Universities and Scholarships for Homeschoolers

Yes, homeschoolers can go to university or college! In fact, many homeschoolers take university courses while they are in high school.  Here is a list of universities and scholarships for homeschoolers.

Homeschool Friendly Universities and Colleges

*Please note that there are MANY more homeschool friendly colleges and universities – they will continue to be added*

For a list of university virtual open houses click here.

Open Online Universities

These universities do not require a public school diploma and often the only requirement is that students be at least 16 years old. Many homeschoolers take courses at these universities starting in high school and include the credits on their high school transcript, sometimes also earning university transfer credits at other universities where they apply (this is often referred to as dual enrollment).

Athabasca University
Arguably the best open university, attended by many homeschoolers. For many programs/courses, the only requirement is being at least age 16. Check the admission requirements for programs and courses here.

University of Guelph
The University of Guelph offers an open learning program. Depending on the course, some prerequisites may be required.

Thompson Rivers University
Click here for registration information for courses and programs.

Nova Scotia

University of King’s College
Click here for admission requirements and choose “home learner”.

British Columbia

Royal Roads University
Royal Roads offers a “Flexible Admission Policy“. Minimum requirements under this policy include: a Personal Statement, a résumé, two letters of reference, transcripts.

Trinity Western University
Canada’s largest Christian university, providing undergraduate, graduate and adult programs in the arts, sciences, and professions. Recognized for quality, TWU is consistently ranked among the top two universities in Canada by the National Survey of Student Engagement, holds three Canada Research Chairs, wins National Championships in USports, and emphasizes experiential learning to prepare graduates to make a global impact. Click here for TWU admission requirements or contact Josh.Brown@TWU.ca

New Brunswick

University of New Brunswick
Minimum requirements for homeschoolers for admission to UNB include: a letter, transcript, course descriptions, a score of at least 1100 on the SAT, and possibly an SAT Subject Test or AP test, depending on the program.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Memorial University
Homeschooled students are required to submit CAT or SAT scores, a personal statement, a letter of academic reference, and transcripts for any university courses taken. Click here for details.

Nova Scotia

Dalhousie University
Many homeschoolers have successfully gained entrance and graduated from Dal. Besides the general admission requirements (transcript, minimum average of 70% in 5 Gr. 12 classes, minimum 70% in Gr. 12 English and required classes for the program) homeschooled applicants are requested to include a letter from the applicant setting out their educational goals, a writing sample, information about the curriculum followed, list of textbooks used/books read, results of any standardized testing (e.g. SAT or ACT), completion of the Math Diagnostic Test and a screenshot of the result for any program requiring Pre-Calculus. Learn more about Dal admission here.

Ontario

If your child is applying to an Ontario college, you need to fill out an OntarioColleges.ca application. When filling it out, select Canadian High School Education from the drop-down list. Then, for the School Name, type “Home”. You will need to mail (they won’t accept an emailed transcript) your child’s homeschool transcript directly to OntarioColleges.ca. And if your child took any courses at an online school, you’ll want to get them to mail a transcript directly as well.

Wilfred-Laurier University
Submit homeschool transcript and one of the following: SAT Subject Test scores, ACT subject test scores, AP exam scores, University/college courses, or Grade 12 curriculum transcripts (if different than your homeschool transcript). Must also include a personal statement outlining volunteer experience, extracurricular activities and why you are interested in attending Laurier. Learn more about Wilfred-Laurier here.

Québec

Concordia University
Homeschooled students submit transcript, a description of the curriculum followed and measures of academic acquisition in the program, a letter of intent explaining your academic background and why you are a good candidate for the program, a letter from the parent detailing how the homeschool program has prepared the student for university studies, a letter of recommendation from an impartial source indicating the applicant’s readiness for university-level study, and any test scores the student may have taken (e.g. SAT, ACT). Learn more about Concordia U here.

