BDC Indigenous Student Excellence Award

What you will need

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

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — 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 official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to college, undergraduate or trades students
• ✓ Studying Financing, technology, sustainability or environment

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

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Program FocusAvoid 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.
• StrategySince there are three deadlines (August 1, November 1, and February 1), do not wait until the last one. Apply during the earliest window possible to increase your chances of securing funds before the annual pool is exhausted.
• RealismBecause the dollar amount isn't public, treat this as a "top-up" fund rather than your primary source of tuition. Use it to cover books, software, or living expenses while keeping your main financial aid secure.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

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