CIBC Mellon · National
CIBC Mellon Indigenous Bursary
About this award
Apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1 for a bursary supporting Indigenous students in business, tech, engineering, or other programs. Apply through Indspire's central Building Brighter Futures program — one application covers all sponsor pools.
The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact CIBC Mellon 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 a degree in a technical or business field, though it is open to other paths too. You have three different deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — email, portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask CIBC Mellon how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask CIBC Mellon 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 CIBC Mellon whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain. How to apply: This funding is administered through Indspire's Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships program. Students complete one central application that's evaluated against all 360+ of Indspire's funding pools (including this one) — you don't apply to the sponsor directly. The Apply button on this page routes to Indspire's portal automatically. For the full program description, all three application deadlines, and detailed eligibility, see Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships on FundMyCourse.
Can you get it?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Undergraduate, Graduate — study level
- Studying business, technology, engineering, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) — field of study
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Submit by No deadline~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is assuming you cannot apply if you aren't in business or engineering.
Winners instead highlight how their specific program contributes to their community, especially if they are applying from a non-preferred field.
Clearly explain why your choice of study matters.
The biggest mistake is providing a generic character reference.
Winners instead secure letters from community leaders or professors who can verify their Indigenous affiliation and academic goals.
Get a letter that speaks to your specific strengths.