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RBC Ignite Scholarship
The RBC Ignite Scholarship has up to 500 scholarships available in 2026, valued up to $1,500 each, to help youth access new skills and training.
- Value
- Up to $1,500
- Deadline
- October 1, 2026
Who can apply
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). Between 16-20 years old when you apply. RBC employees and dependents of RBC employees are not eligible. You can't apply if you currently receive the RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth or Black Youth. You can receive this scholarship a maximum of two times. 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. Fall courses must start on or after June 23, 2026. You can't apply for courses you have already finished, even if they fall within the date range. Eligible courses fall into three categories. Job-ready certifications: courses that are required for specific jobs, such as lifeguarding, food handling, First Aid/CPR, or healthcare certifications such as Personal Support Worker. Skill-building courses: short programs to learn new skills or improve existing ones, such as graphic design, coding bootcamps, project management or public speaking. Hands-on training (vocational or trade programs): programs that teach practical job skills through hands-on learning, such as culinary arts, automotive service and repair, hair styling and esthetics, or pre-apprenticeship programs. Not eligible: courses or programs longer than one year, such as DEC, diplomas or bachelor's degrees, or courses that are part of these programs; online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning; private lessons and tutoring; language classes; conferences, summits and retreats; and the work portion of an apprenticeship (on-the-job training). Courses in sports, recreation or the arts should support a pathway to paid roles, such as coaching, instruction, officiating or performance work. Priority will be given to courses that lead to recognized certifications or develop teachable, job-ready skills. Camp-related sessions are only eligible for participants in unpaid, training or leadership roles, such as Counselor-in-Training or leadership development programs. General camper experiences are not eligible. The funds are to be used for the learning opportunity, not for equipment, tools or supplies associated with the course.
How to apply
Apply online. Application Periods: Cycle 2: June 23 – October 1. 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 October 1st, 2026. You can apply once per application period. You must use the official RBC recommendation form found in the application portal, completed by someone who knows you well, such as a teacher, coach or boss. Reference letters will not be accepted, and the form must be dated within 12 months of the application deadline. Your proof of registration or payment must include your name, the name of the school or provider, the dates of the course and the total cost, and it must confirm that you're actively registered in the course. Acceptance letters or deposit confirmations don't count as proof that you are registered. Getting funding isn't guaranteed. It depends on the amount of money available and the program's focus. RBC Next Step Scholarships are administered by Universities Canada.
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