Indigenous Student Bursaries/Scholarships

Visit the following links for Indigenous-specific bursaries and scholarships. Remember to visit the Lakehead University Scholarships & Bursaries pages for awards open to all students. If you need any assistance in completing applications, please contact us at UC 1007 or via email at coordinator.issc@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead Links

Undergraduate Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries - Student Central

External Links

Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool

Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) - Post-Secondary Education Support Program

The RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth Closing date: January 5, 2022

RBC will award 20 scholarships annually valued up to $10,000 each per year (up to 4 years) to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada demonstrating strong academic performance and community involvement. Eligible students can apply at: www.rbc.com/indigenousscholarship

The LOUD Foundation provides LGBT scholarships to people who self-identified themselves as part of the LGBT+ community. From year to year, the number of winners is increased as well as the amount of scholarship. Award range: $2,500. Requirements and Eligibilities you can check on the page.

Application deadline – January 31 annually.

The Lambda Foundation is a Canadian charity organisation with one simple purpose to create more possibilities for the LGBT community by offering awards and scholarships. Award range: from $1,000 to $2,500. Requirements and Eligibilities you can find here.

Application deadline – February 1, 2023.

Indspire:Building Brighter Futures - Deadlines: February 1, August 1, November 1 @ 11:50 pm ET

Type(s) of Program: Full-time certificate programs, undergraduate, professional and graduate degree programs at an accredited post-secondary institution. Applications for the 2020-2021 school year are now closed!

Applications will re-open on May 1, 2021 for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.

Waubetek Business Development Corporation - Student Bursary Fund Deadline: Feb 11

Waubetek is committed to “Investing in the Aboriginal Business Spirit”. In keeping with our vision, Waubetek presents educational bursaries of $500.00 each to applicants who fulfill the required criteria. Must be a registered member of one of the 27 partnering First Nations communities in the Waubetek service area (a copy of First Nation status card is required as proof)

Wataynikaneyap Power Student Bursary Deadline: Feb 18

Wataynikaneyap Power is offering a two-year bursary and mentorship program to support post-secondary students from the Project’s owner communities.* Successful applicants will receive a $1,000 cash bursary and be connected with experienced staff at Wataynikaneyap Power (PM) for mentorship. The bursary for students from the Projects’ 24 First Nation owner communities with an academic focus on: Environmental Management, Health and Safety, Finance, Human Resources, Business, Project Management, or Engineering. Bursary funding is split into payments and is based on reasonable communication with a mentor and academic standing. *Applications are being accepted from members of the following First Nations: Bearskin Lake, Cat Lake, Deer Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Keewaywin, Kingfisher Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Lac des Mille Lacs, Lac Seul, McDowell Lake, Mishkeegogamang, Muskrat Dam, North Caribou Lake, North Spirit Lake, Ojibway Nation of Saugeen, Pikangikum, Poplar Hill, Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, Slate Falls, Wabigoon Lake, Wapekeka, Wawakapewin, and Wunnumin Lake.

Deloitte Indigenous Student Scholarship - Deadline March 12, 2023

Deloitte is on a journey of reconciliation by fostering meaningful and lasting relationships in working with Indigenous peoples, clients, and communities from coast to coast through our Reconciliation Action Plan. An important part of this journey is focused on breaking down barriers for First Nations, Inuit, Métis students to access education and employment opportunities. To help drive meaningful change, we launched our Indigenous Student Scholarship Program. Selected students will be awarded a one-time $5,000 scholarship towards school expenses and the opportunity to complete a work term at one of our Canadian offices within the next year!

Shannens Dream Scholarship Deadline: March 31st 2023

The Shannen’s Dream Scholarship is an award to assist First Nations youth with post-secondary education costs (university, college, trades). As a “pay-it-forward” scholarship, winners must make a fair and measurable contribution to the Shannen’s Dream campaign or related First Nations initiative as a condition of receiving the award. The Shannen’s Dream Scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from the Collure family from Richmond Hill, Ontario.

For 2023, the Caring Society is pleased to announce that four Shannen’s Dream scholarships will be awarded, two in the amount of $5000 and two in the amount of $2500.

IndigiFund Bursary Deadline: March 31, 2023

IndigiFund Inc. was created to help eliminate financial barriers for Indigenous youth engaged in sport, education, and culture. Who is eligible? Indigenous youth age 15 to 30 needing financial assistance in the areas of sport, education, and culture.

Rotary of Club of Belleville - Indigenous Professional Development Bursary Deadline: March 9, 2023

The Rotary Indigenous People’s Partnership Cluster (IPPC) are once again offering several $1,000 bursaries to Indigenous students returning to Lakehead University. Application forms should be emailed to the address listed on the bursary application form: b.w.wartenberg@gmail.com Completed application form and required documentation should be sent in one attachment with subject line: Rotary Bursary Application and the name of your educational institution. The application outlines all the information that is required when applying.

