Scholarships
Each year, Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundations awards a variety of scholarships to Ontario residents pursuing a career in landscape and horticulture.
2026 Applications:
Closed
Available Scholarships
Each year, Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundations awards a variety of scholarships to Ontario residents pursuing a career in landscape and horticulture.
All scholarships are awarded based on individual criteria and subject to availability. Applicants must reside in Ontario. All other applications will not be reviewed.
Applications closed
Application Deadline:
June 30, 2026 - 11:59:59 PM EDT
Select a scholarship below to view the corresponding criteria.
Post-Secondary Scholarships
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$1,200 - Scholarships for first-year full time students entering a horticultural program at an accredited college or university (including Horticultural Technician Pre-Apprenticeship program).
Criteria - Candidates must complete the application form and provide a two-page essay on why you want to enter the horticultural industry. Include your interests and experience in the horticulture industry in your essay, and enclose your updated high school transcript.
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$1,200 - Available to full time students entering the final year of a horticultural degree or diploma program, or any other program of benefit to the horticultural industry, at university, college or polytechnic institute.
Criteria - Candidates will be chosen based on transcripts and a two paragraph essay on why they entered the horticultural industry and what they see as their future in the industry. Transcripts must accompany application.
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The Cullen Family Scholarship Fund is to be used to encourage and inspire leadership qualities in students who have a passion and enthusiasm for the landscape horticulture industry.
The scholarships will be awarded to contribution-oriented candidates who possess integrity, honesty, perseverance and initiative and who care about their fellow students, teachers, community and industry. Students currently enrolled in eligible post-secondary programs can apply for a variety of scholarships to promote education in the landscape and horticultural sector.
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$1,000 - Available to secondary students entering the first year of a full-time post-secondary ornamental horticulture program of an accredited educational institution.
Criteria - Candidates will be chosen based on transcripts and a two-page essay on why they want to enter the horticultural industry. Transcripts must accompany the application.
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$1,000 - Available to secondary students entering the first year of a full-time post-secondary ornamental horticulture program of an accredited educational institution.
Criteria - Candidates will be chosen based on transcripts and a two-page essay on why they want to enter the horticultural industry. Transcripts must accompany the application.
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$500 - This scholarship has been introduced to honour and recognize the contributions made by Mr. Tony DeGroot and Mr. John Hensbergen, as new immigrants to Canada. It also commemorates their revolutionary concepts with Landscape Ontario and their hard work in the landscape-horticultural industry. This scholarship was created in recognition and in consideration of the sacrifices new immigrant families make in their journey to Canada.
The award will be made at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee to contribution-oriented candidates who care about their family, fellow colleagues, their community and the industry itself.
Criteria - The scholarship is open to students entering their first year (or any other year) of post-secondary landscape or horticultural program (or a landscape maintenance and lawn care related program) at an accredited university, college or polytechnic institute (or accredited educational institution).
In addition to the scholarship application candidates must provide:
Legal documentation, such as birth certificates, that indicate that the candidate is either a first or second-generation permanent resident (and/or Canadian citizen) born from immigrant parents.
A short essay (approximately 500 words) describing their family’s history prior to arriving in Canada, their life since immigration, and their connection to the industry.
A copy of the most recent educational transcripts.
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$1,000 - Available to a full-time, post-secondary student who exhibits an interest in native plants and their use in the landscape.
Criteria - Eligible students must be enrolled in a horticultural or landscape-related program at an Ontario college or university. Other programs that include areas of study that are beneficial to the horticultural industry will also be considered.
The candidate must have an interest in native plants and their use in the landscape, demonstrated by a letter from an instructor and/or an employer.
In addition to the application applicants must also include:
• A letter of recommendation from an instructor and/or an employer describing the applicant’s interest in native plants and their use in the landscape.
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$1,000 - Available to up to two (2) students entering their first or second year of Turfgrass Management (DTM) at the University of Guelph.
Criteria - Applicants should provide the following:
School transcript.
Two-paragraph essay describing their interest and passion for the turf industry.
Letter of recommendation from the course instructor.
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$1,000 - Awarded to candidate that has strong leadership abilities, an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for furthering the horticulture industry, and volunteering experience.
Criteria - Available to full-time students entering or enrolled in an accredited landscape or horticultural program.
Candidates must provide a resume detailing employment by a Landscape Ontario member company for at least two summers.
Transcripts must accompany the application.
Scholarship application essay.
Volunteer experience required.
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$1,000 - Available to a student or apprentice registered in an in accredited Ontario post-secondary horticultural program.
Criteria - Applicants should provide the following:
School transcript.
