This fall, Canadian financial services company Wealthsimple ran a second round of its fantastic scholarship program: Canada's Simplest Scholarships. Two awards of $5,000 each were up for grabs, and the application couldn't have been easier: just open an RESP with Wealthsimple!

(Curious about what an RESP is, or why you might want one? Check out this ScholarshipsCanada article for answers.)

We had a ton of interest this fall, with over 2,500 students starting an application, but only two students could be selected as winners. So, please join us in congratulating our recipients, from A to Z: Aanshi Shah and Zakarya Ali!

Congrats to Canada's Simplest Scholarship recipient Aanshi

Aanshi's a second-year student at Wilfrid Laurier University, pursuing a degree in political science. She's drawn to the "strong sense of community" at Laurier, and its proximity to her hometown helps, as she can stay close to her support network. Plus, she was able to secure a scholarship at Laurier as well!

After graduating from Laurier, Aanshi plans to attend law school. "I believe the legal system should be accessible to everyone," she says. "Its complexity often alienates the very people it's meant to serve." Aanshi's committed to "breaking down legal barriers and empowering communities to understand and assert their rights with confidence." Right on, Aanshi!

As for the scholarship, "it was truly one of the simplest applications I've encountered," Aanshi says. The straightforward process didn't require a big time commitment, making it "accessible to me while juggling other responsibilities." When she applied, she didn't think much of it. "I was applying to several scholarships and wasn't convinced that something this easy could result in success," she says. "I treated it as a chance worth taking, but kept my expectations low."

When she learned she won, Aanshi was "absolutely shocked ... After the initial surprise, I felt a profound sense of relief and gratitude." An extra $5,000 goes a long way towards allowing her to "focus more on [her] studies instead of stressing about finances."

To students considering scholarship applications, Aanshi says, "My advice is simple, pun intended: apply! Even if you don't believe you'll win, you'll never know unless you try." She adds that "opening an RESP is a smart step for your financial future, regardless of the outcome."

Aanshi, congratulations once again, from us here at ScholarshipsCanada, and the good people at Wealthsimple! Good luck on your pathway to becoming a lawyer.

Congrats to Canada's Simplest Scholarship recipient Zakarya

Zakarya's a biosystems engineering student at the University of Manitoba, which he chose to pursue his "strong interested in medicine." He's eager to tackle "real-world challenges, like improving environmental systems and developing sustainable technologies," so biosystems is the "perfect starting point." After graduation, Zakarya is considering further studies, or exploring an innovative career, "blending biology, sustainability, and engineering."

Zakarya didn't think much of the "simple and straightforward" scholarship application process. "Taking that chance felt worth it," he says, "even if I wasn't sure what the outcome would be." On learning he was chosen as a scholarship recipient, his "first thought was that it might be a new, creative scam, so I didn't think much of it at first. Then I remembered, 'Oh wait, I did apply for Canada's Simplest Scholarship.'" He reached out to Wealthsimple directly to confirm the news was true! "Once it all checked out," he continues, "I felt both surprised and excited. It was such a good feeling."

"Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me," Zakarya says. The win "feels like recognition of my hard work and the path I'm pursuing. For my community, I hope it's a reminder that opportunities are out there if you're willing to try." To students thinking about future scholarship applications, Zakarya says, "Just go for it. Even if you think you're not lucky or don't believe you'll get picked, it's always worth trying ... taking chances, even if you're unsure, can lead to amazing outcomes."

In conclusion, Zakarya expresses his sincere thanks to the Wealthsimple team. "Receiving this scholarship means so much to me, and I'm truly grateful for the support and recognition. Your efforts in providing opportunities like this make a real difference." Thanks, Zakarya!

Zakarya, once more, congrats, from us here at ScholarshipsCanada, and of course, Wealthsimple! We can't wait to see what you'll do next.

About Wealthsimple Foundation

The Wealthsimple Foundation is a Canadian registered charity, dedicated to helping students unlock funding for school, like the Canada Learning Bond. To date, the Foundation has helped nearly 14,000 students receive over $8 million in benefits!

Once again, a huge congratulations to our recipients, Aanshi and Zakarya, and a huge thanks to all our applicants! Big thanks to the Wealthsimple Foundation for offering Canada's Simplest Scholarship!