Looking for a fully funded scholarship in Canada that combines world-class education with real-world work experience? The Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship Program 2026 offers an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring software developers to earn an accredited Computer Science degree while working at one of the world’s leading e-commerce companies. With over $160,000 CAD in total financial support including full tuition coverage and a competitive salary, this program represents one of the most valuable fully funded undergraduate scholarships available for international students.
Unlike traditional computer science programs, Shopify’s Dev Degree integrates hands-on work experience at Shopify with university studies, allowing students to graduate with 3,800+ hours of professional development experience. Applications for Fall 2026 are now open, and this is your chance to jumpstart your career in software engineering with one of Canada’s most innovative tech companies.
About the Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship Program
The Shopify Dev Degree Program was launched in 2016 with a mission to revolutionize computer science education. Shopify, headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, is one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms, powering over 1.7 million businesses in approximately 175 countries. The company recognized that traditional computer science degrees often left graduates unprepared for the realities of professional software development, and Dev Degree was born to bridge this gap.
What makes the Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship unique is its work-integrated learning model. Instead of alternating between academic terms and work placements like traditional co-op programs, Dev Degree students work at Shopify in parallel with their university studies throughout the entire program. This means you are constantly applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, building products that impact hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
The program is offered in partnership with two prestigious Canadian universities: Carleton University in Ottawa and York University in Toronto. International students with valid Study permits can attend Carleton University, making this an accessible pathway for global talent seeking a fully funded computer science education in Canada.
Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship Program Summary 2026
| Host Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Host Institutions | Carleton University (Ottawa) and York University (Toronto) in partnership with Shopify |
| Level of Study | Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate) |
| Eligible Degrees | Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) at Carleton; Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Technologies at York |
| Scholarship Coverage | Over $160,000 CAD total (Full tuition + Competitive salary + Vacation) |
| Program Duration | 4 years |
| Work Experience | 3,800+ hours of hands-on development experience at Shopify |
| International Students | Eligible (Carleton University only, with Study permit) |
| Application Deadline | February 13, 2026 (Applications open December 1, 2025) |
| Category | Fully Funded, Work-Integrated Learning, Corporate Scholarship |
Benefits of the Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship Program 2026
The Shopify Dev Degree Program offers one of the most comprehensive financial and professional development packages available to computer science students. Here is everything you will receive:
Financial Benefits
- Full Tuition Coverage: Shopify pays 100% of your university tuition and fees throughout the 4-year program
- Competitive Salary: Earn a paid internship salary while working 25 hours per week at Shopify (industry-standard rates)
- Total Value Over $160,000 CAD: Combined tuition, salary, and benefits exceed $160,000 CAD (approximately $110,000 USD) over four years
- Paid Vacation: Receive generous vacation time as a Shopify employee
- Keep Other Scholarships: If you receive additional scholarships, you can keep them while still receiving your full Dev Degree salary and tuition coverage
Professional Development Benefits
- 3,800+ Hours of Work Experience: Graduate with more hands-on experience than traditional co-op programs offer
- Developer Skills Training Path: First-year training in Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, React, databases, and modern development practices
- Multiple Team Placements: Work on 4-5 different development teams throughout the program, gaining diverse experience
- Dedicated Mentorship: Receive a dedicated mentor for each team placement to guide your professional growth
- Real-World Impact: Build products used by Shopify’s 1.7+ million merchants and hundreds of millions of users
- Accredited Degree: Graduate with a fully accredited Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science
- Strong Employment Outcomes: 90% of graduates secure full-time engineering roles before graduation; 100% within six months
Skills You Will Learn
- Programming languages: Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, React
- Database management and architecture
- Web and mobile development
- Cloud computing and AI/ML fundamentals
- Testing, debugging, and performance tuning
- Security and scalability best practices
- Professional software development methodologies
Eligibility Criteria for Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship Program
The Shopify Dev Degree Program is designed for ambitious students ready to commit to an intensive work-integrated learning experience. Here are the eligibility requirements:
General Eligibility Requirements
- High school graduates or equivalent eligible to apply to Canadian universities for Fall 2026
- Strong interest in computer science and software development
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and growth mindset
- Ability to manage multiple priorities (work, school, and personal life)
- Resilience and willingness to learn from failure
- No prior programming experience required (though it is an asset)
For International Students
- Must attend Carleton University (the only partner university available to international students)
- Must obtain a valid Canadian Study permit
- Must be able to live in Ottawa, Ontario, and commute to Carleton University’s campus
- Must be legally permitted to work in Canada
For Canadian Citizens/Residents
- Can choose either Carleton University (Ottawa) or York University (Toronto)
- Must be able to commute to the chosen university’s campus
Transfer Students
- Students in their first year of an undergraduate Computer Science program at any university are eligible to apply
- Students with 2+ years completed may not be suitable due to work experience requirements
- Students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science are not eligible
Required Documents for Shopify Dev Degree Application
You will need to prepare the following for your Dev Degree application:
For Dev Degree Application (Shopify)
- Basic personal information
- Completed computational thinking questions (problem-solving assessment)
- Personal statements explaining your interest in Dev Degree and computer science
For University Application (Carleton or York)
- Completed university application through OUAC (Ontario Universities Application Centre)
- Official high school transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency (for international students)
- Study permit documentation (for international students)
Important Note: You can apply to Dev Degree before submitting your university application. Dev Degree offers are conditional upon acceptance into the partner university program.
