Governor General's Academic Medal

The Governor General's Academic Medal is awarded to the student graduating with the highest grade point average from a Canadian high school, college or university program. They are presented by the educational institution on behalf of the Governor General.

The medals were created by Lord Dufferin, Canada's third Governor General after Confederation in 1873.

To maintain a spirit of universality across the country, the medals are awarded on academic marks only, regardless of the less tangible aspects of the student's life, such as good citizenship, moral behaviour and, volunteer and community work. The Chancellery of Honours administers the Governor General’s Academic Medal. Canadian citizenship is not a prerequisite for the award.

Famous recipients include:

Governor General’s Academic Medals are awarded at four levels.

There is no monetary award associated with the Medal.

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