RBC Ignite Scholarships
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?
Apply today!
Please note: The first cycle of the RBC Ignite Scholarship 2026 program may close early if all available funds are awarded before the Cycle 1 deadline of 1pm on March 31, 2026.
The RBC Ignite Scholarship 2026 program may close early if all available funds are awarded before the Cycle 2 deadline of 1pm on October 1, 2026.
Eligible Learning Opportunities:
Job-ready certifications: Courses that are required for specific jobs. Examples: lifeguarding, responsible beverage service training programs (e.g., Smart Serve), food handling, First Aid/CPR, First Responder and Emergency Medical Responder certifications (e.g., for firefighters or paramedics), healthcare certifications (e.g., medical administration, Personal Support Worker, Health Care Aide), Early Childhood Assistant training programs, Counselor in Training programs, recreational instructor or coach/referee certification, outdoor leadership courses, personal fitness trainer certification.
Skills-building courses: Short programs to learn new skills or improve existing ones. Examples: graphic design, coding bootcamps, Teaching English as a Second Language, project management, public speaking, high school credit upgrading, mental health response training.
Hands-on training (vocational or trade programs): Programs that teach practical job skills through hands-on learning. Examples: culinary arts, information technology, automotive service and repair, heavy equipment operations, hair styling and esthetics, telecommunications services, pre-apprenticeship programs (e.g., plumber, electrician), trades discovery and exploration programs, technical training (the in-school portion of an apprenticeship).
You are eligible if you
- Are 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
Your course must:
- Be 12 months in length or less
- Take place between June 23 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
We will not support:
- Courses longer than one year, such as DEC, Diplomas or Bachelor degrees
- Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning
- Private lessons, tutoring
- Language classes
- Conferences, summits, retreats
- The work portion of an apprenticeship (on-the-job training)
NOTE: The funds are to be used for the learning opportunities, NOT equipment, tools or supplies associated with the course
All RBC scholarships are administered by Universities Canada.