarships@msvu.ca – include scholarship name in the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1