There are a multitude of awards and scholarship opportunities that undergraduate science student researchers can apply for.
See below for a summary of science-specific awards offered by McMaster AwardSpring. To learn more about each award and how to apply, visit the McMaster AwardSpring Guide.
Scholarship Name |
Type |
Scholarship Description |
Requirements |
Deadline to Apply |
| The D. M. Davies Prize
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Travel
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Established in 1984 by friends, colleagues, and former students in recognition of Professor Douglas Davies for his outstanding contribution to the Department of Biology during 34 years of service. Value: $700 |
Enrolled in Level 2 or above of an Honours program in Biology and who, in the judgment of the Department of Biology, attains a grade of at least A- in BIOLOGY 2F03 and who registers in BIOLOGY 3R03 or BIOLOGY 4J03 (Field Biology) in the following summer session. | March 29, 2026 |
| The Burke Memorial Ring | Graduand | Presented by science graduates of the University in memory of Dean C.E. Burke. Value: $1 |
Graduate of a B.Sc. program who is named to the Deans’ Honour List and who has made the most outstanding contribution to undergraduate activities. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Middleton/Walker Prize in Sedimentary Geology | Graduand | Established in 2010 in honour of Gerard Middleton and Roger Walker by a generation of grateful students who studied under them from the mid-1960s until 2000. Value: $1350 |
Graduating from an Honours B.Sc. program in the School of Earth, Environment & Society who, in the judgment of the School, has achieved the highest standing in the field of sedimentary geology. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Dawson Prize in Chemistry | Graduand | Established in 2010 by Dr. Wilfred Chung (Class of ’75) and the Philomathia Foundation in honour of Dr. Peter T. Dawson, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry.
Value: $900 |
Graduating student who, in the judgment of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, has attained outstanding academic achievement in a Chemistry program. Preference will be given to the student who exhibits a special aptitude and promise in the field of physical chemistry and/or has attained the highest standing in Chemistry. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Kinesiology Prizes | Graduand | Established in 1982.
Two prizes to be awarded to graduating students who, in the judgment of the Department of Kinesiology, have submitted an outstanding paper or project. Value: $100 |
Level III or above and eligible for graduand awards. Enrolled in Bachelors, Bachelors co-op, Honours, Honours internship, or Honours co-op program in Kinesiology. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Rose Hill Scholarships | In Course | Established in 1985 by the alumni, faculty and staff of the School of Physical Education and Athletics as a tribute to Professor Rose Hill, long-time teacher, coach and administrator in the School.
Value: $1400 |
Undergraduate students who have completed at least Level 2 in a Kinesiology program and who, in the judgment of the Department of Kinesiology, best demonstrate the philosophy of physical education espoused by Professor Hill throughout her career, namely, excellence in scholarship and leadership and participation in sport, dance or fitness. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Helen Emery Scholarships in Environmental Science | In Course | Established in 1990 by Miss Helen Emery of Barrie, Ontario. Two scholarships to be awarded to students in Level 2, 3, 4 or 5 of a B.Sc. program in the School of Geography and Earth Sciences who, in the judgment of the School of Geography and Earth Sciences, demonstrate leadership and influence in addressing environmental matters. Recipients must have attained a Fall-Winter Average of 9.5 or greater.Value: $1650 |
Open to students in level II, III, IV, or V of B.Sc program in SEES. Demonstrate leadership and influence in addressing environmental matters. Sessional average of 9.5 or higher. |
April 29, 2026 |
| The Vale Canada Ltd. Scholarship in Environmental Science | In Course | Established in 2000 by Inco Limited.
Value: $2500 |
Student must be entering level III, IV (or V of co-op program) in Honours Earth and Environmental Sciences program. Achieved notable academic standing. Demonstrates qualities of leadership at McMaster or in community. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Science Alumni Scholarships | In Course | Established in 2001 by the Faculty of Science through the generosity of its alumni and friends.
Value: $1000 |
A variable number of scholarships to be awarded to students entering a Level 3 program in Science who, in the judgment of the Faculty of Science, have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and leadership. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Ross Hume Hall Memorial Scholarship | In Course | Established in 2007 by family, friends and colleagues in memory of Ross Hume Hall, the first chair of the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences. Value: $700 |
Must be enrolled in Biochemistry program. Demonstrates research excellence and a passion for promoting human and environmental health. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Herbert S. Armstrong Memorial Fund Scholarship | In Course | Established in 1997 in memory of Herbert S. Armstrong.
Value: $100 |
Must be enrolled in level II or above in a SEES program. Achieved notable academic notable standing. Made a significant contribution to university life by extracurricular activities. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Nancy Car Memorial Scholarship in Kinesiology | In Course | Established in 2001 in loving memory of Kinesiology student Nancy Car.
Value: $600 |
Must be in level III (entering level IV) in Bachelor’s, co-op, Honours, or Honours co-op program in Kinesiology.
