The Referee’s Assessment will be used when assessing the candidate’s application to receive a Vanier scholarship. Based on the federal Privacy Act, candidates have the right to access the substance of the assessment. 

There are three sections to the Referee’s Assessment. All three sections must be completed. 

Referees should bear in mind that the candidate will need to assemble a complete application package, including this report, by the competition deadline. The funding agencies will not consider late or incomplete applications. 

Section 1:

Maximum 2,250 characters (approx. 1/2 page).  

Please provide an academic excellence assessment as demonstrated by past academic results and by transcripts, awards and distinctions.  

Section 2:  

Maximum 2,250 characters (approx. 1/2 page).  

Please provide an assessment of the candidate’s research potential as demonstrated by their ability, their interest in discovery, their program of study and its potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field, as well as the potential benefit for Canadians and any anticipated outcomes. 

Section 3:  

Maximum 4,500 characters (approx. 1 page).  

Please provide a leadership ability assessment (potential and demonstrated ability) as defined by the following leadership qualities: 

1. Personal Achievement:  
   
   
   • Professional involvement in dance, arts, music, etc.
   • Significant artistic achievement
   • Recognized athletic achievement; especially in a leadership role
   • Entrepreneurial achievement (startup company)
   • Foreign travel and study 
   
   
2. Involvement in Academic Life:
   
   
   • Mentoring/teaching
   • Supervisory experience
   • Student government and involvement in the university community, including committees, teams, Senate, boards, ethics committees, etc.
   • Project management
   • Roles in professional societies and/or organizing conferences and meetings
   
   
3. Volunteerism/Community Outreach:
   
   
   • Community involvement in charity or non-profit organizations
   
   
4. Civic engagement:
   
   
   • Parliamentary pages and internships
   • Political activity
   • Elected positions 
   
   
5. Other