Unlock Your Future with a JCA Scholarship

JCA's scholarship program encourages leadership, academic excellence, and community engagement, empowering students to achieve their full potential.

About the Scholarship Program

The JCA Scholarship Program was established in 2002 to recognize academic excellence and support access to post-secondary education for students of Caribbean and African heritage. The program provides financial aid to undergraduate students pursuing studies at Ontario colleges or universities, helping to alleviate financial barriers.

With a minimum award value of $1,000 CAD for scholarships and $500 CAD for bursaries, the program reflects the Jamaican Canadian Association’s broader mission of advocating for and supporting the educational and cultural needs of the Caribbean and African communities.

The JCA
has awarded over 800 scholarships

Applications Open April 2025

The JCA offers a variety of scholarships to support domestic and international students pursuing higher education. Explore scholarships that provide general support or scholarships that focus on a specific program of study.

Here are a few key opportunities:

  • Nesbeth Scholarship

    Eligibility: Students continuing their studies in Business, Technology, Computer Science, or Health Sciences.

  • Dr. Lancelot Brown Dental Scholarship

    Eligibility: Students pursuing dental-related programs.

  • Mary Anne Chambers Scholarship

    Eligibility: Domestic students entering their first year of post-secondary education.

Explore more scholarships to take advantage of these opportunities!

The Program will re-open for applications in April 2025.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

To apply for a JCA scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be of Caribbean/African background and provide proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or student status.

  • Be enrolled full-time at an Ontario post-secondary institution (proof of enrollment required).

  • Submit report cards (for high school students) or academic transcripts (for students already attending college or university).

  • Demonstrate financial need (income and expenses statement required).

    Click here to Download

  • Provide a two-page essay outlining academic and career goals, leadership activities, and personal experiences that are relevant to your application.

  • Submit two reference letters covering school, work, and/or volunteer experience.

  • Submit a digital photograph.

Required documents must be uploaded to the JCA scholarship portal before application submission.

JCA Scholarship Opportunities

Interested in donating to the Scholarship Program? We’d love your support! Click here to donate and select “Scholarship Fund” from the Allocation list!

For questions, please contact scholarships@jcaontario.org

Who Should Apply

Domestic and international students who are enrolled in an Ontario college or university and can reflect personal accomplishments, leadership, and potential in their application. JCA scholarship recipients are committed to both their career goals and giving back to the community.

JCA scholarships are awarded based on three primary factors: academic achievement, involvement in school and community leadership activities, and demonstrated financial need.

Important Information

Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted through the JCA online portal by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Choosing a Scholarship: Applicants may only apply for one scholarship. Submitting multiple applications will result in disqualification. However, if you’re not selected for the scholarship you applied for, the JCA Scholarship Committee may consider you for other scholarships based on your profile and application.

Submission Process: Carefully review the list of scholarships to select the one that best matches your student profile.

Complete your application through the JCA online portal. First, create a user login, which allows you to access the portal. After your account is set up, you can proceed with your application. Ensure all required documents (proof of status, proof of enrollment, transcripts, essays, financial statements, reference letters, and a photograph) are uploaded before submitting the application. Once your application is submitted, no changes can be made. Therefore, be sure to read the instructions and review your application carefully.

Scholarship Requirements: Some scholarships may have additional specific requirements. Make sure to thoroughly read the descriptions to ensure you meet all criteria.

Eligibility Note: Most scholarships are intended for students entering their first year of post-secondary education, but some are open to upper-year students. Check the descriptions for eligibility details.

Some scholarships are available to international students. If this is not stated, assume the scholarship is for domestic students (Canadian citizens or permanent residents).

Graduate and professional studies (e.g., law, medical school, master’s, doctoral degrees) are not eligible for these scholarships.

Applicants studying at institutions outside of Ontario are not eligible to apply.

Restrictions: Previous scholarship recipients must wait at least one academic year before applying for another JCA scholarship.

A student can apply for a maximum of two scholarships throughout their studies.

Outcome Notification: Only successful applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application, typically by mid-late August.

Selection: The JCA Scholarship Committee and the Scholarship Donor will make final decisions, which are not subject to appeal.