Compete for a place in Outstanding Scholars
The Outstanding Scholars Candidates program has the highest number of entrance scholarship applications at the University of Windsor. Secondary school students can apply school as an Outstanding Scholars Candidate prior to the spring deadline through MyUWinsite student. Invitations to apply to the full scholar program are sent in June, after first-year grades are posted.
Application timelines, information sessions, and updates on admission decisions are shared through the Outstanding Scholars events calendar.
Compete for admission
Outstanding Scholars is a competitive program. Choose the entry point that fits where you are in your academic journey.
Starting from high school
You may apply to join the program as a Candidate in Year 1.
- $1,500 scholarship across fall and winter
- Mentorship and community-building
- Curriculum and presentation opportunities
Starting after your first year
You may apply to join the Full Outstanding Scholars program after completing your first year at the University of Windsor. Students must be invited to apply based on their academic standing within their faculty.
- Six paid research placements
- Leadership development and mentorship
- Research experience across multiple semesters
Applying to First Year
First-year students in the program are known as Candidates. Candidates in good standing may apply to the full program after their first year of study.
Students with a GPA of at least 85%, based on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, are eligible to apply.
Applications open
January 15, 2026
Applications close
April 30, 2026
How to apply
Log into UWinsite Student and apply through your Student Awards Profile.
https://www.uwindsor.ca/studentawards/381/uwinawardapplication
Accepting or declining your offer
Once accepted as a first-year Outstanding Scholar Candidate, please accept or decline your offer as soon as possible.
Maintaining your scholarship
- Register in a minimum 60% course load in the fall term immediately following the award
- Remain registered in a minimum 60% course load in the winter term
- Attend monthly meetings and project-based activities as directed by the program coordinator
Applying to the Full Program
This pathway is for students who have completed their first year at the University of Windsor.
If you completed your first year at the University of Windsor and are among the top 250 first-year students and/or are an OS Candidate in good standing, you will be invited to compete for a place before May 31, 2026.
Application deadline
June 26, 2026 before 11:59 p.m.
Eligibility note
Students must be able to complete six semesters of research in the program.
How to apply
- Watch for your invitation to apply by email.
- Use the Application Survey link provided in your invitation letter.
- Prepare verifiers for the activities and achievements you list in your application.
- Be ready to complete required University of Windsor and research-lab training modules when applying for your first contract position.
- Agree to complete Outstanding Scholars curriculum and attend the fall Outstanding Scholars orientation.
What strengthens an application
Your activities are an important part of your application and are scored in the selection rubric. We look for students who can demonstrate curiosity, initiative, leadership, and meaningful engagement on campus or in the community.
In your email invitation letter, you will receive a link to the Application Survey.
Application Questions
Strong applications are drafted, revised, and shaped into a clear overall story.
Review the questions well in advance so you have time to refine your responses and build a strong narrative across the full application.
Citation guidance
Applications with little to no citations are incomplete. Citation guidance is available through the Leddy Library citation style guides. Citations are listed separately from your character count.
1. Academic and Intellectual Curiosity (2,000 characters)
Describe a research, creative, or intellectual topic you would like to explore at the University of Windsor.
- Review departmental websites and faculty bios to connect your interests to UWindsor resources.
- Explain how you learned about the topic through experience, media, mentorship, publications, or other sources.
- Cite ideas and sources using a recognized citation style.
2. Research Potential (2,000 characters)
Describe a time you completed a self-directed project and what you learned.
- How did you find resources to support your curiosity?
- What tools or networks helped you make progress?
- What mistakes did you make, and how did you adjust?
3. Community and Leadership (2,000 characters)
Describe experiences that have most strongly shaped you, such as volunteer work, athletics, arts, internships, or leadership roles.
- Clarify your role and responsibilities.
- Show how your goals evolved over time.
- Use metrics where possible, including hours, awards, or outcomes.
4. Exceptional Circumstances (1,000 characters, optional)
Describe any circumstances that have affected your educational path, positively or negatively.
- Explain how you responded, found support, and moved forward.
5. Artificial Intelligence
Gen AI may help with proofreading or reducing length, but your application must remain accurate, original, and properly cited.
- Cite ideas from any source you use.
- Do not submit fabricated or inaccurate citations.
- Do not share confidential material or content covered by an NDA.
International Baccalaureate Entry
Students receiving transfer credits from the International Baccalaureate program should contact Dr. Brunet at tbrunet@uwindsor.ca during the winter semester of first year. The timeline to apply to Outstanding Scholars is adjusted because of advanced transfer credit.
How Selection Works
Applications are scored by the Outstanding Scholars Selection Committee, which includes faculty members from all six undergraduate faculties, the Outstanding Scholars Coordinator, and student leaders from within Outstanding Scholars.
The process
- Applications are received through the Outstanding Scholars Qualtrics survey.
- Incomplete applications are not considered.
- Three reviewers are assigned to each application at random.
- The three scores are combined to determine a total score.
- GPA may be used to decide the final 10–20% of offers.
Faculty balance
For second-year entry, Outstanding Scholars aims to enrol at least five students in each of the six undergraduate faculties.
Communication
Every effort is made to complete the process promptly and notify applicants as soon as possible. All communications regarding OS admissions are sent by email.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are assessed on
- A clear desire to do research or original creative work for the benefit of others.
- Evidence of community service.
- Leadership shown through athletics, creative work, or formal leadership roles.
- Academic strength, including GPA eligibility and tie-breaking where required.
Typical intake
- Up to 100 first-year Candidates each year.
- Approximately 80 second-year students each summer as Outstanding Scholars.
Year 1: Candidates
In first year, Outstanding Scholars are known as Candidates. During the year, Candidates typically:
- Receive $750 per semester as payments to their University of Windsor student account.
- Receive mentoring from a Scholar in their field.
- Complete training in research methods and health and safety procedures.
- Join the OS community in social, leadership, and volunteer activities.
To maintain eligibility for the scholarship, students must remain registered in a minimum 60% course load in both fall and winter and attend monthly meetings and project-based activities as directed by the program coordinator.
Years 2–4: Full Program
Full Outstanding Scholars complete six semesters of paid research experience outside the classroom, alongside mentorship, leadership development, and personalized planning.
Your path through the program
You will work with the OS Coordinator to create a personalized plan that supports your goals in research, leadership, service, and future opportunities.
Paid placement hours and wages (2026/2027)
| Year | Hours per semester | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Second year | 48–60 hours | $18.10/hour + 4% vacation pay |
| Third year | 60, 72, or 84 hours | $18.25/hour + 4% vacation pay |
| Fourth year | 60, 72, or 84 hours | $18.50/hour + 4% vacation pay |
Hours and wages are updated each year to meet budgetary requirements.
Graduation and Convocation
Once students complete six semesters of OS placements, they graduate as an Outstanding Scholar. Outstanding Scholars receive a notation on their transcript and are awarded the Golden Maple Leaf Medallion to wear at convocation.
Convocation details: convocation.uwindsor.ca