Two paragraph essay on why they entered the horticultural industry and what they see as their future in the industry.
Proof of enrolment.
Proof of Ontario residency.
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$500 - Available to one student per year.
Criteria - Available to a full-time student entering their final year of the Horticultural Program at Humber Polytechnic.
Must have an interest in pursuing property maintenance.
Applicants must be nominated by the program coordinator and must include:
A letter of recommendation from a teacher in the program;
Post-Secondary transcripts.
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$1,000 - Awarded to the candidate that best exemplifies the qualities that build trust in the profession of horticulture.
Criteria - Available to full-time students enrolled in any post-secondary landscape or horticultural program.
Candidates must be nominated by their teachers, with a letter citing specifics that reflect the candidate’s character and behaviour.
Transcripts must accompany the application.
Supporting reference letters from fellow students and/or employers are helpful.
* Only one application per university or college is accepted for this scholarship.
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$1,000 - As part of Unilock’s commitment to helping create extraordinary outdoor spaces that people can enjoy for generations to come, this scholarship recognizes students who appreciate the collaborative team effort that brings these projects to fruition.
Criteria - Available to a student enrolled in a full-time approved post-secondary school program pertaining to design and its relationship to the built environment.
Along with the scholarship application, the applicant must submit:
A short essay (maximum 400 words) outlining the importance of good communication in facilitating collaboration between the client, designer, suppliers and contractor in the creation of extraordinary outdoor spaces.
Students should seek to touch on the importance of collaborative communication throughout the project development process, from inception to completion, and ideally use examples from their own experience.
Two letters of reference.
A current resume.
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Available for students enrolled in an approved post-secondary school program pertaining to design.
Apprenticeship Scholarships
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$1,000 - Scholarships for students in a horticulture apprenticeship program at an accredited college or university.
Criteria - In addition to the scholarship application candidates must provide:
A two-page essay on why they wish to enter the horticultural industry, including their interests and experience.
*Note: Confirmation letter of acceptance on school letterhead must be provided prior to the scholarship being sent to the recipient.
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$500 - Potential recipients must be nominated by the course coordinator.
Criteria - Intended for a mature student in their first or second-year apprenticeship program at Fanshawe College or Humber Polytechnic.
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$1,000 - Available to a student or apprentice registered in an in accredited Ontario post-secondary horticultural program.
Criteria - Applicants should provide the following:
School transcript.
Two paragraph essay on why they entered the horticultural industry and what they see as their future in the industry.
Proof of enrolment.
Proof of Ontario residency.
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The Peter Olsen Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship for an entering, basic-level horticulture apprenticeship student and a scholarship for an entering, advanced-level student.
Postgraduate Scholarships
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$1,000 - Available to a student entering a PhD or Masters program in Horticulture or Landscape Architecture at an accredited Ontario university.
Criteria - The award is based on the overall average.
In addition to the scholarship application the applicant must provide:
School transcripts .
A two-paragraph essay on why they entered the horticultural industry and what they see as their future in the industry.
Students: Apply Here!
Scholarships are available to registered apprentices and students enrolled in approved programs.
Cullen Scholarship Program
Nominations Closed
Application Deadline:
June 30, 2026 - 11:59:59 PM EDT
Nomination Required
The following OHTF Scholarships are available by nomination only by a program coordinator or horticultural educator:
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$500 - Potential recipients must be nominated by the course coordinator.
Criteria - Intended for a mature student in their first or second-year apprenticeship program at Fanshawe College or Humber Polytechnic.
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$500 - Available to one student per year.
Criteria - Available to a full-time student entering their final year of the Horticultural Program at Humber Polytechnic.
Must have an interest in pursuing property maintenance.
Applicants must be nominated by the program coordinator and must include:
A letter of recommendation from a teacher in the program;
Post-Secondary transcripts.
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$1,000 - Awarded to the candidate that best exemplifies the qualities that build trust in the profession of horticulture.
Criteria - Available to full-time students enrolled in any post-secondary landscape or horticultural program.
Candidates must be nominated by their teachers, with a letter citing specifics that reflect the candidate’s character and behaviour.
Transcripts must accompany the application.
Supporting reference letters from fellow students and/or employers are helpful.
* Only one application per university or college is accepted for this scholarship.
Educators: Nominate Here!
Recognize a deserving student or apprentice for their outstanding skill, knowledge and efforts.
The Cullen Family Scholarship Fund is to be used to encourage and inspire leadership qualities in students who have a passion and enthusiasm for the landscape horticulture industry. Available scholarships include:
$3,000 scholarship available to a student in each program (diploma or degree) in each of the accredited institutions in Ontario.
