Happy International Women's Day! Every year on March 8, the world celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, as well as calls attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
Education plays a large role in addressing these issues. Did you know that since the early 1990s, women's enrolment in post-secondary education has skyrocketed? While more and more women are pursuing education to embolden, empower, and encourage themselves, how is the world of education supporting them? To help inspire you, and spread the word about opportunities for women, check out what some schools and scholarships admins are doing to celebrate and support women in college and university:
Telesat Women in STEM Scholarship
Value: $5,000
Deadline: March 25, 2025
Telesat is one of the world's largest operators of satellites, and they're also committed to broadening women's representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). So, to help close the STEM gender gap, Telesat offers eight (8) scholarships of $5,000 each to female students.
If you're a Canadian student, enrolled in a STEM program at a Canadian college or university, with decent grades (at least 75% overall), check out these scholarships!
Explore the Telesat Women in STEM Scholarships
Zonta International: Young Women in Leadership Award
Value: $5,000
Deadline: April 1, 2025
Zonta International is an organization dedicated to supporting women and girls the world over. One aspect of this support is scholarship programs for young women affiliated with the organization, and interested in public governance and volunteerism.
The award is aimed at women between 16 and 19 years old, and closes on April 1 each year. 37 scholarships of $5,000 (USD) each are available, so have a look at the requirements and consider getting involved with Zonta International!
Check out the Zonta International scholarships for young women in leadership
ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarships
Value: $5,000
Deadline: April 8, 2025
Seven awards of up to $5,000 each are open to female students who are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity — a growing, but male-dominated, field. If you're trailblazer and future leader in cybersecurity, as well as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, attending a Canadian college or university, you can apply — but only until the April 8, 2025 deadline!
Check out the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarships
Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation of Canada: Graduate Scholarship for Canadian Women
Value: $15,000
Deadline: April 15, 2025
This one's for Canadian students pursuing a PhD program — and though the generous $15,000 award is offered by Kappa Kappa Gamma, you don't need to be a member of the foundation to apply!
You will need some reference letters, but if you're on your way to a PhD, you've probably got that covered!
Learn more about the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Graduate Scholarship for Canadian Women
CPA Alberta: Empowered Young Woman Award
Value: $2,000
Deadline: May 1, 2025
This scholarship is for a grade 12 high school student in Alberta who identifies as a girl/woman (including non-binary, transgender, and two-spirit folks), who demonstrate good character and leadership skills, and want to pursue a credential as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Interested students must attend a college or university in Alberta to qualify!
To apply, submit a short letter or video about what being an "empowered young woman" means to you, your acceptance letter, and a reference letter before May 1, 2025, and you could receive the $2,000 scholarship!
Check out the CPA Alberta scholarship for women
The Irene Adler Prize: $1,000 Scholarship for Women Writers
Value: $1,000
Deadline: May 30, 2025
This scholarship is provided by journalist Lucas Akyroyd, in honour of the women writers and editors who helped him develop his career in letters.
If you're a woman pursuing a degree in journalism, creative writing, or literature, in college or university, you could qualify for this $1,000 scholarship!
Read more about the $1,000 Irene Adler Prize
College of the Rockies: Women in Trades Sampler Program
Canada needs more skilled tradespeople, and women are underrepresented in roles across the construction and building trades. So, in an effort to make the trades more accessible to women, the College of the Rockies offers a full-time, 12-week "sampler" program that introduces female students to an array of trades:
The best part? The whole program is tuition-free! It runs between April and June, 2025, so be sure to register if you're interested!
Take a moment today to reflect on the challenges you've overcome, the achievements you've made, and to support the women in your life as you continue in your educational journey!
Explore more scholarships for women