Jordan's Principle Scholarship Deadline: April 30th 2023

Are you a First Nations student studying children’s health or children’s disabilities at a Canadian post-secondary institution (returning Fall 2023)? Do you demonstrate a commitment to Indigenous children’s health and community service as well as academic commitment and achievement? We welcome you to apply for the Jordan's Principle Scholarship!

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Professional Learning Bursary Application 2023 Deadline: April 30, 2023

This bursary may be offered annually to an active ETFO member who is taking an FNMI-focused additional qualification course from a publicly funded university/institution in Ontario, an FMNI professional learning course or attending an FNMI workshop/conference. Up to two bursaries of $750 and a Certificate of Recognition may be granted.

2023 Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority Deadline: May 5, 2023

To help achieve its mission of transforming the health of Anishinabe people and communities across Kiiwetinoong, SLFNHA is striving to increase representation of People of First Nations ancestry working in the field of health care.

The SLFNHA Bursary Program is designed to support First Nations individuals with their journey towards improving the outcomes of First Nations people and communities through the attainment of post secondary education.

TC Energy Indigenous Legacy Scholarship Deadline: May 5, 2023

TC Energy is proud to help build strong communities, develop the next generation of community leaders and provide a skilled workforce for our industry.

Anishinabek Student Excellence Awards Deadline: May 31, 2023

Five (5) scholarships in the amount of $1,500.00 each will be awarded to Anishinabek First Nation students at the post-secondary level.Eligibility: Applicant must be a registered full-time student at an accredited post-secondary college or university. Students who are currently enrolled as well as those who have completed studies and are graduating in 2022 are eligible. Applicant must be a registered member of one of the 39 Anishinabek First Nations.

The Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors - Annual First Nations, Métis and Inuit Bursary Deadline: May 31, 2023

This annual bursary is intended to cover the fees associated with applying for Canadian graduate programs in genetic counselling, for Canadian citizens who self-identify as First Nations, Metis and Inuit. It is available on an annual basis and eligible students must apply by May 31 of the same year of application. There is up to $3000 available annually and funding will be awarded in the order in which applications are received.

Continuing Our Journey NIB Trust Fund Deadline: June 3, 2022

Funds are available to First Nation and Métis individuals, governments and organizations through a competitive application process specific to groups and/or individuals. The NIB Trust Fund offers a new opportunity separate from Indian residential schools compensation packages.

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Women in Education Bursary – Women’s Program Application 2023 Deadline: June 30, 2023

ETFO offers this bursary annually to First Nations, Métis and Inuit women who are entering a publicly funded faculty of education in Ontario, or ETFO First Nations, Métis and Inuit women members who are taking a qualification/upgrading course from a publicly funded university/institution in Ontario. Up to four bursaries of up to $1,250 and a Certificate of Recognition may be granted. This award is not intended to support a master’s or doctorate program.

First Nations, Métis, Inuit Women in Education Bursary - Women's Program (Open to non-ETFO members) (1) Deadline: June 30, 2022

ETFO offers this bursary annually to First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) women who are entering their first year of a full-time undergraduate degree program at either Brock University or Lakehead University. Up to two scholarships of $12,500 and a certificate of recognition may be granted. This award is not intended to support a master’s or doctorate program.

The Kathleen Blinkhorn Aboriginal Student Scholarship Fund Deadline: June 17, 2022

ONPHA’s Kathleen Blinkhorn Indigenous Student Scholarship supports Indigenous students living in non-profit housing in Ontario. Each scholarship winner receives $2,000 for use towards their post-secondary education costs, like tuition, books, technology and transportation.

Four Direction Scholarship - Secondary School/Adult Students Deadline: June 30, 2023

Four scholarships of $1000.00 each will be awarded annually to graduating Aboriginal (Status, Non-status, Métis and Inuit) secondary school/adult students. These awards are administered by the Ontario Native Education Counselling Association.

ONECA- Post Secondary Student Award Deadline: June 30, 2023

ONECA is pleased to offer 2 annual scholarships at the Post Secondary level. See the application and associated criteria. Deadline for application is June 30 and the the deadline to receive all documentation is July 31.

Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation - APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED MID-JULY FOR SEPTEMBER START. MID-OCTOBER FOR JANUARY START.

The main focus of this sector is on educational activities to support and encourage youth to pursue and complete their education with the goal of developing our youth as future leaders of our communities. We view education as the primary responsibility of the federal government and/or Chief and Council and provide limited assistance under unique circumstances.

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards

The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application between August 1 - November 15. Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards finalist has the potential receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching her dreams.

Native Woman's Association of Canada Indigenous Skills and Employment Training

The NWAC ISET program helps Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals to fully participate in economic opportunities. Through NWAC’s agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) we are able to provide supports such as tuition, living allowance, childcare, job starts and other resources that can help Indigenous women reach their employment and skills training goals. Client Eligibility; Post-secondary funding for certificate or diploma programs up to 2 years or in the last two years of a degree program.

