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CNSA Disability/Diversability Award

Get up to $3,000 for nursing students in Canada who identify as having a disability or diversability — applications open each December.

Reviewed by G Paul · verified April 23, 2026

$3,000

Total value

Dec 1, 2026

Next deadline

Canadian Nurses Foundation

Administered by

What you will need

Online application submitted via cnf-fiic.ca/scholarships/
Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
Proof of current enrollment in a Canadian RPN, LPN, or RN program
Verification of active CNSA (Canadian Nurses Student Association) membership
Self-identification of disability and/or diversability

About this award

You can receive up to $3,000 for your studies. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a nursing student who identifies as having a disability or diversability and wants to support your path toward becoming a healthcare professional. Applications open each December for the following academic year and typically close in late January. No specific date is posted publicly for the current cycle — before you start your application, check the Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF — the national organization providing financial support to nurses) program page or call their office to confirm when applications open and close this year. You will hear back through the application portal or email. Winners are chosen based on merit by the CNF awards committee. They award over 135 scholarships per year across all tiers, though they do not publish the exact number of winners for this specific award — ask the CNF how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask the Canadian Nurses Foundation 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 the Canadian Nurses Foundation whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You must be a member of the CNSA (the Canadian Nurses Student Association — the national student body for nursing) and currently enrolled in a baccalaureate level RPN (Registered Practical Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), or RN (Registered Nurse) program in Canada. You must also self-identify as having a disability and/or diversability.

This is what the award's own page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm with the provider before you apply.

Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Open to undergraduate students
Studying nursing

How to apply

Read the award's own 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.

More details

Identity

Avoid giving a vague description of your needs.

Instead, clearly explain how your disability or diversability has shaped your perspective on patient care and why this funding is necessary for your success.

Membership

Don't forget to verify their CNSA membership is active before applying.

Ensure your membership is current and documented so your application isn't disqualified on a technicality.

Strategy

Since one single application covers every CNF scholarship you are eligible for, take the time to thoroughly document every aspect of your identity and achievements.

This increases your chances across multiple award tiers simultaneously.

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