Canadian Hearing Services proudly offers scholarships to Deaf and hard of hearing students to help break down financial barriers to participation and support the extra costs associated with tuition, residence, accommodations, and educational resources in a post-secondary learning environment.
Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students, including mature students attending accredited post-secondary institutions inside or outside of Canada. Students who receive funding remain eligible for the same level of funding for up to four consecutive years.
How to Apply
- Eligibility
- Application
- Judging
- Terms
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
- Have documented hearing loss of 50dB or greater, pure tone average, in each ear (50 dB or greater in the left ear AND 50 dB or greater in the right ear).
- Be 17 years of age or older and attending an accredited post-secondary institution in the Fall of 2024 as first-time or returning students.
Selection is based on the overall assessment of the following application materials:
- Completed and signed scholarship application form. First-Time Applicant Application Form
- Photocopy proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency with date of birth.
- At least one audiogram documenting hearing loss of 50dB or greater, pure tone average, in each ear (50dB or greater in the left ear AND 50dB or greater in the right ear).
- Proof of Fall 2024 registration/acceptance to an accredited post-secondary institution.
- Community Involvement checklist, as outlined in Section 2 of the application form.
- Two Reference Forms submitted via email by your references as outlined in Section 3 of the application form. Reference Form
- Typed 12-pt font, 250-word essay in English or French, or YouTube link or WeTransfer shared link to a 2-minute video in ASL/LSQ, as outlined in Section 4 of the application form.
- Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment (NOA). If the individual is not supporting themselves, then their family’s NOA will need to be submitted. If the individual is independent, then they will need to provide a personal NOA and their spouse’s NOA if applicable, as outlined in Section 5 of the application form.
- An education budget word document/spreadsheet as a PDF or YouTube link or WeTransfer shared link (NO Google Drive shared links) to a 2-minute video in ASL/LSQ, as outlined in Section 5 of the application form.
- Letter of Academic Accommodation related to being Deaf or hard of hearing or Individual Education Plan (IEP), outlining academic accommodations related to being Deaf or hard of hearing, as outlined in Section 6 of the application form.
Note: Successful applicants will be given a conditional offer in July 2024 and then required to submit proof of registration, a signed consent form, social media background check, one-sentence bio, and a thank-you video before receiving the award. A change in a student’s status will result in a change of award amount.
A committee of Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing business leaders and academics review the application process each year. Scholarships are awarded based on financial and accommodation needs along with other factors such as community engagement.
Canadian Hearing Services is committed to promoting equity and diversity; we welcome applications from Indigenous peoples and will give additional recognition to Indigenous Deaf and hard of hearing students.
The Honourable David C. Onley was a pioneer in advocating for accessibility and inclusivity and a former Canadian Hearing Services Board member from 2017 until his passing in 2023. The highest-ranking scholarship recipient will be recognized in honour of David C. Onley. This scholarship aims to honour his legacy by fostering empowerment and inspiration among the next wave of leaders within the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Scholarships of $3,000 for full-time students and $1,000 for part-time students may be applied to cover tuition, residence, accessibility, and any other education-related resources. The exact number of awards will be dependent on the number and ranking of qualified applicants.
All winners will be notified in July 2024 and asked to submit final documents to ensure eligibility. Awards will be distributed upon receipt of proof of registration, a signed letter of consent, a successful social media background check, one-sentence bio, and thank-you video. Winners will be recognized across the Canadian Hearing Services community in September. Please note, all awards are taxable income.