CAE Award

What you will need

• ✓ Indigenous affiliation
• ✓ Demonstrated financial need
• ✓ Enrollment in a Canadian post-secondary institution (college, university, technical college, or apprenticeship program)
• ✓ Statement of interest in aviation (for those not in STEAM programs)

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact CAE 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 are an Indigenous student with any Indigenous affiliation who needs financial help to cover your education costs. 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 a portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask CAE how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask CAE 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 CAE whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an Indigenous student with any Indigenous affiliation attending a post-secondary institution in Canada, such as a college, university, technical college, or apprenticeship program. You must show demonstrated financial need. Priority is given to those studying in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs, or students in other programs who have shown an interest in aviation.

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

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

• Financial NeedAvoid providing a vague statement about needing money. Instead, provide a clear breakdown of your tuition gaps and living expenses. List your specific monthly shortfall to prove your need.
• SupportAvoid using a generic character reference. Instead, use a mentor or teacher who can speak specifically to your passion for aviation or your success in STEAM subjects. Ensure your referee mentions your specific academic goals.
• RealismAvoid treating this as a guaranteed grant. Instead, apply to multiple bursaries through Indspire (the organization that manages this funding) to diversify your options. Treat this as one piece of your overall funding puzzle.

Questions students ask

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