RBC Next Step Scholarships

Who can apply

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
• 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

Who can apply

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 an adult learner aged 25 or older
• Have been out of school for 3+ years
• Are active in the workforce or seeking employment (not retired)
• Require financial assistance to pursue your learning opportunity
• Are entering or enrolled in part-time or full-time studies

What you can apply for

Your course must:

• have a duration of at least 16 weeks and no longer than 3 years, whether pursued part-time or full-time
• Be provided by a Canadian education institution which has recognized provincial degree/diploma-granting powers, or their affiliates (e.g., vocational schools, colleges, universities)
• Be upcoming or still in progress when you apply

Eligible Learning Opportunities

Formal Credentialed programs: Diplomas (1-2 years, including Advanced and Technical Diplomas), Post-Graduate Certificates or Diplomas, CEGEP technical programs (3 years), Master’s degree.

Career Certification and Trades Training: Courses which lead to a recognized professional or trade training, certification or apprenticeship (e.g., CPA, project management (PMP), Certified Financial Planner (CFP) TESL certification, Canadian Securities Course) healthcare re-certification, Canadian credentialling, HVAC technician, Electrician, Occupational Health and Safety, forest management.

Micro-credentials: Must be a part of a stackable series that lead to a recognized credential, certificate or badge. These programs should consist of multiple related modules or courses designed to build comprehensive skills aligned with industry or academic standards (e.g., digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analysis, UX design, Applied AI, Web development, Non-profit management). Must have a total duration of at least 40 instructional hours. Courses may be combined to meet the minimum duration, if they are part of the same micro-credential series.

What is not eligible

We will not support:

• Programs leading to 4-year undergraduate programs, including accelerated programs, Professional degrees or to 2-year DEC (Diplôme d’études collégiales)
• Any type of preparatory year program
• Single-course micro-credentials or standalone modules that do not form part of a broader stackable pathway
• Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning