ATB Financial Bursary

A bursary supporting Indigenous students attending any post-secondary program across Canada.

Published by G Paul · last checked September 26, 2026

Next deadline

Nov 1, 2026

Level

High school, College, Undergraduate, Graduate, Trades, Certificate

Open to

Across Canada

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Indigenous affiliation or citizenship
Financial need
Enrollment in a Canadian College, University, Technical College, or Apprenticeship Program
Details regarding your involvement and contribution to the community

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact ATB Financial to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student who is committed to your community and looking for financial support while pursuing your education. Deadlines come around three times a year on August 1, November 1 and February 1, so aim for whichever one is next. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through an application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask ATB Financial how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask ATB Financial during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with ATB Financial whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an Indigenous student with any Indigenous Affiliation attending a post-secondary institution across Canada, such as a College, University, Technical College, or Apprenticeship Program. You can be at any level of study. While open to all qualified students, first preference will be given to Alberta students entering studies of Finance, Commerce, Technology, and Social (Indigenous Studies). Priority is also given to those residing in Alberta or students with Indigenous citizenship who have an Indigenous community in Alberta. The main factor for selection is demonstrated financial need, though the funder may also look at your academic performance and how you contribute to your community.

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.

Open to high school, college, undergraduate, graduate, trades or certificate students

Preferred, not required

Preference for students in Finance, Commerce, Technology or Social (Indigenous Studies)

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

Financial NeedAvoid providing a vague statement about needing money. Instead, provide a detailed breakdown of your tuition gaps and living costs. List your specific monthly shortfall to show exactly why this bursary is needed.
Community LeadershipMany applicants simply list their volunteer roles. Instead, describe the impact you had on others. Use a specific example of a project you led or a person you helped within your Indigenous community.
StrategySince there are three separate deadlines (August 1, November 1, and February 1), do not wait until the final one. Apply during the earliest window possible to increase your chances of securing funds before they are fully allocated.
RealismBecause this award prioritizes Alberta residents and specific fields like Finance or Indigenous Studies, students outside these groups face steeper competition. If you don't fit the preference profile, emphasize your community contributions even more strongly to stand out.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

Applications close on November 1, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Check the award's official page for the citizenship rules.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 26, 2026