Dream Scholarship
Because every dream deserves a chance to shine
Do you dream of immersing yourself in a place that nurtures your passions, challenges you to grow, and helps you to flourish? Do you dream of becoming part of a special, tight-knit community on Canada’s beautiful west coast, where students live and learn in a unique environment built on more than a century of tradition? If that describes you, you are invited to apply for The Shawnigan Dream Scholarship, an opportunity to attend Shawnigan Lake School on one of two scholarships.
About the Scholarship
The Shawnigan Dream Scholarship will cover full tuition and boarding fees for one finalist, and 50 percent of tuition and boarding fees for a second finalist. The scholarship has been created to open the pathway for you to pursue your passions, dive into the academic world, and explore new areas of interest you may never have dreamed of.
Who is eligible
The Shawnigan Dream Scholarship is designed for students entering Grade 8 or 9 in September 2026, residing in Canada and/or the US, who are genuinely interested in the Shawnigan Journey. Dream Scholars must demonstrate all-around ability and participate in two or more of the following areas of passion at a high level: academics, co-curriculars, community involvement, and/or leadership.
How to Enter
Stage 1: Online Video Submission and Scholarship Application – Due January 5, 2026
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Applicants are invited to complete a scholarship application form (separate from the formal application to Shawnigan Lake School, which is not required at this stage).
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Within the application form, you are asked to submit report card records from the previous academic year.
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Applicants must also create a 2-3 minute video submission. The video submission prompt is: “Describe your dream day at Shawnigan.” You will be asked to upload your video at the bottom of your scholarship application form. Hint: present your dream day creatively while incorporating how your programs of passion fit into your dream of attending Shawnigan.
Stage 2: Semi-Finalists Named & Interviews – February 2, 2026
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Once named, Semi-Finalists will be invited to participate in an online interview with Gaynor Samuel, Shawnigan’s Executive Director of Admissions, and a member of staff from one of your programs of interest so you can see how your dream will shine at Shawnigan!
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Semi-Finalists will also be asked to complete a formal Shawnigan application (a waiver code will be provided) and submit standard admissions documents.
Stage 3: Finalists Named & School Visit – March 2, 2026
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Our inaugural Dream Scholars will be announced on March 2, 2026.
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Dream Scholars will be invited to visit the campus in the spring, where they can make direct connections to their programs of passion to support the start of their Shawnigan Journey.
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Application Deadlines
Monday, November 3, 2025Applications openMonday, January 5, 2026Stage 1Online Video Submission & Scholarship Application DueMonday, February 2, 2026Stage 2Semi-Finalists Named & InterviewsMonday, March 2, 2026Stage 3Dream Scholars (Finalists) are announcedEarly spring 2026
Dream Scholars will be invited to campus for a visit day
Dream Scholarship FAQs
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Does the Shawnigan Dream Scholarship last for the duration of my Shawnigan Journey?
Yes! Each Dream Scholar’s funding will be reviewed and renewed annually – pending ongoing commitment in terms of effort and achievement while at Shawnigan. It is expected that Dream Scholars stay at Shawnigan for the duration of their Shawnigan Journey. -
If I don’t become a Dream Scholar, can I still enrol at the School?
Absolutely! We encourage any student interested in Shawnigan to reach out to our Admissions Office. If you are in need of financial aid, we can help you with this process. -
Does the Shawnigan Dream Scholarship cover all Shawnigan-related expenses? What if I can’t afford to attend even after earning the Dream Scholarship?
The Shawnigan Dream Scholarship covers tuition and fees only (100% for the first finalist, and 50% for the second finalist). Extra costs associated with a Shawnigan experience are covered by the family, unless that family requires financial assistance – at which point they would be invited to complete our financial aid application in support of the extra costs. Students who would like to inquire about financial assistance are encouraged to connect with our Admissions Team to learn more about our needs-based financial aid process. -
Does financial need play a role in the Shawnigan Dream Scholarship decision-making process?
No, this is a merit-based scholarship for students who demonstrate all-around ability in two or more areas of passion/interest. -
When do I complete my formal Shawnigan application?
At the end of Stage 1, all video submissions and scholarship applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Those invited to move onto Stage 2 will be deemed Semi-Finalists, at which point they will participate in an interview and complete a formal Shawnigan application. Students who are not successful in moving onto Stage 2 are welcome to complete a Shawnigan application regardless of scholarship results. -
What extra supports are in place for Dream Scholars during their time at Shawnigan?
Dream Scholars are linked directly with their areas/programs of passion before they come to campus. They will be provided with a faculty advisor who has direct experience with these programs and will be given hands-on support to help them thrive at the School. -
Can I apply for the Shawnigan Dream Scholarship if I live locally?
Students who reside in Canada and the US and are interested in the boarding program at Shawnigan are eligible to apply for the Shawnigan Dream Scholarship. Students living in the local Cowichan Valley area are welcome to apply, and would be expected to board during their time at Shawnigan if successful in becoming a Dream Scholar. -
Do I need to have lived in Canada or the US for a certain amount of time to be eligible to apply?
Students are eligible to apply if they are a citizen or have permanent residency status in Canada and/or the United States. Families must also have primary residence in the Canada and/or United States to be eligible.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