Two $1,000 scholarships are available to registered Horticultural Technicians enrolled in any of the approved institutions in Ontario.
$5,000 needs-based scholarship is available to candidates who experience a financial challenge that makes it difficult for them to complete their program.
All candidates MUST BE NOMINATED by the program coordinator and meet the Eligibility Requirements.
Available Cullen Scholarships
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$1,000 available to two students each year.
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$3,000 to a student enrolled in the Horticultural Industries Diploma program.
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$3,000 to a student enrolled in the Horticultural Technician Diploma program.
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$3,000 to a student enrolled in the Landscape Design Diploma program.
$3,000 to a student enrolled in the Horticultural Technician Diploma program.
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$3,000 to a student enrolled in the Landscape Technician Diploma program.
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$3,000 to a student enrolled in the Horticultural Technician Diploma program.
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$3,000 to a student enrolled in the School of Horticulture program.
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$3,000 to a student enrolled in the Associate Diploma In Horticulture program.
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$3,000 to a student enrolled in the Horticultural Technician Diploma program.
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$3,000 to a student enrolled in the Landscape Architecture Degree program.
$3,000 to a student enrolled in the Horticultural Science Degree program.
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$5,000 available to a student who is experiencing financial challenges that will make it difficult for the candidate to complete their program.
Landscape Ontario Chapter Scholarships
Upper Canada Chapter Scholarships
Created by the Upper Canada Chapter of Landscape Ontario, the Upper Canada Chapter Scholarships support individuals from diverse backgrounds pursuing post-secondary education in horticultural-related fields.
In addition to the financial support, recipients also gain access to mentorship support and professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and industry-related events.
Applicants must reside within the geographic boundaries of the Upper Canada Chapter Region.
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Waterloo Chapter Scholarships
The Waterloo Chapter of Landscape Ontario proudly announces the availability of academic scholarships to be awarded annually. These scholarships, named after individuals who have significantly contributed to the advancement of horticultural education and awareness in the Waterloo region, are committed to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds pursuing post-secondary education in horticultural-related fields.
In addition to the financial support, recipients also gain access to mentorship support and professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences and industry-related events.
Applicants must reside within the geographic boundaries of the Waterloo Chapter Region.
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Scholarships are named in honour of individuals who significantly contributed to the advancement of horticultural education and awareness.
Dave Wright Scholarship
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Available to registered apprentices and all post-secondary students enrolled in accredited horticulture programs lasting more than one year.
Criteria:
• No age limit for candidates.
• Proof of Residency within the geographic region of the Waterloo Chapter of Landscape Ontario.
• Submission of an essay or short video (2-3 min.) explaining how the chosen program will contribute to the candidate’s career development in horticulture.
• Enrollment in an accredited horticulture program lasting more than one year (ie: apprenticeship, diploma, degree).
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• Applications will be evaluated based on the merit of the chosen education program.
• Demonstration of leadership skills (ie: 4H, youth group, public service).
• Continuing education in horticulture-related fields.
• A cheque for $2,000 will be presented to the winner.
Dan Clost Scholarship
Lisa Purves-Smith Scholarship
Esmonde-White Scholarship
Each scholarship is named in honour of an individual who significantly contributed to the advancement of horticultural education and awareness.
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Scholarships are available to registered apprentices and all post-secondary students enrolled in accredited horticulture programs lasting more than one year.
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In addition to the application form, all applicants are required to provide an essay describing the following:
• Why do you wish to pursue a career in horticulture?
• How do you plan to use your current education or training to develop your career?The essay should demonstrate your interest in horticulture-related fields and show that you possess strong leadership skills. Please include examples from personal experience such as:
• Volunteer and/or professional experience. (Example: 4H, youth group, public service)
• Continuing education in horticulture-related fields.*Proper consideration is given to mandatory 40 hours of community service.
Rob Tester Scholarship
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Available to registered apprentices and all post-secondary students enrolled in an approved horticulture program who are currently employed by a Landscape Ontario Waterloo Chapter member company.
Criteria:
• No age limit for candidates.
• Proof of Residency within the geographic region of the Waterloo Chapter of Landscape Ontario.
• Current employed by a Landscape Ontario Waterloo Chapter member.
• Submission of an essay explaining how the chosen program will contribute to the candidate’s career development in horticulture.
• Details and completed application for a post-secondary horticultural course and/or Apprenticeship program(s) the candidate plans to enroll in.
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• Demonstration of leadership skills within the community (ie: 4H, youth group, public service).
• Continuing education in horticulture-related fields.