Scholarships for Canadian Homeschoolers

Scholarship Aggregation Sites

Scholarships Canada – sign up free to get matched to scholarships and for scholarship notifications.

ScholarTree – helps students find and apply for scholarships.

Scholarships

Nova Scotia Talent Trust
Deadline: March 1 (for spring and summer studies) and May 1 (for fall studies)
The Talent Trust provides scholarships to Nova Scotians (of any age) who demonstrate exceptional potential and commitment to become established artists in their chosen fields. Scholarships include theatre, film/new media, literary arts, dance, music, voice, circus arts, visual arts, and design.

Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarship Application
Scholarships of up to $10,000 are awarded to full-time students in Grade 11 with financial need (family income under $65,000) who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, a commitment to pursue a post-secondary education, a desire to contribute to society, and a good academic record.

Nova Scotia Power African Nova Scotian Scholarship
Deadline: March 29
Four $2,500 awards to African Nova Scotian students entering any year of a full time post-secondary education program in the areas of Power Engineering, Power Line Technician, Instrumentation Tech, Engineering, Technology, Business, Marketing & Communications, Environmental Sciences or Law.

Nova Scotia Power Emerging Leader Scholarships
Deadline: March 29
Four $2,500 awards to students entering any year of a full time post-secondary education program in the areas of Power Engineering, Power Line Technician, Instrumentation Tech, Engineering, Technology, Business, Marketing & Communications, Environmental Sciences or Law.

Nova Scotia Power Women in Trades, Engineering and Technology Scholarships
Deadline: March 29
Six $2,500 awards to female students entering any year of a full time post-secondary education program in Trades or in the areas of Engineering, Technology and Innovation.

Manulife Life Lessons Scholarship
March 31
For students impacted by the loss of a parent or guardian with little to no insurance coverage.

Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada Inc. Scholarship
Deadline: April 17
Several $1000 scholarships released in January of the following year to residents of Atlantic Canada (regardless of age) who will be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary program in the up-coming academic year. Applications are accepted in both French and English. The scholarship recipients will be required to provide proof of acceptance and enrollment. Write a 500 word essay to enter.

Chris Huskilson Emera Scholarship
Deadline: April 19
Created to honour Emera’s former CEO, Emera established the Chris Huskilson Emera Scholarship valued at $40,000. An Atlantic Canadian student attending an Atlantic Canadian university in the areas of science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship or math will receive $10,000 per year for four years. The recipient will also receive a paid, 12-week internship and a senior mentor from one of Emera’s companies.

Nova Scotia Power Mi’kmaq Bursaries
Deadline: April 26
Four $1,000 awards are available to Mi’kmaw students entering any year of a full time post-secondary accredited education program. Past recipients may re-apply.

Burns Lodge Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: April 30
To be eligible for this award, applicants must be residents of the Halifax Regional Municipality, in Grade 12, and planning on pursuing post-secondary educational studies in Atlantic Canada in the fall.

The Odenza Vacations College Scholarship is available to students who are residents of either the U.S. or Canada. You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be between the ages of 17 and 24 and submit an essay to qualify for this $500 award.
Deadline: May 1

De Beers Group Scholarships for Canadian Women
Deadline: June 1
Four awards valued at $2,175 USD each. Must be female, entering an undergraduate program at an accredited Canadian institution, and entering a STEM or STEM-related program.

Frasier Institute Student Essay Contest
Deadline: June 15
Categories: High School, Undergraduate, Graduate
Open to students studying in Canada and to Canadian students studying abroad.
1st prize: $1500, 2nd prize: $1000, 3rd prize: $500
Submit a 1000-1500 word essay as required.

IvyPanda $1500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Deadline: October 31
Open to high school, university, or college students from any country. Must show proof of enrollment or academic status (I would send a copy of your transcript and/or registration). Record an original video on one of three topics>
1st prize: $1000, 2nd prize: $5000

Do you know of any other universities and scholarships for homeschoolers? Please let me know in the comments below so I can add them.

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