Each year, Ontario Tech University recognizes seven exceptional incoming students with its most prestigious entrance scholarships. Awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in academics, leadership and community involvement, these scholarships celebrate the passion, dedication and potential that students have shown throughout their high school journey.

Ontario Tech’s major entrance scholarships (each renewable for four years)

• Chancellor’s Scholarship: One valued at $36,000 ($9,000 per year)
• President’s Scholarship: Two valued at $30,000 each ($7,500 per year)
• Founder’s Scholarship: Two valued at $24,000 each ($6,000 per year)
• FIRST Robotics Canada Scholarship: One valued at $12,000 ($3,000 per year)
• Global Leadership Award: One valued at $120,000 ($30,000 per year)

Ontario Tech proudly awards these scholarships in recognition of students whose hard work and accomplishments have set them apart. These awards support the students’ continued success as they begin the next chapter of their academic journey.

Major entrance scholarship recipients for the 2026-2027 academic year:

Chancellor’s Scholarship

• Emily Rice(Kinesiology) of Scotland, Ontario has always been driven by curiosity. An accomplished student leader with a passion for learning and problem-solving, she has distinguished herself through exceptional academic achievement, leadership and community involvement throughout high school. Recognized with numerous honours including the Valediction Award, Principal’s Award for Student Leadership and Ontario Scholar designation, she has also dedicated her time to peer tutoring, student government, athletics and student advocacy, serving as Prime Minister of Student Council and representing her peers through the Grand Erie Student Senate.

  Emily discovered her passion for science through the connection between mathematics, athletics and human movement. She looks forward to continuing her journey of discovery this fall while pursuing a future focused on health, movement and helping others thrive.

President’s Scholarships

• Clara Capkun (Nuclear Engineering and Co-op) of Oshawa is a dedicated musician, accomplished student and emerging leader. She has built an impressive record of achievement through academics, the arts and community involvement. Recognized with awards for music leadership, academic excellence and the arts, she has taken on a variety of leadership roles, including Band Manager, Trumpet Section Leader, student mentor and founder of her school’s chamber ensemble, where she created opportunities for fellow students to grow as musicians and collaborators.

  Through years of performing and leading in band and orchestra, Clara has developed a strong appreciation for teamwork, learning that success comes from understanding when to lead and when to support others toward a shared goal. This fall, she looks forward to building on those experiences as she prepares for a career in the nuclear sector, where collaboration and technical expertise go hand in hand.

• Joshua Kuchmak (Electrical Engineering and Co-op) of Oshawa has consistently distinguished himself both inside and outside the classroom. From founding and leading his school’s DECA chapter to serving as Prime Minister of Student Council, he has built a strong reputation for creating opportunities for others and leading with initiative. His achievements include numerous academic awards in mathematics, science, business and French, as well as provincial recognition through DECA competition and leadership excellence awards.

  Passionate about problem-solving and education, Joshua plans to  pursue teacher education after completing his undergraduate degree, with the long-term goal of teaching math and science in a French-speaking country. Whether tutoring peers, coaching soccer or helping his younger brother with homework, he is driven by a love of learning and a commitment to helping others succeed.

Founder’s Scholarships

• Arunraj Gnanaseelan (Biological Science and Co-op) of Oshawa is a driven student leader with a passion for innovation in health care and biotechnology. He has combined academic excellence with a strong commitment to leadership and community involvement throughout high school. From serving as Prime Minister of Student Council and representing students through the Durham District School Board Student Senate to taking on executive roles in Model United Nations, HOSA and DECA, he has consistently sought opportunities to lead and create meaningful impact.

  Inspired by personal experience and a desire to improve health outcomes for others, Arunraj developed a strong interest in biotechnology after researching and proposing an innovative artificial respiratory pacemaker through a DECA project. He hopes to pursue this passion further by contributing to advances in biomedical innovation, with the goal of helping people who face complex medical challenges, and improving lives through science and technology.

• Zoha Naqvi(Human Health Science) of Oshawa has built an impressive record of academic achievement, research experience and community impact. From serving as Co-President of the Art Annual Youth Innovation Challenge and leading fundraising efforts for the Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre to contributing as a Junior Research Assistant at Ontario Tech, she has consistently sought opportunities to turn knowledge into action. Her achievements include recognition through the Youth in Policing Winter Initiative Valedictorian award, selection to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s competitive Model Parliament program, and multiple academic and leadership honours.

  Ontario Tech’s spirit of resilience, courage and determination resonated strongly with Zoha, making the university her first-choice destination for post-secondary studies. Guided by a commitment to equity, inclusion and service, she hopes to apply her knowledge and leadership experience to create lasting impact by helping build communities where people feel respected and empowered.

FIRST Robotics Canada Scholarship

• Kirill Kulaev (Electrical Engineering and Co-op) from Ajax is a dedicated member of his FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team. Through three years of competition, he has developed strong technical and leadership skills, having taken on a range of roles including driver coach, designer, media executive and senior builder. He has contributed to multiple award-winning performances at regional events and two appearances at the Ontario Provincial Championship. His achievements include several robotics innovation and engineering awards, along with academic recognition in transportation technology.

  Beyond competition, Kirill has organized 3D-printed toy fundraisers raising more than $600 for Grandview Kids Pediatric Rehabilitation Centre, reflecting a commitment to using technology to support the community. As a senior team member, he also mentors younger students in design, engineering and safe tool use.

Global Leadership Award (international)

• Rittan Preet Kaur Chahal (Nursing) from Tanzania is an exceptional student leader and high-achieving scholar. Her academic excellence has been recognized through numerous awards in mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry, alongside multiple Highest GPA and Academic Excellence awards. Serving as School President and Head Girl, as well as holding leadership roles through Student Council, The Knowledge Society’s global innovation program and award-winning science initiatives, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to leadership and innovation. She’s passionate about creating positive change, combining her interests in science and sustainability through projects such as developing biodegradable plastics. Her community service work supports underprivileged children, reflecting her empathy, collaborative spirit  and desire to make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom.

For information on applicant criteria for each award, visit the Ontario Tech University scholarships web page.      .

Summary of Ontario Tech 2026-2027 major entrance scholarship recipients