Æ»¹ûÒùÔº
Scholarships, Bursaries, Fellowships, and Other Awards
"Indigenous-specific financial aid is available. It's definitely worth applying." - Anonymous Indigenous Student, 2020
On this page you will find links to follow which will take you to useful tools, and websites which offer financial aid and resources to Indigenous students. For more information talk to our Indigenous student associate marlowe.dubois [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Scholarships%20and%20Bursaries) (Marlowe Dubois) who can help you network Æ»¹ûÒùÔº student resources, as well as providing more information in regards to off-campus student resources.
1.ÌýÆ»¹ûÒùÔº's Okòn:ra Undergraduate Award
This Awards program is new as of Fall 2022 for incoming and returning students! It is dedicated to Æ»¹ûÒùԺ’s Indigenous students pursuing a Bachelor's degree, or an Undergraduate Professional degree in Medicine (MDCM), Dentistry (DMD), and/or Law (BCL&LLB). Value: $5000 in each year of study.
Okòn:ra, the Mohawk word for Red Oak, is a symbol of strength, morale, resistance, and knowledge. The Oak is considered a cosmic storehouse of wisdom embodied in its towering strength. It grows slowly, but surely at its own rate. The oak tree grows on Æ»¹ûÒùԺ’s campuses and red is Æ»¹ûÒùԺ’s school colour.
This award is made possible in part to , an Indigenous-led registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous peoples of Canada. The University contributes to Indspire’s which is matched by the federal government, nearly doubling Æ»¹ûÒùԺ’s investment towards our Indigenous students. Indspire manages the application and adjudication process with Indigenous jurors for the Æ»¹ûÒùÔº's Okòn:ra Undgraduate Award.
Click here for more details.
2. Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Entrance Scholarship: Automatic and by Application
Merit-based entrance scholarships are offered to students entering full-time Bachelor programs for the first time. Scholarship winners receive a notation on their transcript as well as perks such as early registration and top residence choices. One-time scholarships of $3,000 are automatically offered on the basis of incoming grades. Major renewable scholarships in denominations of $3,000 to $12,000 are considered based on a separate application in Minerva based on academic achievement and outstanding leadership in school or community activities.
Indigenous students may be matched with Indigenous-specific scholarships or other restricted and open scholarships.
Click here for details.
3. Provost's Indigenous Achievement Award: Automatic Consideration
This is a $5,000 renewable admissions award given to newly admitted Indigenous students with exceptionally high school or CEGEP grades, and who are not granted a Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Entrance Scholarship. One to three awards are issued every year based on academic merit.
Click here for details.
Ìý4. Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Entrance Bursaries: By Application
To ensure no student forgoes an offer of Æ»¹ûÒùÔº admissions solely due to financial constraints, our Entrance Bursaries make University more accessible by supplementing other resources such as Band Funding, part-time work, parental support, and other sources.
Indigenous students may be matched with Indigenous-specific bursaries or other restricted and open bursary.
Click here for details.
Ìý5. Indigenous Graduate Excellence Recruitment Fellowship
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies offers recruitment awards to self-identified Indigenous applicants to graduate degree programs at a value of $10,000 for PhD, $5000 for thesis-based Masters and $2500 for non-thesis Masters.
Click here for details.
If you have exhausted these funding opportunities and/or other core funding (from band or other government agencies), and you are still facing financial challenges, there is still help!
In-Course Financial Aid programs including Bursaries, Loans, Work Study, and Fee Deferrals are available to all students pursuing Bachelors, Masters, and PhDs at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº. Indigenous students may be matched with Indigenous-specific bursaries as well as other restricted and open bursaries.
Click here for details.
The University thanks our donors whose gifts are dedicated by restriction or preference to Indigenous students.
Students who self-identify as Indigenous and who are being considered for merit-based scholarships, need-based bursaries or other activity-based awards may be matched to these named awards. Click here for a full list of Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Student Awards.
NEW SUN JOY HARVIE MACLAREN UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP IN ENVIRONMENT
A $4,500 award with preference given to Canadian Inuit and Aboriginal students enrolled in the second or third year of the B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) Major in Environment (award may be given twice to the same student)
CIRC SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
Cultural and Indigenous Research in Counselling Psychology (CIRC) has compiled a list of funding opportunities for current and prospective Indigenous students at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº, at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
BUBAR FAMILY SCHOLARSHIPS IN AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Established in 2020 by Donald Bubar, B.Sc 1977, in honor of his father, John Stephen Bubar, B.Sc(Agr) 1952, Ph.D 1957 and his mother, Margaret Helen Dickson, B.Sc(HEc-Dietetics) 1953, for one or more full time undergraduate students entering the B.Sc (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) Program within the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of academic excellence. Preference will be given to students who identify as being part of the North American Indigenous Community.
