External Student Awards

CBC News is proud to offer its summer scholarship to aspiring journalists from across the country, a four-month, in-person program that provides valuable hands-on experience in multiplatform news environments. The scholarship replaces and builds on the successes of two former CBC programs for emerging journalists – the Joan Donaldson Scholarship and the Peter Gzowski Internship – bringing them together in one program. 

The program is designed to give high-potential emerging journalists experience in both CBC News’ national programming units in Toronto, as well as regional newsrooms across the country, setting them up for potential employment at CBC in the long term. 

The 2025 program will run from May through August 2025. May and June will be spent in Toronto at the CBC Broadcast Centre; July and August will be spent in a CBC regional station.

CBC provides a robust training program and ongoing mentorship to ensure scholars are properly supported during the program.

Who is eligible?

• Graduating post-secondary students (college or university) in their final year of study. (Applicants who have graduated in fall 2024, winter 2025, or will graduate in spring 2025 are eligible; students must have finished all classes and assignments by the start of the program on May 1, 2025).

• Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

• Candidates must be able to work on a full-time, in-person basis during the program.

• Candidates must be able to work at CBC after the scholarship ends, should there be an opportunity to do so.

• Formal journalism education is not required, however candidates must demonstrate they have journalism skills and experience.

• Candidates must possess a valid Canadian driver's licence as well as a driving record that meets the minimum requirements of CBC/Radio-Canada's insurance company.

What qualities are they looking for?

• A strong potential for producing journalism marked by curiosity, critical thinking, command of facts, understanding of context and clarity of expression.

• The ability to generate, pitch and pursue strong, original, creative story ideas.

• A curiosity about the world and a strong connection to and engagement in local communities.

• A willingness to learn and tackle new tasks across all CBC platforms (digital, audio, video, social, multiplatform).

• A commitment to upholding journalistic and ethical standards and to producing work that is fair, balanced, accurate and thoughtful. 

• A proven work ethic, strong communication skills and a positive, team-first attitude.

• Genuine interest in the ideals and practice of public interest journalism at the CBC, including an understanding of the importance of broadening the range of perspectives, experiences and points of view reflected in mainstream media.

• A strong desire to live and promote the values of an inclusive and respectful work culture.

• Ability to work in-person at CBC in Toronto for two months, and in-person in a regional CBC station for two months. 

• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as required

TIMELINE: Applications are due November 24, 2024. Learn more and apply here.

The 3M National Student Fellowship is the first in Canada to build a community among visionary student leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation by seeing current needs in higher education or society and implementing change. We believe their voices will shape tomorrow’s future in postsecondary education.

The 3M National Student Fellowship honours up to ten full-time diploma and undergraduate students at Canadian post-secondary schools who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their lives and at their institution. These students embrace a vision of education that enhances their academic experience and beyond.

The award includes:

• Recognition in STLHE and 3M Canada social media, and partnering media, e.g., Maclean’s and University Affairs
• Certificate and recognition at the annual Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) conference in June
• Letter from STLHE President and 3M Canada to their identified institutional leader and to the individual awarded
• STLHE membership for two years
• Conference registration, travel to conference, and accommodations
• $2,000 to be spent at the discretion of the recipient

Nominees will:

• be a current full time student at a Canadian postsecondary institution, including cégeps, colleges, polytechnics, and universities, excluding post-graduate students (e.g., masters, continuing professional educator, or doctoral)
• have completed at least one full semester of study at the time of nomination
• have not previously received a 3M student fellowship

Nominees need not be members of STLHE.

A nominator must be at a Canadian post-secondary institution.

In recognition of the systemic conditions of disadvantage in higher education and society, we encourage nominations of members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQI.

TIMELINE: Packages should be submitted electronically on January 31, 2025.  Learn more & apply here.

Interested in mentorship, leadership skills development, and funding to start a graduate degree? 

The McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s first comprehensive, leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. The program brings together students who strive to engage in positive change by taking on meaningful leadership roles. 

TIMELINE: Applications are closed for the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University.

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded, full time, postgraduate award which enables talented young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship, with the purpose of developing public-spirited leaders, and to promote international understanding and peace through an international community of Scholars.

Applying for the Scholarship is a challenge, but it is an experience which has helped generations of young people to succeed. 

Rhodes Scholars come to the UK for two or more years and can apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses offered by Oxford University.

TIMELINE: Applications are currently closed.  Learn more here.