The McKenna
Scholars Program
— Top Dollar for Canada's Top Students —
Canada’s biggest scholarships
for students already doing
the work that matters.
Open to high-achieving students across all faculties and areas of study, the McKenna Scholars program recognizes academic achievement, leadership, character, service, initiative, and community impact. If you're already making things happen in your school, community, team, workplace, or family, this opportunity belongs on your radar.
Request award application notice
Award applications open December 1, 2026. Leave your email, and we’ll let you know the moment the McKenna Scholars application goes live, plus key dates and tips along the way. |
A major national scholarship program.
A serious reason to consider StFX.
Made possible by a transformational $20-million gift from Frank and Julia McKenna and their family, the McKenna Scholars Program attracts outstanding students to StFX and recognizes achievement, leadership, service, character, and community impact.
McKenna National
Scholars
8 awarded annually
Valued over four years
McKenna Order
of Merit
16 awarded annually
Valued over four years
McKenna Scholars
of Distinction
36 awarded annually
Valued over four years
You might already be exactly who we're looking for.
McKenna Scholars are students with strong academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to leadership, service, character, initiative, and community contribution. You don't need a title to qualify. You need a track record of showing up.
You may be a strong fit if you are:
- A high-achieving student preparing to enter university.
- A leader in your school, team, workplace, community, or family, even if no one's called you a "leader" yet.
- Someone who takes initiative when something needs to change.
- Committed to service, responsibility, and making a positive impact.
- Curious, ambitious, and ready to contribute to the StFX community.
Big ambition belongs in a community that knows your name.
StFX offers a close-knit, highly personalized university experience built around engaged professors, hands-on learning and a strong campus community. Here, students can build meaningful relationships, test ideas in real-world settings and find the support to grow academically and personally.
Known and supported
Small classes, engaged professors, and a close-knit campus community.
Learning that moves
Research, co-op, service learning, community projects, and global exchange.
Purpose in action
A community shaped by leadership, social justice, and the Xaverian spirit.
A network that lasts
StFX alumni are connected by the X-Ring and a shared sense of belonging.
A Note from Frank McKenna ’70
A gift rooted in belief and in the leaders Canada needs next.
Frank ’70 and Julie ’72 McKenna’s gift reflects a lifelong connection to StFX and a belief in the kind of education that shapes not only what students know, but who they become.
When Julie and I decided to establish this gift, our goal was simple: to ensure that the brightest, most passionate minds have every opportunity to thrive -- specifically at StFX. We believe deeply in the power of this university to shape exceptional individuals, regardless of faculty or field of study, into leaders who lead with character and purpose.
The challenges facing our country require leaders who do not wait for permission to act. Through the McKenna Scholars Program, we are inviting you to bring your ambition, your ideas, and your commitment to a place that will help you turn them into reality.
How to Apply
PREVIEW: Opens Dec. 1, 2026
This might be the first time you've gone through a process like this. That's exactly why we've broken it down into five clear steps below. The McKenna Scholars Program has a dedicated application process through TargetX. To be considered, students must complete both their StFX admission application and their McKenna Scholars application.
1
Apply to StFX
Complete your application to StFX University. The application for general admission opens Sept 15, 2026.
2
Apply for McKenna
Complete the application for the McKenna Scholars program. Note only those applicants who have completed their university application will be reviewed. The application for scholars opens Dec 1, 2026.
3
Submit materials
Admission application, McKenna application, and supporting materials.
4
Complete by deadline
Deadline: March 1, 2027.
Both applications must be complete.
5
Finalist interviews
A virtual conversation to discuss leadership, character, and alignment with values.
The path to your application
Sept. 15, 2026
Fall 2027 StFX applications open.
Oct. 18, 2026
StFX Open House
Dec. 1, 2026
McKenna Scholarships and other major scholarship applications open.
Mar. 1, 2027
McKenna Scholars application deadline.
Mar. 15, 2027
Target date for initial review and finalist identification.
For parents, counsellors & supporters
Help a student get here.
Sometimes all it takes
is someone telling
them to apply.
The McKenna Scholars Program is built for students with real academic achievement, leadership, character, service, and community impact, but plenty of qualified students won't apply unless someone in their corner encourages them to. That's where you come in.
You don't need to know all the details. You just need to make sure the right student doesn't miss this.
For parents & guardians
This is a nationally significant scholarship with real financial value, and one clear thing you can do right now: make sure your child applies before March 1, 2027. We'll walk you both through exactly what's needed.
For counsellors & educators
A clear opportunity to flag for high-achieving students across Arts, Science and Business who show leadership, service, initiative and character, especially the ones who might not think to nominate themselves.
For alumni & community leaders
A chance to help the next generation of Xaverian leaders find their way to StFX, sometimes just by mentioning it to the right person.
Explore more ways StFX
supports students.
The McKenna Scholars Program is one of several ways StFX recognizes achievement and supports students. Applicants are encouraged to explore additional entrance scholarships, major scholarships, bursaries and financial aid opportunities where applicable.
Don't miss your window.
Applications open December 1, 2026.
Sign up now and we’ll email you the moment they do.