BUBAR FAMILY SCHOLARSHIPS IN SCIENCE
Established in 2020 by Donald Bubar, B.Sc 1977, in honor of his father, John Stephen Bubar, B.Sc(Agr) 1952, Ph.D 1957 and his mother, Margaret Helen Dickson, B.Sc(HEc-Dietetics) 1953, for one or more full time undergraduate students entering the B.Sc Program in the Faculty of Science. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of academic excellence. Preference will be given to students who identify as being part of the North American Indigenous Community.
SUNCOR ENERGY EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS IN ENGINEERING
Established in 2019 by Suncor Energy to recruit and support Indigenous students in the Faculty of Engineering. Awarded by the Faculty of Engineering to Indigenous students entering or enrolled in any undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Engineering.
ROBERT L. KATZ AND CHRISTINA H. OTTO SCHOLARSHIP
Established in 2018 by Bobby Katz, SOL 1986, LLB 1986 and Tina Otto, BA 1985 in support of the Faculty of Law's response to the calls for action set by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. With a shared commitment to taking concrete steps to improving the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Awarded by the Faculty of Law to one or more undergraduate students entering the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to indigenous students from Canada. In the absence of such candidates in any given year, the scholarship may support students from historically underrepresented groups. Award Value: Varies
DR. JOHN H. BURGESS DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARSHIP
Established in 2011 by John H. Burgess, B.Sc. (1954), M.D., C.M. (1958). Awarded by the Faculty of Medicine to one or more students from indigenous communities in Canada on the basis of academic merit, with preference given to students of Inuit, Métis or First Nations heritage or to one or more students nominated by the Widening Participation Committee that attends to diversity and equity in recruitment and admission to medicine at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº. For over three decades Dr Burgess demonstrated his commitment to serving the Inuit in Canada’s North as a consulting cardiologist. Dr Burgess wishes to continue this legacy of service by supporting the training of future physicians from undeserved regions in Canada. Award Value: Varies; may be renewed
RITCHIE BEST IN THE WEST ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP
Established in 2020 by Robert Ritchie, B.Sc (1967) and Tatiana Ritchie, B.A. (1972). Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of demonstrated financial need and good academic standing to one or more undergraduate students entering any full-time degree program at the University. First preference will be given to students from Alberta. Second preference will be given to Indigenous students from Western Canada. Third preference will be given to students from Manitoba or Saskatchewan.
BLAXLEY ENTRANCE BURSARY
Established in 2019 by Professor Jennifer A. T. Wall, M.A. (1971), in honour and memory of her grandmother, Annie Blaxley. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of good academic standing and demonstrated financial need to one or more Indigenous students entering any undergraduate degree program at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº. If no suitable entering candidates are available in a given year, the fund may support one or more in-course undergraduate Indigenous students enrolled in any Faculty at the University.
BNP PARIBUS INDIGENOUS MANAGEMENT BURSARY
Established in 2021 by BNP Paribas. For one or more Indigenous students who are enrolled in the BCom program in the Desautels Faculty of Management at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of demonstrated financial need and good academic standing.
CLASS OF 1973 ENTRANCE BURSARY
Established in 2019 by the Class of Law 1973. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of good academic standing and demonstrated financial need to one or more undergraduate students entering the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to indigenous students from Canada.
CLASS OF MEDICINE 1978 BURSARY
Established in 2015 by the Class of Medicine 1978 on the occasion of their 35th anniversary reunion. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office to students in the M.D.C.M. program on the basis of demonstrated financial need and good academic standing. Preference will be given to students from under-represented groups, particularly indigenous students.
EBERTS FIRST & INUIT PEOPLES BURSARY
EBERTS FIRST AND INUIT PEOPLES' ENTRANCE BURSARIES Established by Lindsay Eberts, B.Com. 1966, Jake Eberts, B.Eng. 1962, D.Litt. 1998, Gordon Eberts, B.A. 1961, Edmond Eberts, B.Sc. 1960, Elizabeth Eberts, B.A. 1969, and Jeremy Eberts, B.A. 1977, for First and Inuit Peoples entering undergraduate degree programs at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of financial need and academic standing. Renewable for a maximum of four years. Value: minimum $6,000.
FIRST NATIONS BURSARY
Administered by the Scholarships and Student Aid office to support need-based bursaries for Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, Metis), with preference given to Quebec Indigenous students, followed by those from the rest of Canada. These non-fixed value bursaries will allow Æ»¹ûÒùÔº to meet as much need for as many Indigenous students as possible.
