Scholarships
As part of our mission to support the academic and professional advancement of Greek-Canadian medical students and residents, the Canadian Hellenic Medical Society (CHMS) is proud to present a curated list of scholarships. These awards recognize academic excellence, cultural heritage, and community involvement. Whether you’re in medical school or postgraduate training, we encourage you to explore and apply.
Dr. Dimitrios Oreopoulos Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: CAD 2,500
Deadline: January 15, 2026
This scholarship honours the legacy of Dr Dimitrios Oreopoulos, the founding president of our society—originally established in 1983 as the Hippocrates Hellenic Canadian Medical Association of Ontario.
Born and educated in Greece, Dr Oreopoulos graduated from the University of Athens School of Medicine before immigrating to Canada in 1969, where he went on to become a globally renowned nephrologist and one of the pioneers of peritoneal dialysis. His innovations helped transform a once-limited treatment into a safe, life-saving therapy for millions of patients around the world.
But the legacy of Dr Oreopoulos goes far beyond scientific achievement. As a physician, educator, and humanitarian, he lived by the Hippocratic ideals of humility, compassion, and a deep respect for human dignity. He believed medicine was not just a science, but a moral calling—one that demands care for the whole person, not just their illness.
Throughout his career, he championed ethical patient care, founding the Humane Medicine journal and mentoring countless students in both clinical excellence and moral responsibility. He was also deeply committed to community service—leading initiatives such as the Hellenic Home for the Aged, supporting Greek Orthodox education, and helping build inclusive spaces like the Athens Villa for seniors.
A devoted husband and father of four, Dr Oreopoulos carried out all his work with grace, humility, and a strong faith in the value of every human being.
This scholarship is awarded to students of Hellenic heritage who reflect the spirit of Dr Oreopoulos: those who strive for academic and clinical excellence, while upholding the highest ideals of compassion, ethics, and service to others.
To learn more about his extraordinary life and impact, we encourage you to read the Peritoneal Dialysis International memorial article.
Eligibility criteria
- Holds Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status
- Can demonstrate Hellenic heritage
- CHMS Member
- Enrolled in a medical school program in Canada or abroad
- Cannot be a past recipient of the Dr Oreopoulos Memorial Scholarship
Selection criteria
- Demonstrated academic excellence
- Active engagement with the Greek community
- Commitment to the Hippocratic ideals of humane and ethical care in medicine
Application requirements
- Official post-secondary transcripts
- Curriculum vitae highlighting Greek community involvement
- Cover letter (max 500 words) describing qualifications and the meaning Hippocratic ideals in the practice of medicine
Dr. Stella Psarakis Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: CAD 2,500
Deadline: January 15, 2026
This scholarship honours the legacy of Dr. Stella Psarakis, a distinguished leader in Burlington’s medical community and a proud member of the Canadian Hellenic Medical Society.
Born in Hamilton, Dr. Psarakis built a formidable academic foundation with degrees in Biochemistry and Psychology, and a Master’s in Neurosciences from McMaster University, before earning her Medical Degree from the University of Toronto. Following her fellowship at McMaster, she became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.
Dr. Psarakis was a true trailblazer in her field. In 1992, she joined Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital as its first female surgeon and gynecologist. She went on to serve with distinction as Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, President of the Medical Staff, and a member of the Board of Governors. Her impact on women’s health was so profound that the hospital’s Labour and Delivery Unit now bears her name in permanent recognition of her service.
But the legacy of Dr. Psarakis extends beyond the operating room. She was a dedicated educator and mentor, serving as a Clinical Associate Professor at McMaster University where she inspired future physicians. She also broke barriers in her community life, serving as the first female president of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton.
Throughout her life, she exemplified a unique blend of leadership, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
This scholarship is awarded to students of Hellenic heritage who reflect the trailblazing spirit of Dr. Psarakis: those who demonstrate academic distinction and leadership potential, while upholding a deep commitment to community service and the well-being of others.
Eligibility criteria
- Holds Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status
- Can demonstrate Hellenic heritage
- CHMS Member
- Enrolled in a medical school program in Canada or abroad
- Cannot be a past recipient of the Dr Psarakis Memorial Scholarship
Selection criteria
- Demonstrated academic excellence
- Active engagement with the Greek community
- Commitment to the community at large
Application requirements
- Official post-secondary transcripts
- Curriculum vitae highlighting Greek community involvement
- Cover letter (max 500 words) describing qualifications as well as discussing overcoming obstacles, challenging norms, or pursuing leadership in fields where representation is limited
Other scholarships
- Offered by: AHEPA Family Charitable Foundation of Canada & the estate of Dr. Dimitriadis
- Amount: CAD 2,000
- Eligibility: Enrolled in a Canadian MD program; of Hellenic heritage or AHEPA family member; Canadian citizen or permanent resident; must have completed at least one university year with GPA ≥ B (3.0); AHEPA membership requirement.
