CNSA Parent Nursing Award

Canadian Nurses Foundation

Get up to $3,000 for baccalaureate-level nursing students who are also parents — applications open each December.

Published by G Paul · last checked September 23, 2026

Up to

$3,000

Next deadline

Dec 1, 2026

Level

Undergraduate

Open to

Across Canada

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Online application submitted via cnf-fiic.ca/scholarships/
Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
Enrollment in a Canadian nursing program (RN, IEN, NP, LPN, or RPN)
Parental status

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 balancing the demands of a nursing program while raising a child. Applications open each December and typically close in late January for the following academic year. No specific date is posted publicly for the current cycle — before you start your application, check the Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF — the national organization that provides funding for nursing students) 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 their different funding tiers, so competition depends on the number of applicants each year. Ask the CNF how many people typically apply for the parent-specific award 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 a one-time award or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You must be enrolled in a Canadian nursing program such as RN (Registered Nurse), IEN (Internationally Educated Nurse), NP (Nurse Practitioner), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), or RPN (Registered Practical Nurse). Specifically for this award, you must be pursuing a Baccalaureate level (Bachelor's degree) of study and be a parent.

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.

Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Open to undergraduate students
Studying nursing

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

SupportDon't forget to highlight the support system they have in place. Mention your childcare arrangements or family support to show the committee that you have a stable plan to complete your degree.
RealismWith over 135 scholarships given across all tiers, the odds are better than for a single large prize, but you are competing with nursing students nationwide. Focus on your unique experience as a student-parent to stand out.

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 December 1, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

No. You need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 23, 2026