BDC · National
BDC Indigenous Student Excellence Award
About this award
Apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1 for an annual bursary supporting Indigenous students in financing, tech, or environmental programs. Apply through Indspire's central Building Brighter Futures program — one application covers all sponsor pools.
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. This is for you if you identify as Indigenous and are pursuing a career in the financial, technical, or green sectors. You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — email, portal, or phone. 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. Since this is a bursary, the money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. 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. How to apply: This funding is administered through Indspire's Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships program. Students complete one central application that's evaluated against all 360+ of Indspire's funding pools (including this one) — you don't apply to the sponsor directly. The Apply button on this page routes to Indspire's portal automatically. For the full program description, all three application deadlines, and detailed eligibility, see Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships on FundMyCourse.
Can you get it?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Undergraduate, College, University, Apprenticeship Program — study level
- Studying financing, technology, sustainability and environment — field of study
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Submit by No deadline~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is writing a generic application.
Winners instead explain exactly how their studies in financing, technology, or the environment match BDC's mission to support entrepreneurs.
Detail your specific career goals in these fields.
The biggest mistake is providing a basic character reference.
Winners instead secure letters from professors or mentors who can vouch for their academic skill in their specific technical or financial program.
The biggest mistake is waiting until the final deadline.