Algonquin College Joyce Family Foundation Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Completed bursary application (the 2026 application closed April 5, 2026)
• ✓ An application for admission to Algonquin College, submitted before you apply for the bursary
• ✓ Financial need, as determined by Algonquin College
• ✓ A reference letter from someone who knows your personal circumstances and can speak to your resilience in the face of adversity and your potential for success
• ✓ Commitment to work with a mentor throughout your studies

About this award

You can receive up to $5,000 per year. This is a bursary, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. The money is split into two payments: one at the start of the fall term and one at the start of the winter term. This is for you if you are a local student from the Ottawa or Pembroke area who has faced significant financial barriers and obstacles but has shown the resilience to succeed in school. The 2026 application closed on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The page says an application is required by March 31, and the 2027 deadline is not posted yet. You will be notified if you are selected by late April. If you win, you must be admitted to the college and accept your offer by May 1. Selection is based on your demonstrated financial need, as decided by Algonquin College, and a reference letter from someone who knows your personal situation and can talk about your resilience. Eight renewable awards are given annually, and half of these are set aside specifically for students in two-year diploma programs. The first installment is credited directly to your account at Algonquin College shortly after the fall term begins. Ask Algonquin College / Joyce Family Foundation during your application if there are other ways the funds are handled. To keep this award for following years, you must maintain good academic standing, remain enrolled full-time, and submit a brief report about your work with a mentor. You must also commit to working with a mentor throughout your entire program of study.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person (someone with refugee or protected-person status in Canada). You must be a resident of Ontario and have graduated from a high school in the Ottawa or Pembroke area within the last three years. This award is only for students pursuing their first post-secondary program who are entering Year One of any two-, three-, or four-year program in any Faculty at Algonquin College as a full-time student.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Resident of Ontario

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   This round closed on April 5, 2026

   Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• ReferenceAvoid a generic letter that only confirms you are a good student. Instead, ask your referee to provide specific examples of the obstacles you have overcome and how you stayed resilient. Give your referee a few examples of your challenges to help them write a detailed letter.
• SupportAvoid waiting until the last minute to find a mentor. Instead, start thinking about who could guide you professionally or personally, as you must commit to a mentoring relationship to keep this award. Make a list of potential mentors now.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring the financial need aspect of the application. Instead, be very clear and honest about the specific financial barriers you face. Gather your financial documents early so you can prove your need quickly.
• RealismAvoid counting on this award since there are only eight available each year. Instead, apply to other bursaries at the same time to protect your budget. Check the Algonquin College financial aid page for other options.

Questions students ask

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