Canadian Hearing Services (CHS) 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 accommodations in a higher learning environment.
CHS’ National Scholarship Program, which launched in 2017, is the largest scholarship program in Canada that exclusively supports Deaf and hard of hearing students.
One of the barriers to post-secondary education that Deaf and hard of hearing students experience is incurring extra costs associated with accommodations. Some examples include note takers, interpreters, tutors, personal listening devices and other communication devices. These costs are often not covered by universities and colleges through their own accessibility programs, and thus must be paid by the Deaf and hard of hearing students themselves. This can often be a huge financial barrier to overcome!
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 years.
How to Apply
- Eligibility
- Application
- Judging
Applicants must:
- 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 2023 as first-time or returning students.
Applicants must submit:
- Completed and signed scholarship 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 2023 registration/acceptance to an accredited post-secondary institution (proof of registration, signed consent form and thank-you video are required before students receive awards in August/September each year);
- Community Involvement checklist, as outlined in Section 2 of the application form;
- Two (2) Reference Forms submitted via email by your references as outlined in Section 3 of the application 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.
- Notice of Assessment, as outlined in Section 5;
- An education budget plan 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; and,
- 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.
First-Time Applicant Application Form
Reference Form
PREVIOUS CHS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Each previous CHS scholarship recipient must:
- Have received a Canadian Hearing Services National Scholarship in 2022;
- Be attending a recognized post-secondary institution in the Fall of 2023 and provide proof of Fall 2023 registration;
- Complete a two-minute video stating your name, academic plans, and how the scholarship helped you achieve your goals over the past year. Please provide a YouTube link or WeTransfer shared link (NO Google Drive shared links);
- Complete the Scholarship Impact Survey found HERE.
A Canadian Hearing Services committee of educators, industry leaders, staff, and members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community will review qualified applications and select the winners. All winners will be notified on or before September 10, 2020 and recognized across the Canadian Hearing Services community later in the month. Scholarship awards will be distributed upon receipt of proof of registration, a signed letter of consent and thank-you video. Please note, all awards are taxable income.