Graduate Student Award of Merit

The SWAAC Graduate Student Award of Merit is an annual award that recognizes outstanding women graduate students in Canada. At least four awards, each in the amount of $4,000, are awarded annually to women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records. The award rotates among different regions of Canada on an annual basis, including Western Provinces, Quebec, Atlantic Provinces, and Ontario, with the number of awards varying by region. Each university in the designated region may nominate one person through the Dean of Graduate Studies. Recipients are selected based on outstanding academic performance and evidence of leadership through activities such as executive positions in student organizations, committee participation, organization of special events, involvement in advocacy groups, and volunteer work both on campus and in the broader community. The award is administered by the Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (SWAAC) and aims to support and recognize women who demonstrate both academic excellence and community engagement.