Helen Basset Commemorative Student Award Deadline: July 15, 2022

The Helen Bassett Commemorative Award to four young Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse students in the amount of $1,000 each. The awards are made possible by the generous donation of Helen Bassett, an Ontario artist and passionate advocate for the advancement of Indigenous women and for fair solutions to Indigenous land claim issues. Applicants must: Be currently pursuing post-secondary studies (priority is given to students who are studying law or are in a law-related field) Demonstrate financial need. Be an Indigenous woman, gender-diverse, or Two-Spirit person under 31 years of age. Demonstrate a commitment to improving the situation of Indigenous women and youth in Canada politically, culturally, economically, or otherwise

Michael Melancon-Koffend Student Award Deadline: July 15, 2022

This award celebrates Indigenous women, two-spirted or gender diverse individuals that are pursuing post-secondary studies and working towards a better future. Thirteen Indigenous women, two-spirited or gender diverse individuals, one from each province/territory, will receive awards of $1,000.00. Applicants must be Indigenous, continuing post-secondary education, and demonstrate their dedication to the betterment of Indigenous lives. The Michael Melancon-Koffend Student Award is open to all ages and fields of study.

Scholarship for LGBTQI2S Students offers two awards for gay, bisexual, lesbian, intersex, queer, and trans. The scholarship allows you to study in a friendly environment in Canada and covers some of your spendings. Awards range: $2,500. Requirements and Eligibilities you can look here. Application deadline – August 15, 2022 5 pm

Bill 7 Award - Deadline August 5, 2022

The Bill 7 Award is a scholarship for individuals with demonstrated financial need after accessing available public financial supports. To be eligible to receive a Bill 7 Award scholarship, individuals must also meet ALL of the following three criteria: You are attending or accepted by a Post-Secondary Educational Institution in the Province of Ontario; You are pursuing your FIRST post-secondary program of study; You identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, two-spirited or queer (LGBTQ).

ATCO Indigenous Education Awards Program - Deadline: Aug 15, 2022

Our Indigenous Education Awards Program supports First Nation, Inuit and Métis students across Canada by providing financial assistance to help them in their quest for higher education. These awards, bursaries and scholarships are given to students who demonstrate leadership capabilities and strive to be role models in their schools and communities. There are three different awards available: Merit Awards ($500) – for students completing Grades 10 – 12, including upgrading; Bursaries ($1,000) – for students enrolled in trade, diploma or certificate programs; Scholarships ($1,500) – for students enrolled in degree or graduate programs. There is a maximum of one award per applicant per year. Students must re-apply each year if they wish to be considered.

ATCO Indigenous Education Award Deadline: August 15, 2022

FortisOntario's Future Generations Scholarship Deadline: August 31, 2022

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, FortisOntario is pleased to be rolling out the $10,000 Future Generations Scholarship program available to the Wataynikaneyap Power Project’s 24 owner First Nations.* This scholarship represents respecting First Nation way of life and what we leave behind for future generations to come, or chinagatamaageyeg (Anishinabe, “to leave something behind for others”).

Canada Post Awards for Indigenous People - Deadline: Aug 31

Canada Post gives $2,000 grants to Indigenous Peoples who have renewed their educational learning. The Canada Post Awards for Indigenous Students celebrate members of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities who have embraced a renewed pursuit of learning by continuing their education.

Wataynikaneyap Power Student Bursary and Mentorship Program - Extended to October 31, 2022

The bursary for students from the Projects’ 24 First Nation owner communities with an academic focus on: Environmental Management, Health and Safety, Finance, Human Resources, Business, Project Management, or Engineering. Bursary funding is split into payments and is based on reasonable communication with a mentor and academic standing. Wataynikaneyap Power also plans to provide student work experience placements, co-ops, and internships. Applying for this bursary is a good step towards introducing yourself and your interest in working with the Wataynikaneyap Power team.

Modern Métis Woman Scholarship October 31, 2022

Modern Métis Woman is a private organization that lends itself to further Métis womens' education. This small self-generated capital currently provides Modern Métis Women with the opportunity to introduce an ongoing $200 to $400 yearly University Scholarships to qualifying self-identified Métis women.

NEW! Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship Deadline: November 30, 2022

The Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship (valued at $2,500 CAD) will be awarded to two students and is applicable to all areas of study for both Canadian and U.S. post-secondary Indigenous students. Click Download Application to fill out the form, attach reference letters, and tell us why you're the most deserving candidate! To complete your submission, please e-mail info@cheekbonebeauty.com with subject line [YOUR NAME]: 2022 Scholarship Application.

Nelsons Scholarship Program Opens May 1

Indigenous Student Scholarship Award amount: $10,000 Awarding First Nation, Métis and Inuit student leaders who have demonstrated academic success, personal strength, with the intent to pursue post-secondary studies in Education.