Please read the following instructions and the FAQ carefully. Every year, approximately 25% of all applicants are disqualified for failing to meet one or more of the criteria, such as the deadline (January 31st), the maximum length (250 words), or for identifying themselves in the essay.

If you have a question about the competition that wasn't answered in the rules or the FAQ, then please send us an e-mail, and we'll do our best to answer it for you.


Rules

  • - applicants must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants enrolled in a full-time program at a Canadian post-secondary institution, accredited by the applicable provincial Ministry of Education, during the - academic year.
  • Full-time is defined as determined by the Canadian post-secondary institution which the applicant attends.
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old on January 31, .
  • Awards are based on applicant's essay.
  • Essays may be written either in English or in French. Only one essay is accepted per applicant.
  • Only the finalists will be contacted, by phone or other means according to the information supplied in their application. Finalists will be required to provide official proof of enrollment and sign a written consent form indicating that the essay is entirely his or her own work and to allow the Mensa Canada Scholarship Programme's designated agents to use their name, photograph for publicity purposes. They may also be asked to provide proof of Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status and up to two letters of reference.
  • Application deadline is January 31, . The results of the competition will be announced by mid-September, .
  • The Mensa Canada Scholarship Program includes one or more scholarships of $1000, and may also include Honourable Mentions, all of which are awarded in accordance with the dictates of the Board of Directors of the MCSP, as funding permits.
  • Any claims made in the essay are subject to verification, including but not limited to: patents, publications, academic standings, and medical procedures.
  • The decision of the judges is final.



How To Apply

  • Write an essay describing your career goals in 250 words or less.
  • Your essay should describe specific goals (academic, vocational, or career), and should contain explicit ideas and information.
  • Your essay should include your course of study, which year/level you are in, and the post-secondary institution which you are attending during the - academic year.
  • Describe any steps you have taken, relevant experience gained (e.g., paid or volunteer jobs, classes, honours, offices, organizations) and any difficulties you have overcome in the pursuit of your goal. State the steps by which you intend to achieve your goal.
  • The essay text must not contain any form of your identity, such as your name or links to your personal blog.
  • Applications must be sent using the form link located on the Submit Essay page. Essays received by any other means (e.g., links to web pages, by mail, or by fax) are automatically disqualified.
  • Only one submission per applicant. Please do not email to ask if your essay has been received. Unless you receive a “Mail Undeliverable” message within 2-3 minutes, then your application has been submitted successfully.
  • Deadline for submitting your application is January 31, .