Cassels Indigenous Bursary

For an annual bursary supporting Indigenous students with financial need, especially those in Law programs.

Published by G Paul · last checked August 31, 2026

Next deadline

Nov 1, 2026

Level

College, Undergraduate, Graduate, Trades, Certificate

Open to

Across Canada (preference for students studying in the faculty of Law)

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Indigenous affiliation
Demonstrated financial need
Enrollment at a post-secondary institution

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Cassels 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 attending a post-secondary institution and can show that you have a financial need for extra funding. 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 Cassels how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Cassels 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 Cassels 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. You must be attending a post-secondary institution and have demonstrated financial need. While any program of study is eligible, preference will be given to students studying in the faculty of Law.

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

Preferred, not required

Preference for students in Law

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
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 budget showing exactly how the bursary fills a gap in your tuition or living costs. List your specific expenses and the shortfall you are facing.
SupportAvoid using a generic character reference. Instead, secure letters from community leaders or professors who can speak to your resilience and commitment to your studies. Ensure your referee mentions your specific achievements.
StrategyAvoid applying only once a year. Since there are three separate deadlines (August 1, November 1, and February 1), you should track each window and re-apply if the guidelines allow it.
RealismAvoid assuming a preference for Law students excludes everyone else. If you are in a different program, you can still win, but you must make your financial need and academic goals exceptionally clear to compete with the priority group.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

Applications close on November 1, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Check the award's official page for the citizenship rules.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Aug 31, 2026