Discover Canada Essay Contest
2025 - 2026

EduXperience Associates Canada in cooperation with Renison University College presents
Discover Canada Essay Contest 2025-2026

The Discover Canada Essay Contest runs from October 19, 2025 to March 1, 2026 and is open to international high school students aged 15–18.

The contest is designed for motivated high school students worldwide who want to broaden their horizons and seriously consider Canada as a future study destination.

Entrants will research the Canadian education system, analyze reliable facts and perspectives, and present a clear, well-supported point of view. Along the way, you’ll explore your potential, communicate your ideas effectively, and build practical skills in research, critical thinking, and planning that you can use to choose programs, prepare applications, and shape your educational and career goals.

In today’s world, young people need practical knowledge and skills in education and career planning to navigate big decisions confidently. This essay contest offers a meaningful way to challenge yourself, express your ideas, and strengthen analytical and critical-thinking abilities. We believe experiences like this help nurture open-minded future leaders who will work toward a better, safer world.

Don’t miss your chance to discover what’s possible.

A little history of Discover Canada Essay Contests

Since 2010, EduXperience Associates Canada (M&S Consulting Education International Ltd.), in cooperation with Canadian language schools and colleges— including Centre of English Studies (CES), International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC), English School of Canada (ESC), Eli Camps, Seneca College, Humber College, George Brown College, and Sheridan College—has hosted the annual “Discover Canada” and “Education in Canada” essay contests.

To date, more than 2,500 students from 12 countries—Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Malaysia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan—have participated, and 35 winners have earned study trips to Canada, improving their English at leading language schools and colleges.

The contest is designed to broaden students’ cultural horizons by encouraging exploration of Canadian culture, history, education, politics, geography, and current affairs. It also offers a powerful learning experience to challenge themselves, showcase creativity, and strengthen analytical and critical-thinking skills.

We believe this initiative helps nurture open-minded future leaders committed to building a better, safer world.

Join us in this endeavor!

What is the Discover Canada Essay Contest 2025-2026?

The contest is more than just a writing competition. It encourages you to think deeply about your future, your strengths, and how you can grow academically and personally. Writing your essay will help you clarify your goals and explore the challenges you might face on your path to success.

Here are some reasons to consider entering the contest:

Gain insights into the Canadian Education System: Participating in the contest gives you a valuable opportunity to learn about how education works in Canada. This insight can help you make informed decisions if you plan to study abroad or want to understand different academic approaches.
Explore your career interests: Writing an essay for this contest encourages you to think deeply about your passions and career ambitions. It’s a chance to explore what excites you and where you see yourself after high school.
Develop critical skills: The contest challenges you to improve your writing, research, and critical thinking abilities. These skills are crucial not only for academic success but also for personal growth and future career opportunities.
Gain international exposure: Entering the Discover Canada Essay Contest connects you with a diverse group of students who share your ambitions. This international exposure broadens your perspective and helps you appreciate different cultures and viewpoints.
Experience Canadian university life: The grand prize of the contest offers a chance to attend a summer program at the University of Waterloo, one of Canada’s top universities. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in Canadian academic life, meet professors, and explore campus culture firsthand.

Eligibility

This contest is open to all high school students from around the world who:

Are between 15 and 18 years old.
Are interested in studying at a Canadian university.

Want to build knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges.

Are motivated to grow academically and personally.

Essay Contest Topic

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER PATH AND SKILLS NEEDED TO SUCCESSFULLY PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY STUDIES IN CANADA

Essay Contest Rules

Printable Essay Contest Rules and Poster

View, share, download, and print the Essay Contest Poster.

View, share, download, and print the Essay Contest Rules.

Assessment

Essays will be assessed by a panel of judges comprised of Renison University College faculty staff.

Essays will be judged according to several criteria, including the quality, depth, and originality of thought; the organization of ideas; and clarity of expression.

Submission

Entering the Discover Canada Essay Contest is simple. Follow these steps to get started:

Check Eligibility: Make sure you are a high school student ages 15 to 18.
Create a Timetable: Plan to complete your essay before the deadline on March 1, 2026.
Write Your Essay: Create a captivating essay that showcases your thoughts, experiences, and aspirations regarding studying in Canada.
Submit Your Entry: Follow the submission guidelines. Ensure you meet word limits and formatting requirements.
Await Results: After the submission deadline, a judging panel will review all entries, and winners will be announced.

Prizes

First-place winner will be granted a 2-week Future Ready Summer Program at Renison University College, University of Waterloo.
Second-place winner will be granted a scholarship of $1,500 CAD.
Third- place winner will be granted a scholarship of $1,000 CAD.

The Winners can use the scholarship money to apply to the tuition for a 2—week The Future Ready Summer Program.

About the Future Ready Summer 2026 Program

Winning the contest means joining a two-week summer program designed to prepare you for university and beyond.

The program includes:

Academic workshops: Learn from university professors and experts in various fields.
Skill-building sessions: Focus on leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Campus experience: Live and study on the University of Waterloo campus, getting a feel for university life.
Networking opportunities: Meet other motivated students from different countries and build lasting connections.

This program is a great way to test your readiness for higher education

and gain confidence in your abilities.