Immigration Announcement
Scholarship Program Opens 2026 Applications For Newcomer Youth
A national scholarship supporting refugee and newcomer youth has opened its 2026 application window, offering ten awards to young people building their education and community leadership across Canada. The Daniel Schickedanz Scholarship Award Program is now accepting applications for 2026. Ten awards of eight hundred and fifteen dollars each will go to newcomer and refugee youth pursuing higher education or community leadership.
The program runs through a partnership involving the Canadian Council for Refugees and Canadian Lutheran World Relief, and is overseen by the Council’s Youth Network. It is part of a ten year commitment to supporting newcomer youth that runs from 2021 through 2030.
Two Paths To Apply
Applicants choose between two streams. The Educational Commitment stream recognizes young people actively pursuing their studies, whether finishing high school, preparing for post secondary, or already enrolled full or part time. The Community Engagement stream instead recognizes leadership and volunteer contributions, particularly work that supports inclusion for refugee and migrant communities. Five awards are available under each stream.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be between sixteen and twenty five years old, identify as a migrant or newcomer who was not born in Canada, and currently reside in Canada. Status categories accepted include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and individuals currently living without legal status.
First time applicants are given priority, which opens the door wider for youth who have not previously received this award. The application window closes on September 25, 2026, and all required supporting documents must be submitted online before that date.
What stands out about this program is its inclusion of non status youth, a group frequently excluded from mainstream scholarship eligibility. That inclusion reflects a broader recognition that a young person’s contribution to their community should not hinge entirely on their immigration paperwork.
For families navigating settlement while also raising teenagers or young adults, financial pressure often falls hardest on education. Awards like this one will not cover a full year of tuition, but they send a clear message that a young newcomer’s ambition is seen and worth backing.
Our advice to applicants is to lean into whichever stream reflects their real story. A strong, honest application about the obstacles already overcome tends to stand out more than one written to sound impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is each Daniel Schickedanz Scholarship award worth?
Each of the ten awards is valued at eight hundred and fifteen Canadian dollars.
Who is eligible to apply for the 2026 scholarship?
Newcomer or migrant youth aged sixteen to twenty five residing in Canada, including citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and non status individuals.
What are the two funding streams available?
The Educational Commitment stream and the Community Engagement stream, with five awards available in each.
When is the application deadline?
The application window closes on September 25, 2026, and must be completed online.
Can someone without legal status in Canada apply?
Yes. Non status individuals currently living in Canada are explicitly included among eligible applicants.
Newcomer youth deserve to know every opportunity available to them. Canada Immigration News tracks scholarships, grants, and support programs across Canada as they open. Subscribe so you never miss a deadline that matters.
