RBC Next Step Scholarships [Apply Here]

The RBC Ignite Scholarship will award 500 scholarships annually valued up to $1,500 each to help youth access new skills and training.

Are you:

• A skill away from a great job?
• Between the ages of 16-20?
• Looking for financial support to help afford a course, certification or training?

Application Periods

• Cycle 1: January 27 - March 31, 2026
• Cycle 2: August 6 - September 17, 2026
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Please note:

The first cycle of the RBC Ignite Scholarship 2026 program may close early if all available funds are awarded before the deadline of 1pm on March 31st, 2026.

The second cycle of the RBC Ignite Scholarship 2026 program may close early if all available funds are awarded before the deadline of 1pm on September 17th, 2026.

Who can apply

You are eligible if youAre a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada; or have proof of status as a Protected Person or Convention Refugee from Immigration and Citizenship Canada (claimants are not eligible)

• Are between 16-20 years old when you apply
• Require financial assistance to pursue your learning opportunity

What you can apply for

Your course must:

• Be 12 months in length or less
• Take place between January 1 and December 10, 2026
• Be upcoming or still in progress when you apply
• Be offered in Canada (in-person, online, or in a hybrid format)
• Provided by a school or course provider that is registered in Canada. You may be asked to submit an HST number

Eligible Learning Opportunities

Job-ready certifications: Courses that are required for specific jobs. Examples: lifeguarding, First Aid/CPR, coach/referee certification, food and beverage handling.

Skills-building courses: Short programs to learn new skills or improve existing ones. Examples: graphic design, language learning, coding bootcamps, project management, Teaching English as a Second Language certification, high school credit upgrading.

Hands-on training (vocational or trade programs): Programs that teach you a trade or job by learning and doing the work. Examples: culinary arts, information technology, automotive repair, heavy equipment operator, hair stylist, pre-apprenticeship, trades discovery.

What is not eligible

We will not support:

• Courses longer than one year, such as DEC, Diplomas or Bachelor degrees
• Full- length apprenticeships (multi-year)
• Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning
• Private tutoring, personal interest programs

NOTE: The funds are to be used for the learning opportunities NOT equipment, tools or supplies associated with the course

CLICK HERE TO APPLY