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BDC Indigenous Student Excellence Award

For Indigenous students in finance, technology, sustainability or environment programs.

Reviewed by G Paul · verified August 31, 2026

Nov 1, 2026

Next deadline

What you will need

Proof of Indigenous affiliation
Confirmation of enrollment in a post-secondary institution (college, university, technical college, or apprenticeship program)
Proof of enrollment in a financing, technology, sustainability, environment, or related program of study

About this award

The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada — the crown corporation that supports entrepreneurs) 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 identify as Indigenous and are pursuing a career in green energy, sustainable development, finance, or technology. 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 the application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask BDC how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask BDC 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 BDC whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you have any Indigenous affiliation and are attending a post-secondary institution, such as a college, university, technical college, or apprenticeship program. You can be at any level of study, but you must be enrolled in financing, technology, sustainability, environment, or related programs.

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

Studying Financing, technology, sustainability or environment

How to apply

Read the award's own 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.

More details

Program Focus

Avoid writing a generic application.

Instead, highlight exactly how your studies in financing, technology, or sustainability match BDC's goal of supporting innovative entrepreneurs.

Mention specific projects or goals in these fields.

Support

Don't forget to connect their academic goals to their community.

Include letters from mentors or community leaders who can vouch for your commitment to using your degree to help other Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Strategy

Since there are three deadlines (August 1, November 1, and February 1), do not wait until the last one.

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