Canadian Nurses Foundation · National
CNSA Impact Award
About this award
Get up to $3,000 for your advocacy and leadership work with the CNSA — apply between December and late January.
You can receive up to $3,000. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you have gone above and beyond your classwork to promote the goals of the CNSA (the Canadian Nursing Students' Association — the national voice for nursing students) and created a real impact on the profession. Applications open each December for the following academic year and typically close in late January. No specific time zone is posted publicly — before you start the application, check the Canadian Nurses Foundation's program page or call their office to confirm when applications open and close this year. You will hear back via the methods listed on the application portal. Winners are chosen based on merit by the CNF (the Canadian Nurses Foundation — the organization that supports nursing education) awards committee. They award over 135 scholarships per year across all tiers, but they do not publish exactly how many students win this specific award — ask the provider how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds.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.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
- Undergraduate — study level
- Studying nursing — 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 listing things you did for a grade.
Winners instead show work done outside of required class assignments, like facilitating workshops or influencing health policy.
List specific CNSA activities you led that had a measurable impact.
The biggest mistake is providing a generic character reference.
Winners instead secure letters from CNSA chapter leaders who can prove your leadership and influence within the association.
The biggest mistake is applying to only one award.