Bourse Denis-Mercier (première génération d'étudiant.e universitaire - musique) (4407G)

What you will need

• ✓ Curriculum vitae detailing your university path, relevant artistic or research achievements, scholarships, and recognitions
• ✓ Text (approx. 250 words) describing why you chose university and the obstacles you faced as a first-generation student
• ✓ Text (approx. 250 words) describing the impact of your involvement in the community and university environment
• ✓ Text (approx. 250 words) demonstrating how this scholarship would significantly impact your academic journey

About this award

You can receive a one-time grant of $2,000. As a grant, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are the first person in your family to pursue a university degree and you are studying music. You must apply by October 15, 2026. You will hear back via email by the end of the autumn session. The Faculté de musique de l'Université Laval reviews your application based on your academic record (60%), your involvement in the university community (20%), and your community involvement (20%). Only one bourse is given each year. The number of applicants isn't published, so ask Université Laval (Faculté de musique) if you want to judge your odds. The money is paid to you after the deadline to drop courses without a failing grade or refund for the current session, provided you remain enrolled full-time. Ask Université Laval (Faculté de musique) during your application if the funds are sent via direct deposit or applied to your tuition account. To keep the award, you must remain enrolled full-time. You are also required to attend the donor and scholar recognition ceremony on April 8, 2027. Since this is offered each year, confirm with Université Laval (Faculté de musique) if you can apply again in future sessions.

Who qualifies

You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. You must be the first person in your family to undertake university studies. You must be enrolled in a music program at any level: all bachelor's degrees (baccalauréats), all master's degrees (maîtrises), or all doctoral degrees (doctorats). You must maintain full-time enrollment status. If you are a student parent taking between 6 and 11 credits, you may still be eligible, but you must complete the form with the Registrar's Office before the competition closes. Allow 7 business days for it to be processed.

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 or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to undergraduate or graduate students
• ✓ Studying Musique

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

• Personal StatementAvoid writing a generic essay about why you like music. Instead, focus on the specific obstacles you faced as a first-generation university student. Describe one concrete challenge you overcame to get into your program.
• Community InvolvementAvoid simply listing the organizations where you volunteered. Instead, explain the actual impact your work had on other people. Give a specific example of a project you led or a person you helped.
• StrategyAvoid using AI to generate your ideas or arguments. Instead, use AI only to summarize or correct the grammar of your own original thoughts. Write your drafts by hand first to ensure your personal voice comes through.
• RealismAvoid assuming that a high GPA alone guarantees the award. Instead, remember that 40% of the score comes from your involvement in the community and university. Balance your application by highlighting your leadership outside the classroom.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

• Gouvernement du Québec — Aide financière aux étudesAFE Loans and Bursaries Program (Programme de prêts et bourses)$14,000
• Toronto Metropolitan University - The Creative School / Shure Inc.Shure Award for Excellence in Sound Design (Image Arts)$5,000
• Calgary FoundationShannon Burwash Award for Leadership and Excellence in Equine, Agri-Business and/or Agricultural Studies$5,000
• York University - Faculty of Graduate StudiesYork University Graduate Bursaries
• University of TorontoU of T President’s Scholars of Excellence Program (PSEP)
• Alberta Student AidJason Lang Scholarship$1,000
• Government of SaskatchewanSaskatchewan Student Aid + Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship + Rural-Service Loan Forgiveness
• University of ReginaHelen Janzen Toews Award for Mature Students$4,750