RBC Scholarships: Opportunities for Canadian Students 2026

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is committed to helping young Canadians pursue their educational and career goals through a range of scholarship programs. These scholarships are designed to support academic achievement, leadership, community engagement, and career development. RBC scholarships not only provide financial support but also offer opportunities for mentorship, networking, and skill-building, ensuring students are prepared for future success.

With programs like RBC Future Launch, Indigenous Youth Scholarships, Black Youth Scholarships, and the Green Skills Scholarship, RBC targets diverse groups, including youth, underrepresented communities, and adult learners. Each scholarship has its specific eligibility criteria, application process, and award amount, so understanding these details is key to maximizing your chances.

Whether you’re a high school student, undergraduate, or returning adult learner, RBC scholarships provide funding, career support, and recognition, making them a highly sought-after opportunity across Canada.

Why RBC Scholarships Matter

1. Financial Support: Tuition and living costs can be high; RBC scholarships ease the financial burden for students and families.

2. Career and Mentorship Opportunities: Many RBC scholarships include mentorship programs, networking events, and career resources, helping students prepare for their future professions.

3. Support for Underrepresented Communities: Programs for Indigenous, Black, and adult learners promote inclusion and access to education for those who might face systemic barriers.

4. Recognition of Excellence and Leadership: RBC awards acknowledge students’ achievements, initiative, and community impact, which enhances resumes and university or career prospects.

How to Apply for RBC Scholarships

1. RBC Future Launch Scholarship: Open to Canadian youth (ages 15–29). An application usually requires an essay or short response detailing career goals and community involvement.
   Apply here

2. RBC Future Launch Scholarships for Black Youth: Focused on Black students pursuing post-secondary education. Offers up to $10,000 per year plus mentorship and networking opportunities.
   Apply here

3. RBC Future Launch Scholarships for Indigenous Youth: Designed for Indigenous students seeking post-secondary education. Awards up to $10,000 per year, renewable for multiple years based on academic progress.
   Apply here

4. RBC Green Skills Scholarship: For adult learners returning to school to study environmental sectors. Provides up to $5,000 annually to help cover tuition.
   Apply here

5. Other RBC Scholarships:

   • Children of RBC Employees Scholarship

   • RBC Data Science and STEM Scholarships

   • Diversity and Capital Markets Scholarships for undergraduate students

30 Tips to Maximize Your Chances for RBC Scholarships

Start researching early

Identify all RBC scholarships that align with your profile and career goals months in advance.

Note – Early research allows time to prepare strong applications.

Track deadlines carefully

Create a calendar for each scholarship’s deadlines to avoid missing opportunities.

Note – Missing deadlines can disqualify even the strongest applicants.

Prepare your academic records

Collect transcripts, report cards, or certificates ahead of time.

Note – Complete and accurate records strengthen your application.

Highlight leadership experiences

Include leadership roles in school, community, or online initiatives.

Note – Leadership is highly valued for RBC scholarships.

Show community involvement

Provide examples of volunteer work, social initiatives, or mentorship roles.

Note – Community impact can set you apart from other candidates.

Craft strong essays

Tell a compelling story connecting your achievements, goals, and scholarship values.

Note – Personalized essays resonate more than generic ones.

Request credible references

Choose mentors or supervisors who know your achievements well for letters of recommendation.

Note – Strong references enhance credibility.

Showcase awards and recognitions

Include school, community, or external awards that highlight your talents.

Note – Recognitions strengthen your profile and demonstrate excellence.

Be authentic in your application

Express your unique voice, experiences, and aspirations honestly.

Note – Authenticity makes your application memorable.

Tailor applications to each RBC scholarship

Align your essays, resume, and references with the goals of the specific award.

Note – Customization shows effort and attention to detail.

Quantify your achievements

Whenever possible, include measurable outcomes like numbers of people impacted or results achieved.

Note – Concrete evidence makes accomplishments more credible.

Highlight personal growth

Share experiences that shaped your values, skills, and future goals.

Note – Scholarship committees value reflection and maturity.

Show sustained commitment

Demonstrate long-term involvement in school, community, or volunteer activities.

Note – Consistency indicates dedication and reliability.

Include mentorship experience

Describe ways you’ve mentored or guided peers or community members.

Note – Mentorship demonstrates leadership and empathy.

Demonstrate problem-solving skills

Provide examples where you identified challenges and implemented solutions.

Note – Problem-solving is highly valued in scholarship selection.

Highlight interdisciplinary skills

Show how combining skills from different areas makes you a stronger candidate.

Note – Interdisciplinary experience stands out in competitive applications.

Include international or cross-cultural experience

Share study abroad, exchange programs, or cultural volunteer work.

Note – Global awareness is valued by RBC and other award programs.

Showcase innovation

Highlight innovative solutions, projects, or ideas you have developed.

Note – Creativity and innovation distinguish applicants.

Include sustainability initiatives

Describe work in environmental or social sustainability projects.

Note – RBC values contributions toward a sustainable future.

Keep a well-organized application portfolio

Maintain all documents, transcripts, essays, and references in a single organized folder.

Note – Organization ensures nothing is missed and applications are complete.

Seek feedback from mentors

Have teachers, mentors, or past scholarship recipients review your materials for clarity and impact.

Note – Constructive feedback improves the quality of applications.

Demonstrate leadership impact

Explain not just positions held, but outcomes and changes you influenced.

Note – Measurable leadership impact strengthens your application.

Highlight collaboration skills

Share examples of teamwork and successful group projects.

Note – Collaboration is essential for success in both academics and career.

Update your resume regularly

Keep achievements, awards, and experiences current for easy reference in applications.

Note – Up-to-date records save time and increase accuracy.

Prepare for interviews

Practice confidently discussing achievements, goals, and experiences for potential interviews.

Note – Interview performance can distinguish candidates beyond written applications.

Follow application instructions meticulously

Adhere exactly to word limits, formatting, and submission guidelines.

Note – Even small deviations can affect eligibility.

Apply to multiple RBC scholarships

Submit applications to all programs you are eligible for to maximize chances of success.

Note – More applications increase potential award opportunities.

Demonstrate financial responsibility

Explain how receiving the scholarship will support your educational goals and financial planning.

Note – Thoughtful financial planning shows maturity and responsibility.

Highlight creative achievements

Include artistic, research, or innovative projects that reflect your talents.

Note – Creativity helps applicants stand out in competitive pools.

Stay persistent and resilient

Keep applying even if initially unsuccessful; learn and improve each time.

Note – Persistence increases long-term success and builds experience.

Summary

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) offers a variety of scholarships to support students pursuing post-secondary education, professional development, and skill-building opportunities. Key programs include the RBC Future Launch Scholarship, Black Youth Scholarships, Indigenous Youth Scholarships, and the Green Skills Scholarship, as well as specialized awards for RBC employees’ children and STEM students.

These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership, community engagement, creativity, and financial need. Award amounts range from smaller grants (around $1,500) to substantial multi-year awards (up to $10,000 per year), often accompanied by mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities.

Eligibility varies by program, with some awards targeted at underrepresented groups or adult learners returning to school, while others are open to all youth. Applications may require essays, recommendations, portfolios, or interviews, so preparation, organization, and attention to deadlines are critical. RBC scholarships provide financial support, recognition, and professional growth, helping students achieve their educational and career goals.