Bell/Ottawa-Gatineau Youth Foundation Educational Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Application through Online Scholarships and Bursaries in the uoZone portal, by March 31
• ✓ The Financial Questionnaire
• ✓ Child welfare information: the names of the child welfare agencies, a description of your child welfare experience, and contact information for your child welfare worker or social worker

About this award

You can receive a minimum of $3,000 up to $6,000. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep — there is nothing to repay. This is for you if you are, or have been, in the care of the Canadian child welfare system and are studying full time in a degree or diploma program at the University of Ottawa. Apply by March 31 each year (the next deadline is March 31, 2027) through Online Scholarships and Bursaries in the uoZone portal. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, a portal, or phone. Winners must show financial need, as assessed by the University of Ottawa's Financial Aid and Awards Service, and academic excellence. The number of awards each year varies. Ask University of Ottawa 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 University of Ottawa whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be admitted as a full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate degree or diploma program at the University of Ottawa, be an Ontario resident under OSAP rules, show financial need (as determined by the University of Ottawa's Financial Aid and Awards Service) and academic excellence, and be under 30 on the application deadline. You must be in, or have been in, the child welfare or protection system. Students who received social assistance, welfare, family benefits or employment insurance but were never in care are not eligible.

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 undergraduate or graduate 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

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

3. 3

   Submit your application

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

Tips for applying

• ApplicationAvoid submitting a generic request for funds. Instead, explain exactly how this money will help you complete your specific program of study. Detail your academic goals in your application.
• SupportAvoid leaving the child welfare section vague. Instead, give the names of the child welfare agencies, a short description of your experience in care, and contact details for your child welfare worker or social worker, as the application asks.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the last minute to gather your documents. Instead, start your application now to ensure you meet the March 31 deadline. Create a checklist of every document the university asks for.
• RealismAvoid assuming you will get this award based on your grades alone. Instead, treat this as one part of a larger financial plan. Apply for multiple bursaries at University of Ottawa to increase your chances of coverage.

Questions students ask

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