Introducing Ontario Tech University’s 2024-2025 major scholarship recipients

Each year, seven outstanding incoming Ontario Tech students are awarded the university’s most prestigious entrance scholarships in recognition of their exceptional achievements in academics, leadership and community involvement throughout their high school career.

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 is honoured to award these scholarships and enable our students’ continued success. These prestigious awards recognize their hard work and success in their studies. The major entrance scholarship recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year are:

Chancellor’s Scholarship

• Thirn Bhavan (Biological Science) of Bowmanville looks forward to experiencing all campus life has to offer, including Ontario Tech’s many clubs, societies and athletics. He is especially excited about opportunities to play soccer as he enjoyed competing on his high school team. Thirn says he chose Ontario Tech because of the small class sizes and the opportunities to interact with professors. He was thrilled to receive the call that he was this year’s scholarship winner as it will give him the freedom to focus on his schoolwork and accomplish his goals while at the university. A volunteer with the Sunrise Youth Group, Thirn is passionate about inclusion and accessibility in health care. He plans to apply those experiences in this future career.

President’s Scholarships

• Zakkariya Rehman (Biological Science and Co-op) of Oshawa says he chose Ontario Tech because of the diverse opportunities, the university’s commitment to inclusion, as well as the supports on campus. His involvement in various sports and clubs has taught him dedication and discipline, and also instilled a passion for approaching challenges with creativity and resilience. Zakkariya has seen first-hand some of the challenges in health care by observing his father as a pharmacist. This award will allow Zakkariya to focus on his studies to pursue his career and learn what he loves to do.
• Nathan Sidlauskas (Nuclear Engineering and Co-op) of Newcastle says he chose Ontario Tech because it’s close to home and the strength of its campus community. He’s most excited to experience life on campus as a Ridgeback and meet new people while pursuing Nuclear Engineering. Nathan’s passion for engineering spans back to childhood curiosity with rollercoasters and how mechanisms work harmoniously to ensure a safe, but thrilling ride. Nathan encourages students applying for scholarships next year to speak to guidance counsellors and get involved in school activities.

Founder’s Scholarship

• Emily Smith (Nuclear Engineering) of Cameron was drawn to Ontario Tech for its innovative technology, resources and infrastructure. She looks forward to being a part of an innovative, modern campus community as a Ridgeback and exploring the university’s local and global partnerships. Receiving the Founder’s Scholarship will allow Emily to focus solely on pursuing her passions, making lasting memories and making new friendships.
• Gianluca Quarto (Biological Science) of Oshawa is excited to stay in his hometown with his family while he studies. He aspires to become a doctor. He says Ontario Tech was the best choice for him after meeting some of the professors and alumni at a recent campus event and experiencing what it would be like for him as a student. Gianluca is most excited for the fall and his first year. He is eager to get involved in the many clubs and teams on campus. Gianluca says being recognized for his achievements through this award means the world to him.

FIRST Robotics Canada Scholarship

• Chloe Bogaert (Automotive Engineering and Co-op) from New Hamburg chose Ontario Tech as it is the only university with a standalone Automotive Engineering program in Canada, and she loves the community on campus. As an active member of FIRST Robotics for more than nine years, Chloe has developed a wide range of impressive skills. Outside of the robotics team, she volunteers at events to give back to the program and has been recently recognized with the Volunteer of the Year award for her alumni contributions to the FIRST LEGO league. She was thrilled to receive this scholarship as recognition of her dedication.

Global Leadership Award 

• Fareeha Rehman (Physics and Co-op) from Faisalabad, Pakistan is passionate and driven. She won the individual World Championship at the 2023 World Robotics Olympiad in Denmark and was a research writer for the Youth Journal of STEM Research. Fareeha’s commitment to student advocacy is built upon experience as a Youth Ambassador at education innovation organization HundrED, collaborating with experts on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and volunteering as a TEDx translator. This collective work led to the launch of Astronomy Made Easy, a not-for-profit youth organization.

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

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