LIZ HENDRIE FORSETH BURSARY
Established in 2020 by Elizabeth Lilian Forseth, B.A. (1967). Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of demonstrated financial need and good academic standing to one or more undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in any full-time degree program at the University. Preference will be given to Indigenous students.
KIRIAZIS BURSARY
Established in 2020 by Chrisoula Kiriazis, M.D., C.M. (1988), for one or more undergraduate students entering a Health Sciences degree program at the University. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of demonstrated financial need and good academic standing. Should no candidates present at entrance or should funds remain in any given year, the entrance bursary may support one or more in-course students enrolled in a Health Sciences degree program. In both cases, preference will be given to Indigenous students.
RITCHIE BEST IN THE WEST ENTRANCE BURSARY
Established in 2020 by Robert Ritchie, BSc 1967 and Tatiana Ritchie, BA 1972. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of demonstrated financial need and good academic standing to one or more undergraduate students entering any full-time degree program at the University. First preference will be given to students from Alberta. Second preference will be given to Indigenous students from Western Canada. Third preference will be given to students from Manitoba or Saskatchewan. Value: varies.
RODERICK A. MACDONALD ENTRANCE BURSARY
Established in 2019 by the Class of Law 1983 in memory and honour of Roderick A. MacDonald, former Dean and Professor of Public and Constitutional Law. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of good academic standing and demonstrated Disclaimer: Æ»¹ûÒùÔº reserves the right to make changes to the information contained in this publication—including correcting errors, altering award values, and revising or cancelling particular awards—without prior notification. Æ»¹ûÒùÔº, Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards 2021-2022 159 financial need to one or more undergraduate students entering the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to indigenous students from Canada.
JOY H MACLARAN BURSARY
Established in 1994 by Joy Harvie Maclaren in recognition of her 50th anniversary of graduation from Macdonald College. Increased with an additional contribution in 2006 in celebration of Macdonald's 100th anniversary. Preference will be given to Canadian Indigenous students entering the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to pursue studies in nutrition, dietetics, agriculture, or environmental sciences. Second preference will be given to Canadian Indigenous students entering the Faculties of Dentistry, Medicine, or Science. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of academic merit, leadership, and community involvement.
MILOSEVIC FISKE LLP ENTRANCE BURSARY
Established in 2019 by the founding partners of the firm Milosevic Fiske LLP, David Milosevic, B.A. (1999), BCULLB (2004) and Cameron Fiske, B.A. (2004), BCULLB (2007). Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of demonstrated financial need and good academic standing to one or more undergraduate students entering the Faculty of Law. Preference will be given to Canadian Indigenous students entering the Faculty of Law.
ALAN THOMAS PEARSON MEMOIRAL BURSARY FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
Established in 2019 by Chaviva M. Hosek, BA 1967, PhD, OC, in loving memory of her late husband, Alan Thomas Pearson. Awarded by the Scholarships and Student Aid Office on the basis of demonstrated financial need and good academic standing to one or more full-time Indigenous students entering any undergraduate degree program at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº. Should funds remain in any given year, the entrance bursary may support one or more in-course Indigenous undergraduate students enrolled at the University.
CANADA POST AWARDS FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
Canada Post gives $2,000 grants to Indigenous Peoples who have renewed their educational learning. You’re eligible to apply if you:
- Are a Canadian and a member of a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community
- Have been out of school for 1 year or more and are returning
- Have already returned to school and completed 1 full year of studies
- Have never received this award in the past (you can apply as many times as you want, but you can only receive the award once)
Visit the for more details on applications and deadlines.
GILLIS PURCELL MEMORIAL JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
An award of $4000 to encourage Indigenous Peoples to pursue a career in journalism through a combination of studies at a Canadian post-secondary institution and experience in a newsroom. Scholarship recipients with appropriate experience and qualifications may also receive an offer of temporary employment or other opportunities at The Canadian Press, at the sole discretion of the scholarship provider. Learn more .Ìý
GRAND RIVER POST SECONDARY EDUCATION OFFICE
The GRPSEO offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries. Learn more .Ìý
HELEN BASSETT COMMEMORATIVE STUDENT AWARD
Every year, NWAC hands out the Helen Bassett Commemorative Award to four young Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse students in the amount of $1,000 each. Awards are provided to four Indigenous youth from each of the four directions: North, South, East, and West. Learn more .Ìý
HUSKY ENERGY SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
Husky helps Indigenous students living in communities near its operations pursue post-secondary education. The Company also provides opportunities for work experience and professional development through the Indigenous Mentorship Program. Learn more .Ìý
INDIGENOUS BAR ASSOCIATION LAW STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
Each year two scholarships of $2000.00 are awarded annually by the Indigenous Bar Association Law Student Scholarship Foundation. The scholarships will be presented each year to two Indigenous law students that best demonstrates financial need, academic merit and commitment to Indigenous legal matters. The scholarships are awarded during the IBA annual conference in October of each year. Learn more .Ìý
INDIGENOUS BURSARIES SEARCH TOOL
The Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool is a searchable list of 689 bursaries, scholarships and incentives across Canada. It provides information about the award including a description, value, institution, deadline (if applicable) and contact information.ÌýAccess the tool .
