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CFUW Dr. Alice E. Wilson Awards

CFUW Charitable Trust (Canadian Federation of University Women)

$5,000 for mature students returning to any master's or doctoral program after a break of at least three years.

Published by · last checked September 24, 2026

Total value
$5,000
Level
Graduate

What you will need

  • The application form and documents listed on the CFUW Charitable Trust's application page (this award's page lists only past winners)

About this award

You can receive a $5,000 award. There are four awards available in total: two for students at the master's level and two for those in doctoral level study. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a mature learner who has stepped away from academia and is now returning to pursue advanced degrees. No deadline is posted publicly — before you start the application, check CFUW Charitable Trust (Canadian Federation of University Women)'s program page or call their office to confirm when applications open and close this year. Selection criteria aren't published — ask CFUW Charitable Trust (Canadian Federation of University Women) how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask CFUW Charitable Trust (Canadian Federation of University Women) 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 CFUW Charitable Trust (Canadian Federation of University Women) whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a mature student returning to graduate studies in any field of study. To qualify, you must have been away from your studies for at least three years.

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 graduate students

How to apply

  1. Read the award's official page

    Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

  2. Check this year's deadline

    We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.

Tips for applying

  • Personal StatementAvoid simply listing your previous degrees and the dates you earned them. Instead, explain why you chose to return to graduate school after your break and how that time away informs your current research. Describe the specific spark that brought you back to academia.
  • SupportAvoid providing references who only know you in a social capacity. Instead, choose referees who can speak to your readiness for the rigours of a master's or doctoral program after a long hiatus. Ensure your referees can vouch for your academic potential.
  • StrategyAvoid focusing only on your future goals. Instead, connect your past professional or personal experiences—such as parenting, military service, or healthcare work—to your current research objectives. Show how your lived experience makes you a stronger researcher.
  • RealismAvoid assuming this is a guaranteed fund based on your age alone. Instead, remember that only four awards were given in 2025-2026, across two degree levels. Treat this as a competitive supplement to your primary funding plan.

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?

We don't have a confirmed deadline for this one. Check the award's official page for this year's date.

Can international students apply?

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

Similar awards

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 24, 2026

CFUW Dr. Alice E. Wilson Awards

$5,000 Check the official page

fundmycourse.ca/scholarships/cfuw-dr-alice-e-wilson-awards

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$5,000 See details
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