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 2026

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 April 15th, 2026.

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).

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  • 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

Tiffany Harris Scholarship

(Open to first-year domestic students)

Established by Tiffany Harris, a Chartered Professional Accountant and former JCA scholarship recipient, this scholarship celebrates her journey of academic excellence and professional achievement. A graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Tiffany has built a distinguished career, currently serving as Senior Controller, Research Financial Operations at the Hospital for Sick Children.

In addition to her professional success, Tiffany is a passionate advocate for education and health equity, actively supporting community initiatives through her leadership roles. This scholarship reflects her commitment to empowering future leaders and giving back to the community that supported her.

(Open to first-year domestic students)

Established by Tiffany Harris, a Chartered Professional Accountant and former JCA scholarship recipient, this scholarship celebrates her journey of academic excellence and professional achievement. A graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Tiffany has built a distinguished career, currently serving as Senior Controller, Research Financial Operations at the Hospital for Sick Children.

In addition to her professional success, Tiffany is a passionate advocate for education and health equity, actively supporting community initiatives through her leadership roles. This scholarship reflects her commitment to empowering future leaders and giving back to the community that supported her.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm

Sunbelle Realty Ltd. Scholarship

(Open to first-year domestic and international students)

Sponsored by Sunbelle Realty, a boutique real estate brokerage in Brampton founded by David and Prudence Betty, this scholarship reflects their commitment to empowering individuals through education and community involvement. Sunbelle Realty is known for delivering exceptional real estate services and fostering long-term partnerships built on trust, integrity, and transparency.

In addition to meeting standard eligibility requirements, priority is given to students pursuing studies in Economics. This scholarship honors Sunbelle Realty’s mission to support future leaders and professionals dedicated to making impactful decisions in their fields.

(Open to first-year domestic and international students)

Sponsored by Sunbelle Realty, a boutique real estate brokerage in Brampton founded by David and Prudence Betty, this scholarship reflects their commitment to empowering individuals through education and community involvement. Sunbelle Realty is known for delivering exceptional real estate services and fostering long-term partnerships built on trust, integrity, and transparency.

In addition to meeting standard eligibility requirements, priority is given to students pursuing studies in Economics. This scholarship honors Sunbelle Realty’s mission to support future leaders and professionals dedicated to making impactful decisions in their fields.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm

Royal Senchi Design Award

(Open to first-year, second-year, domestic and international students)

Sponsored by Kydiaz Design, this scholarship celebrates creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of design. Inspired by the Royal Senchi Resort in Ghana, with its traditionally influenced architecture and art, this scholarship encourages students to envision the future of their communities and contribute to the evolving design landscape.

Open to first and second-year college or university students, as well as high school students, this scholarship prioritizes applicants in architecture (building, interior, or landscape) while also considering those in related fields such as web, graphic, or fashion design.

Application Requirements:

  • A 200–400 word personal statement outlining your interest in design, its importance to you, and its relevance to society.
  • A single creative piece (hand-drafted, digital, or hybrid drawing; photograph; or artwork/craftwork) that represents your design sensibility, with an optional 50-word description. Submissions must be in PDF or JPG format, maximum size 1 MB.

This scholarship encourages young designers to shape the future of their communities and leave their mark on the world.

(Open to first-year, second-year, domestic and international students)

Sponsored by Kydiaz Design, this scholarship celebrates creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of design. Inspired by the Royal Senchi Resort in Ghana, with its traditionally influenced architecture and art, this scholarship encourages students to envision the future of their communities and contribute to the evolving design landscape.

Open to first and second-year college or university students, as well as high school students, this scholarship prioritizes applicants in architecture (building, interior, or landscape) while also considering those in related fields such as web, graphic, or fashion design.

Application Requirements:

  • A 200–400 word personal statement outlining your interest in design, its importance to you, and its relevance to society.
  • A single creative piece (hand-drafted, digital, or hybrid drawing; photograph; or artwork/craftwork) that represents your design sensibility, with an optional 50-word description. Submissions must be in PDF or JPG format, maximum size 1 MB.