Minimum 18 graded units |
April 29, 2026 |
| The Dubeck Biochemistry Award | In Course | Established in 2004 by Dr. Michael Dubeck, B.Sc. (Class of ’51) and M.Sc. (Class of ’52).
Value: $3750 |
Enrolled in level III or above in honours Biochemistry program. Achieved notable academic standing. Interested in pursuing an academic career in basic biochemical research. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Dubeck Chemistry Award |
In Course | Established in 2004 by Dr. Michael Dubeck, B.Sc. (Class of ’51) and M.Sc. (Class of ’52).
Value: $3750 |
Enrolled in level III or above in Honors Chemistry or Chemical Biology. Achieved notable academic standing. Interest in pursuing an academic career in basic chemical research. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Middleton/Walker Prize in Sedimentary Geology | Graduand | Established in 2010 in honour of Gerard Middleton and Roger Walker by a generation of grateful students who studied under them from the mid-1960s until 2000.
Value: $1350 |
Student graduating from an Honours B.Sc. program in the School of Earth, Environment & Society who, in the judgment of the School, has achieved the highest standing in the field of sedimentary geology. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Walker / Middleton Fieldwork Scholarship |
In Course | Established in 2010 in honour of Gerard Middleton and Roger Walker by a generation of grateful students who studied under them from the mid-1960s until 2000.
Value: $1000 |
Students who are participating in field courses or research undertaken as part of the students’ program of study, who have completed at least Level 2 of an Honours B.Sc. program in the School of Geography & Earth Sciences and who, in the judgment of the School, have demonstrated notable academic standing. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Ernest Robert Mackenzie Kay Scholarships | In Course | Established in 1999 by Ernest Robert MacKenzie Kay. Value: $5000 |
Must be in program in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or Chemistry. Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. Preference to students who plan to continue in the field of medical research” | April 29, 2026 |
| The Donald G. McNabb Scholarship | In Course | Established in 1989 in memory of Donald G. McNabb (Class of ’42) by friends, family and business associates. Value: $1000 |
Enrolled in level III of an honours program in Chemistry or Chemical Biology. Achieved notable academic standing. Preference for students who demonstrate leadership, self-motivation, and practical aptitude for a future in chemical industry. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Fredric P. Olsen Book Prize | In Course | Established in 1974 in memory of Professor F.P. Olsen by his family, friends and former colleagues.
Value: $150 |
Enrolled in level III of Honours program in Chemistry or Chemical Biology. Shows particular promise as an experimental scientist. | April 29, 2026 |
| The D. Keith MacDonald Earth Sciences Undergraduate Scholarship | In Course | Established in 2020 by D. Keith MacDonald (Hons. B.Sc., Magna Cum Laude, Class of 1980). Value: $5000 |
Enrolled in level II or above in an Earth and Environmental Sciences program. Attain high averages, Canadian citizens, and demonstrate strong interest in studying earth sciences. | April 29, 2026 |
| D. Keith MacDonald Earth Sciences Scholarship | Graduand | Established in 2020 by D. Keith MacDonald (Hons. B.Sc., Magna Cum Laude, Class of 1980). Value: $5000 |
Graduate students enrolled in an Earth & Environmental Sciences program who, on the recommendation of the School of Earth, Environment & Society, demonstrate academic and research excellence. The scholarship is renewable for one year, provided the student maintains good academic standing. | Dec 2, 2025 |
| The Hamilton Industrial Environmental Scholarship in Sustainable Chemistry | In Course | Established in 2021 by the Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association in recognition of their objective to support Environmental Education and Awareness Programs for Post-Secondary schools in Hamilton.
Value: $2500 |
Enrolled in level II or above in Sustainable Chemistry program. Graduated from high school in the city of Hamilton, or the regions of Niagara, Halton, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Wellington, or Waterloo. Demonstrate involvement in extracurricular or volunteer activities in their community. |
April 29, 2026 |
| The Chancellor’s Gold Medal for Science Students | In Course | Established in 1938.
Value: $1
|
Enrolled in Faculty of Science program. Completed the penultimate year of any IV or V level program. Ranks highest in scholarship, leadership, and influence. | April 29, 2026 |
| The Co-operators Life Insurance Company Scholarship | In Course | Established in 2022 by The Co-operators Life Insurance Company. Value: $4000 |
Self-identify as a member of an equity-deserving group. Enrolled in Honours Actuarial and Financial Mathematics program | April 29, 2026 |
| The Eva Elizabeth and Lloyd Edward May Science Scholarship | In Course | Established in 2022 from the Estate of Eva Elizabeth May and Lloyd Edward May.
Value: $1000 |
Undergraduate student enrolled in Faculty of Science. Self-identify as a member of an equity-deserving group. Attain high averages. | April 29, 2026 |