INDIGENOUS SERVICES CANADA
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) offers several scholarship programs aimed at supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.ÌýClick to learn more about financial aid through ISC.
INDSPIRE
Since 2004, Indspire has provided over $115 million in financial support to more than 37,500 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. All Building Brighter Futures donations are matched by the Government of Canada allowing us to be double the impact for students.ÌýLearn more and apply for scholarships and bursaries through Indspire .
JOSE AMAUJAQ KUSUGAK SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Jose Amaujaq Kusugak dedicated his life to Nunavut and the advancement of Inuit rights. His passion and dedication to education and the promotion and preservation of Inuit language enabled Inuit to make many strides. Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) is ensuring Jose’s ability to inspire Inuit continues by awarding two annual $5,000 scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary academic studies in the fields of education, Inuit language, or the advancement of Inuit rights. Learn more .Ìý
KPMG'S INDIGENOUS STUDENT AWARDS
First launched in 2012, KPMG’s Indigenous Student Awards program is administered by Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program that is available to Indigenous post-secondary students in the pursuit of university or college education across Canada. This award is open to all Indigenous candidates (First Nations, Inuit and Metis) who are attending post-secondary institutions (i.e. college or university) with demonstrated financial need for contributions to education costs. Preference will be given to students studying in the following academic programs: Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Information Technology, Human Resources, Communications and Marketing. Learn more .Ìý
MAKIVIK SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR NUNAVIK BENEFICIARIES
The Makivik Scholarship program was created to promote and encourage post-secondary education for Inuit Beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). Learn more about eligibility and the application process .Ìý
NATIONAL UNION SCHOLARSHIP FOR ABORIGINAL CANADIANS
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) offers four scholarships of $1,500 each aimed at Indigenous students. They are open to all Indigenous Canadian students who plan to enter the first year of a Canadian public post-secondary education institution full-time in 2017 — 2018 and who are the children, grandchildren or foster children of a NUPGE member. Scholarships will be awarded for the best 750 — 1,000 word essay on: The importance of quality public services in enhancing the quality of life of Indigenous Canadians. Learn more .Ìý
NATIVE AMERICAN SCHOLARSHIPS FUND
The Society for American Archaeology established the Native American Scholarships FundÌýto foster a sense of shared purpose and positive interaction between archaeologists and Native Americans. Scholarships are open to all Native peoples from anywhere in the Americas, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Indigenous Pacific Islanders. Learn more about available scholarships .Ìý
NSERC INDIGENOUS STUDENT AMBASSADORS
The NSERC Indigenous Student Ambassadors (NISA) grant aims to engage Indigenous students and fellows in promoting interest and participation in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE) by visiting Canada’s Indigenous communities and schools and sharing their research and education experiences or participating in science promotion events and activities. Grants have a value of up to $5,000.ÌýVisit the to learn more about eligibility and the application process.
RBC ABORIGINAL STUDENT AWARDS PROGRAM
The RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program offers 10 scholarships of up to $4,000 each to Indigenous students in any area of study. Click to learn more about eligibility and the application process.
TD ABORIGINAL BACCALAUREATE SCHOLARSHIP
The TD Aboriginal Nursing Fund will support First Nation Status or Non-status, Inuit or Métis nurses at the Bachelor, Master’s, PhD and Nurse Practitioner levels. This fund aims to support Canadian Indigenous nursing students who intend to practice nursing preferably in Indigenous communities, Indigenous health settings or any health settings. Learn more .Ìý
EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Visit the Future Graduate Students website for information about internal and external funding for all graduate students at Æ»¹ûÒùÔºÌýhere.Ìý
SSHRC - INDIGENOUS TALENT MEASURES
The Social Services and Humanities Research Council is committed to supporting research by and with Indigenous peoples—in Canada and abroad—as well as Indigenous students and postdoctoral researchers seeking to advance careers in the social sciences and humanities.
SSHRC’s Indigenous Talent Measures aim to support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers applying for Doctoral Awards (Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program—Doctoral ScholarshipsÌýandÌýSSHRCÌýDoctoral Fellowships) orÌýSSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Learn more about SSHRC's Indigenous Talent Measures here.Ìý
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Visit the Scholarships and Student Aid websiteÌýfor more information, .Ìý
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