Application Timeline for Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship 2026
Mark these important dates for your Dev Degree application:
- Applications Open: December 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
- Interviews: Early Spring 2026
- Offers Released: Late Spring 2026
- Program Starts: Fall 2026 (September)
Remember to also apply to Carleton University’s Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) program or York University’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Technologies program through OUAC.
How to Apply for the Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship Program
The application process involves both a Shopify application and a university application. Follow these steps carefully:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Submit Your Dev Degree Application: Visit the Shopify Dev Degree careers page and submit your application with basic personal information. This is a simple process with no commitment required at this stage.
- Complete Computational Thinking Questions: Answer problem-solving questions designed to assess your readiness to learn computer science. No prior programming knowledge is required.
- Write Your Personal Statements: Explain why you are interested in Dev Degree, why you want to study Computer Science, and share experiences that demonstrate your growth mindset and resilience.
- Apply to Partner University: Submit your application to Carleton University (for international students) or York University (Canadian citizens/residents only) through OUAC.
- Craft Assessment Interviews: Selected candidates will complete two back-to-back interviews: an informal chat with a current Dev Degree intern, followed by an admissions and technical interview with a Dev Degree team member and Shopify developer.
- Life Story Interview: Final selected candidates will have a personal interview with a Shopify recruiter to discuss hobbies, interests, and life experiences.
- Receive Your Offer: Successful candidates will receive an offer to join the Dev Degree program in late spring.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Be authentic in your personal statements and interviews; Shopify values genuine candidates
- Focus on demonstrating problem-solving ability rather than coding knowledge
- Share experiences that show resilience, adaptability, and willingness to learn from failure
- Prepare thoughtful questions about the program for your interview with current interns
- Apply early to allow time for visa processing if you are an international student
- Reflect on your experiences and what has shaped you before the Life Story interview
FAQs About the Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship Program
Do I need programming experience to apply for Dev Degree?
No, prior programming experience is not required. While it may be helpful, Shopify is more interested in your problem-solving abilities, growth mindset, and passion for learning. The program includes comprehensive developer skills training in your first year.
Can international students apply to the Shopify Dev Degree Program?
Yes, international students can apply, but they must attend Carleton University in Ottawa (the only partner university available to students on Study permits). You will need to obtain a valid Canadian Study permit and be able to live in Ottawa.
How competitive is the Dev Degree Program?
The program is highly competitive, accepting only 10-15 students per university each year. However, acceptance is based on potential and fit rather than just academic grades, so focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills and growth mindset.
Will I get a job at Shopify after graduating?
While there is no guaranteed job at Shopify, the program has excellent outcomes: 90% of graduates secure full-time engineering roles before graduation, and 100% find employment within six months. The skills and experience you gain are highly valued across the tech industry.
Can I receive other scholarships if I am accepted into Dev Degree?
Yes! If you receive additional scholarships, you can keep them. You will still earn your full Dev Degree salary, and Shopify will continue to pay your tuition in full.
Final Thoughts on the Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship Program 2026
The Shopify Dev Degree Scholarship Program represents a truly exceptional opportunity for aspiring software developers. With over $160,000 CAD in total financial support, 3,800+ hours of hands-on work experience, and an accredited Computer Science degree, this program offers everything you need to launch a successful career in technology.
What sets Dev Degree apart is its innovative approach to education. Instead of waiting until after graduation to gain real-world experience, you will be building products that impact millions of users from your very first year. The dedicated mentorship, diverse team placements, and Shopify’s culture of learning make this an unparalleled opportunity for growth.
For international students seeking a fully funded scholarship in Canada, the Dev Degree program offers a pathway to study at Carleton University while working at one of the world’s most innovative tech companies. Do not miss this chance to transform your future in software engineering.
Ready to Apply?
Applications are open from December 1, 2025, to February 13, 2026. Submit your application today and take the first step toward an extraordinary career in software development at Shopify.
Need Help with Your Application?
Preparing a competitive application for a program as selective as Dev Degree can be challenging. If you need personalized guidance, ScholyHub Consultancy is here to help. Our experienced consultants can assist you with:
- Personal statement writing and review
- Problem-solving and computational thinking preparation
- Interview coaching and mock interviews
- University application support
- Study permit and visa guidance for international students
Visit ScholyHub Consultants to request our professional consultancy services and maximize your chances of success.