BHP Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Indigenous affiliation
• ✓ Enrollment in a post-secondary program
• ✓ Details regarding your field of study and geographic location

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact BHP 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 post-secondary education, especially if you are studying mining or mineral-related fields. 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 BHP how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask BHP 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 BHP whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You can apply regardless of your level of study or your specific Indigenous affiliation. While you can be enrolled in any field of study, the funder prefers students in mining or minerals related disciplines. This includes engineering (such as geological, metallurgy, process, electrical, civil, mechanical, geotechnical, computer, or engineering physics), natural sciences (like geology, earth science, chemistry, biology, or physics), business degrees or diplomas, computer science, technical diploma programs (including instrumentation, mine technicians, chemical technicians, engineering technology, information technology, or occupational health and safety nursing), and trades (such as industrial mechanics, electricians, instrumentation, heavy duty mechanics, pipefitters, or welders). Geography plays a big role in your chances. There is a primary priority for students from Saskatchewan, with a strong preference for those from Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Day Star First Nation, Fishing Lake First Nation, George Gordon First Nation, Kawacatoose First Nation, and Muskowekwan First Nation. There is secondary priority for students from British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. If funds remain, students in the preferred fields of study from anywhere in Canada may be considered.

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, graduate, trades or certificate students
• ✓ Studying Mining, Minerals, Engineering, Geological, Metallurgy, Process, Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Geotechnical, Computer, Engineering Physics, Geology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Business, Computer Science, Instrumentation, Technician (mine), Chemical Technician, Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Occupational Health and Safety, OHS Nursing, Industrial Mechanic, Electrician, Heavy Duty Mechanic, Pipefitter or Welder

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

• Field of StudyAvoid assuming you must be in a mining program to apply. Instead, highlight any connection your studies have to minerals or resources, or emphasize your Indigenous identity if you are in a different field. Mention specifically how your program aligns with the industries BHP operates in.
• SupportAvoid providing a generic reference letter. Instead, secure letters from community leaders or instructors who can speak to your resilience and commitment to your community. Get a referee who knows your specific goals.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the final deadline. Since there are three windows (August, November, and February), apply during the earliest one possible to increase your visibility before funds are depleted.
• RealismAvoid ignoring the geographic priorities. If you are not from Saskatchewan, BC, AB, or MB, focus heavily on your alignment with the preferred technical fields like engineering or trades to remain competitive with regional priority candidates.

Questions students ask

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