This scholarship encourages young designers to shape the future of their communities and leave their mark on the world.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm

Rosemarie Dolly Memorial Scholarship

(Open to domestic and international students in any year of study)

Rosemarie Dolly was a Jamaican educator and a trained Guidance Counsellor. She taught elementary education for over 20 years and was a school principal when she passed. Rosemarie was benevolent and always open to helping others learn and grow. She founded an evening institute to help adults complete high school level certifications and volunteered in various child and youth organizations. She passed away in January of 2014 and, to honour her memory, preference will be given to students in the field of education.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria and the preference for studies in education, this scholarship is open to both first year and upper year students.

(Open to domestic and international students in any year of study)

Rosemarie Dolly was a Jamaican educator and a trained Guidance Counsellor. She taught elementary education for over 20 years and was a school principal when she passed. Rosemarie was benevolent and always open to helping others learn and grow. She founded an evening institute to help adults complete high school level certifications and volunteered in various child and youth organizations. She passed away in January of 2014 and, to honour her memory, preference will be given to students in the field of education.

In addition to standard eligibility criteria and the preference for studies in education, this scholarship is open to both first year and upper year students.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm

Raphaelita Walker Memorial Scholarship

(Open to first-year domestic students)

Sponsored by Gifford Walker in memory of his late wife, Raphaelita Walker, this scholarship honors her legacy of compassion, volunteerism, and humanitarian service. Affectionately known as “Aunt Raph” at the JCA, Raphaelita dedicated her life to caring for the elderly as an RNA and supporting those in need through her volunteer work as a social worker. Her selfless contributions spanned Jamaica, England, and Canada, with a profound impact at the JCA.

This scholarship reflects the Walkers’ commitment to education, community service, and supporting the next generation. It celebrates Raphaelita’s enduring legacy of care and compassion.

(Open to first-year domestic students)

Sponsored by Gifford Walker in memory of his late wife, Raphaelita Walker, this scholarship honors her legacy of compassion, volunteerism, and humanitarian service. Affectionately known as “Aunt Raph” at the JCA, Raphaelita dedicated her life to caring for the elderly as an RNA and supporting those in need through her volunteer work as a social worker. Her selfless contributions spanned Jamaica, England, and Canada, with a profound impact at the JCA.

This scholarship reflects the Walkers’ commitment to education, community service, and supporting the next generation. It celebrates Raphaelita’s enduring legacy of care and compassion.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm

Professor Erma Collins Scholarship

(Open to first-year domestic students)

Established by Professor Erma Collins, an esteemed educator and lifelong advocate for education, this scholarship honors her remarkable contributions to teaching and community service. Professor Collins was the first African Canadian Chairperson of the English and Liberal Studies Department at George Brown College, where she served for 32 years, and authored Brush Up Your English, a textbook for students.

A dedicated sponsor of scholarships since 2002, Professor Collins has supported various educational initiatives through the JCA, the Black Business and Professional Association, and PACE Canada.

In addition to meeting standard eligibility requirements, priority is given to students attending an Ontario college. This scholarship reflects Professor Collins’ unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.

(Open to first-year domestic students)

Established by Professor Erma Collins, an esteemed educator and lifelong advocate for education, this scholarship honors her remarkable contributions to teaching and community service. Professor Collins was the first African Canadian Chairperson of the English and Liberal Studies Department at George Brown College, where she served for 32 years, and authored Brush Up Your English, a textbook for students.

A dedicated sponsor of scholarships since 2002, Professor Collins has supported various educational initiatives through the JCA, the Black Business and Professional Association, and PACE Canada.

In addition to meeting standard eligibility requirements, priority is given to students attending an Ontario college. This scholarship reflects Professor Collins’ unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.

Applications close on July 15th at 11:59 pm
Interested in donating to the Scholarship Program? We’d love your support! Click here to donate and select “Scholarship Fund” from the Allocation list!
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.