• Enrollment fee for a post-secondary and/or apprenticeship program(s) horticultural course, up to $1,000 to be paid through a scholarship.
London Chapter Scholarships
Each scholarship is awarded to the applicant with the highest grade point average in the corresponding program. Applicants are required to submit all program transcripts with their application.
Fanshawe College
Horticultural Technician Program
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Available to full-time students enrolled in Level 2 of the Horticulture Technician program at Fanshawe College.
Fanshawe College
Landscape Design Program
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Available to full-time students enrolled in Level 4 of the Landscape Design Program at Fanshawe College.
Eligibility Requirements
Scholarships are available to registered apprentices and students enrolled in approved programs.
All applicants are required to submit sufficient proof or address and acceptance, enrolment or registration in an approved program with their application. Continue below for more information.
All scholarships are awarded based on individual criteria and subject to availability. Applicants must reside in Ontario. All other applications will not be reviewed.
Apply today!
2026 application and nomination forms are now open.
Application Deadline:
June 30, 2026 - 11:59:59 PM EDT
Ontario Residency
All scholarships awarded through the Foundation are available only to current Ontario residents.
Proof of Address
All applicants are required to submit sufficient proof of address with their scholarship application.
All documents must be submitted with your application by June 30, 11:59:59 PM EDT.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, invalid and incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Documentation:
Copy or photo of your current Driver's License or other government-issued ID bearing your address.
Health cards are not accepted
Card must be valid, not expired or suspended
Copy or photo of a utility bill addressed to you, your parent(s) or guardian(s), listing your current address.
Copy or photo of correspondence sent from your post-secondary institution addressed to you at your current address.
We’re here to help: If you are unable to provide any of these options as proof you may contact us prior to the application deadline to discuss alternative arrangements.
Enrolment in an Approved Program
Scholarships are available to registered apprentices and students pursuing a career in landscape and horticulture.
Scholarships are available to:
Registered Horticultural Technician (441c) Apprentices;
Students accepted to or enrolled in an approved Horticultural Technician (441c) Pre-Apprenticeship Program;
Students accepted to or enrolled in an approved landscape and/or horticulture-focused diploma program,
Students accepted to or enrolled in an approved landscape and/or horticulture-focused undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree program.
Scroll down or click here to navigate directly to a list of this year’s approved programs.
Proof of Enrolment/Registration
Proof of acceptance, enrolment or registration in an approved program is required with your application.
All documents must be submitted with your application by June 30, 11:59:59 PM EDT.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, invalid and incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Documentation:
Proof of acceptance, enrolment or registration in an approved program will vary by program and applicant.
Students Returning to a Post-Secondary Degree or Diploma Program:
Copy of your most recent post-secondary transcript.
Additional transcripts may be uploaded later in the application based on individual scholarship criteria.
Students Entering First-Year Post-Secondary Programs including Pre-Apprenticeship Programs:
Copy of your program acceptance and/or confirmation of enrolment
And at least one of the following:
Secondary School Diploma
Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Diploma (GED)
Official or Unofficial Secondary School Transcript
Mature Students If you graduated from secondary school more than five (5) years ago and you do not have access to the options above, you may submit:
Current resume including a detailed work history.
Provide specific details of any work in landscape and horticulture.
Registered Apprentices:
Copy of your Apprenticeship Registration (if available) and details of your apprenticeship including:
Employer
Trainer
Apprenticeship Sponsor
Start date
Training Progress/Level of Achievement.
We’re here to help: If you are unable to provide any of these options as proof you may contact us prior to the application deadline to discuss alternative arrangements.
Approved Programs:
Scholarships are available to:
Registered Horticultural Technician (441c) Apprentices;
Students accepted to or enrolled in an approved Horticultural Technician (441c) Pre-Apprenticehship Program;
Students accepted to or enrolled in an approved landscape and/or horticulture-focused diploma program, or;
Students accepted to or enrolled in an approved landscape and/or horticulture-focused undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree program.
Proof of acceptance, enrolment or registration in one of the following approved programs is required with your application.
Below, click the institution to reveal a list of approved programs.
Diploma Programs
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship Scholarships are available for registered Horticultural Technician 441C apprentices at any stage of their training.
Students accepted or enrolled in the Horticultural Technician 441C Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Loyalist College are also eligible to apply for some scholarships.
If your program is not listed but focuses primarily on landscape and/or horticulture, contact us for more information or to suggest an addition to this list.
All scholarships are awarded based on individual criteria and subject to availability.
Degree Programs
Sow the seeds of success.
Donate to OHTF Scholarships
The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation
is a registered charity.
All donations will receive a tax receipt.