Financial Assistance for Indigenous Students
Naadaamegewin - The Art of Helping
Scholarships, Bursaries and Financial Help for Indigenous Students
If you have any questions or concerns about financial matters, please contact the Indigenous Student Success Coordinator at fphlstudentsuccess@trentu.ca or 705 748 1011 extension 7358.
You can also directly Book a Meeting.
Sponsored and/or Third Party Invoicing Students
Information for band sponsored students and/or third party sponsors is available at Trent Scholarships, Bursaries and Financial Aid.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
OSAP provides financial aid through two kinds of support:
- Grants: money you don’t have to pay back
- Loans: money you need to repay once you’re done school
When you apply for OSAP, you are automatically considered for both grants and loans. If you don’t want to take a loan, you can decline it after your application is approved. Contact Financial Aid at financialaid@trentu.ca for any questions.
General OSAP Application
OSAP Indigenous Student Bursary
Internal Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries
Trent University Financial has a range of bursaries and awards, including First Generation, Entrance and Indigenous. To be considered for these bursaries, students must apply using the UG General Bursary application each term. The application tab opens within the first week of classes each term (September and January) online via MyTrent portal under the FINANCES tab.
https://www.trentu.ca/studentfinances/sites/trentu.ca.studentfinances/files/documents/TrentAwards2021_final_AODA_0.pdf
The Indigenous Student Bursary
(Deadline End of January)
Application opens online via mytrent protal under the FINANCES Tab within first week of classes in January and CLOSES January 31st.
External Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
https://www.trentu.ca/studentfinances/scholarships-awards-bursaries/exte....
These are a partial listing of funding opportunities that are outside of the Trent University system.
This list is not exhaustive and it is strongly advised that students search the accompanying links for additional information such as application forms and the criteria required.
ATCO Indigenous Education Bursary
These awards, bursaries and scholarships are given to students who demonstrate leadership capabilities and strive to be role models in their schools and communities.
https://www.atco.com/en-ca/our-commitment/partnerships-indigenous-peoples/indigenous-education-programs.html
Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians Annual Health Scholarship
Awarded to 2 students who are band members of one of the seven AIAI Member Nations studying Health-related or Traditional Healing.
https://www.aiai.on.ca/a-i-a-i-health-scholarship-information/
Canada Post Aboriginal Incentive Award
If you have been out of school for at least one year, you are returning to your studies, and have been back at school for at least one full year.
https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/giving-back-to-our-communities/canada-post-awards-for-indigenous-students.page
The Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation
Funds a variety of post-secondary initiatives. Includes funding for specialized resources and services.
https://www.dcfund.ca/index.php?id=education-support
First Nations Child and Caring Society
Peter Henderson Bryce Award: for outstanding leadership in promoting the safety, health or well-being of First Nations, Métis and Inuit children and youth (adult category and child/youth category).
Jordan's Principle Scholarship: for First Nations students studying children's health or children with disabilities.
Spirit Bear Award: for demonstrated commitment by a group of young people to reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Shannen’s Dream Scholarship: a “pay-it-forward” scholarship to assist First Nations youth with post-secondary education costs.
https://fncaringsociety.com/awards-scholarships
FNIGC National Student Bursary
Awarded to outstanding First Nations students enrolled in a post-secondary institution (university or college) in health, social sciences, or applied sciences, or studying issues related to helping First Nations achieve data sovereignty.
https://fnigc.ca/national-student-bursary/
Government of Canada: Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool
Here is a link to an Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool for over 750 bursaries and awards available to Indigenous students across Canada.
Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool
Government of Canada's ISC Indigenous Post-Secondary Support Program
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033682/1531933580211
Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Indigenous Students
A bursary intended for Indigenous students in Ontario involved in post-secondary education and job training relating to the renewable energy industry.
Information Package - Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Indigenous Students
Application Form - Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Indigenous Students
Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Members of the Six Nations of the Grand River
A bursary intended for members of the Six Nations of the Grand River who are either entering or currently attending post-secondary education or job training in a field related to the renewable energy industry.
Information Package - Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Members of the Six Nations of the Grand River
Application Form - Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Renewable Energy Educational Bursary for Members of the Six Nations of the Grand River
INDSPIRE
Bursaries, scholarships, and awards available to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.
https://indspire.ca/programs/students/bursaries-scholarships/
Kagita Mikam Aboriginal Employment Training
Employment and Training services are provided to members of Curve Lake First Nation, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan (Golden Lake), Hiawatha First Nation, and the Mohawks of Wahta First Nation as well as Inuit in Ontario. Eligible Aboriginal people can reside either on or off the territory.
https://kagitamikam.com/our-services/
Kathleen Blinkhorn Aboriginal Student Scholarship
Supports Aboriginal students living in non-profit housing in Ontario.
http://www.onpha.on.ca/Content/Membership/Scholarships/Kathleen_Blinkhorn_Aboriginal_Student_Scholarship.aspx
Michael Melancon-Koffend Student Award
Celebrates Indigenous women, two-spirited 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 be chosen to receive an award of $1,000.00. This award is open to all ages and fields of study that are actively pursuing post-secondary studies and working towards the betterment of indigenous life here in Canada.
https://nwac.ca/scholarships-bursaries/michael-melancon-koffend-student-award
MITACS
https://discover.mitacs.ca/indigenous/
Moss Bag Bursary:
Eligibility for an Indigenous Mother or Two-spirit parent, act with kindness and reciprocity.
https://www.themossbagproject.org/scholarship-information
National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund
The NIB Trust Fund is accepting applications for education programs aimed at healing, reconciliation and knowledge building.
https://www.nibtrust.ca/
Ontario Native Education Counselling Association Four Directions Scholarship Award
Awarded annually to an aboriginal (Status, Non-status, Metis and Inuit) post-secondary college student and to a (Status, Non-status, Metis and Inuit) post-secondary university student, who have successfully completed their first year in a full-time program in a field of study that has a counselling component.
https://oneca.com/four-directions-scholarships/
Ontario Power Generation John Wesley Beaver Memorial Award
Awarded annually to a male and female FNMI students who are Ontario residents and are enrolled full-time in a post-secondary institution. Varied disciplines are eligible.
https://www.opg.com/careers/student-awards/ (Scroll down to John Wesley Beaver Memorial Award)
RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth
Selected students are awarded up to $4,000 each academic year for two to four years to use towards tuition, textbooks, supplies and living expenses.
https://www.rbc.com/dms/enterprise/futurelaunch/indigenous-scholarship.html?utm_source=vanity&utm_medium=print-social&utm_campaign=indigenous-scholarship
TD Bridging The Gap Scholarship
TD's Bridging The Gap Scholarship is a monetary scholarship of C$7,500 towards tuition, a 4-month paid summer internship, and a TD Securities business mentor, intended to recognize outstanding Canadian undergraduate students (both academically and with respect to extra-curricular activities and/or community service) who identify as female, an Indigenous person, LGBTQ2+, a person with a disability, and / or a visible minority.
https://cdn-static.findly.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/605/2022/04/06090504/Bridging-the-Gap-Scholarship-Application-Form-EN-2023-1.pdf
University Women’s Club – Northumberland Non-Status First Nations, Métis, Inuit
Awarded to a female student who has been a resident of Northumberland County for at least 2 years, and is entering their second or third year of study.
Contact the Indigenous Student Success Coordinator at fphlstudentsuccess@trentu.ca for further information.
FPHL Emergency Bursaries
Emergency bursaries may also be available through the First Peoples House of Learning. Please contact your Indigenous Student Success Coordinator, fphlstudentsuccess@trentu.ca or phone 705-745-1011 ext. 7358.