- Deadline: June 1 annually
- Application: Submit a single PDF (application form, transcripts, heritage proof, AHEPA membership letter, essay, etc.) by email.
- Offered by: AHEPA Family Charitable Foundation of Canada & the Katsepontes Family
- Amount: CAD 1,500
- Eligibility: Enrolled in a Canadian medical or law school; Hellenic heritage or AHEPA family member; Canadian citizenship/residency.
- Deadline: June 2 (typically)
- Application: Submit required documentation (proof of enrollment, heritage, AHEPA membership) before deadline.
- Offered by: AHEPA Family Charitable Foundation of Canada
- Amount: CAD 1,500
- Eligibility: Hellenic-heritage Canadian resident in an accredited Canadian health sciences program (non-medical/dental) with AHEPA affiliation.
- Deadline: June 1
- Offered by: AHEPA Educational Foundation (U.S.)
- Amount: Partial or full tuition for post-graduate studies
- Eligibility: Graduate (including MD/medical residents); Hellenic descent; AHEPA Family member; GPA ≥ 3.0; Family income under $100,000; Strong academic and community involvement
- Deadline: March 31 annually
- Application: Application form, transcripts, two recommendation letters, photo, proof of membership, tax returns
- Offered by: AHEPA Educational Foundation (AEF), headquartered Washington, D.C.
- Amount: Up to USD 2,000 per award
- Eligibility:
- Graduate-level, including MD students and medical residents, of Hellenic descent
- AHEPA Family members or affiliated (Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles, Maids of Athena)
- Minimum GPA 3.0; financial need considered
- Deadline: March 31 annually
- Application: Complete downloadable PDF application (transcripts, photo, two recommendation letters, proof of membership); mailed to AEF DC office.
- Offered by: Hellenic Scholarships Foundation (Montreal, Quebec – a registered Canadian charity established in 1987)
- Amount: Typically CAD 2,000 per award
- Eligibility:
- Full-time Quebec university students of Hellenic origin (maternal or paternal).
- Includes undergraduate, graduate, and medical students (including residents)
- Specific scholarships also honor affiliation with the Hellenic Medical Association of Quebec (e.g., Medical Resident Scholarship, Dr. Peter Varvarikos Scholarship).
- Deadline: Generally mid-November (e.g., Nov 14 for the Dr. Peter Varvarikos Scholarship)
- Application:
- Submit application via HSF online portal (application typically opens in September/October).
- Include transcripts, proof of heritage, program enrolment, and any specific documents per award.
- Apply here: Hellenic Scholarships Foundation – Official Website (application portal included).
- Notable scholarships in 2024–25 included: HMAQ Medical Resident Scholarship, Lazaros Kalipolidis Family Scholarship, Pink in the City Scholarship, among others
- Offered by: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston
- Amount:
- 4 × Charles C. Condes Memorial Scholarships ($8,000 each)
- 2 × St. George’s Hellenic Benefit Society of Tsamantas Scholarships ($7,500 each)
- Eligibility:
- Full-time U.S. or Canadian students of Greek descent or Greek Orthodox faith
- Undergraduates (2nd–4th year) with GPA ≥ 3.2
- Deadline: April 14, 2026 for 2025–26 cycle
- Application: Apply online via the Boston Metropolis scholarship portal beginning March 1; materials include transcripts and heritage/religion proof.
- Offered by: NHSA of North America
- Amount: USD 1,500 (awarded in USD, ~CAD 2,050)
- Eligibility: Graduate-level students (including medical students and residents) of Hellenic descent in the U.S. or Canada; NHSA membership not mandatory but encouraged.
- Deadline: Early July annually
- Application: Typically includes resume/CV, transcript, proof of Greek heritage, and short essay; exact checklist posted on NHSA site or social media each cycle.
- Offered by: NHSA of North America
- Award: USD 5,000 (awarded in USD, ~CAD 6,860)
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students of Hellenic descent in the U.S. or Canada; must apply annually.
- Deadline: Early July annually
- Application: Typically includes resume/CV, transcript, proof of Greek heritage, and short essay; exact checklist posted on NHSA site or social media each cycle.
- Offered by: The Hellenic Initiative Canada (Toronto-based nonprofit supporting Greek diaspora and Greece)
- Amount: Two scholarships of CAD 10,000 each for the 2025–2026 academic year
- Eligibility:
- Entering a Master’s graduate program at a Canadian university (e.g., MSc in Experimental Medicine)
- Greek national or of Greek descent
- Must plan to return to Greece after studies and use their education to benefit Greece
- Deadline: Details typically released in Fall; check THI Canada’s website or contact info@ca.thehellenicinitiative.org
- Application: Application process includes academic transcripts, program acceptance proof, and a statement of intent related to contributing to Greece