Canadian Nurses Foundation · National
CNSA Registered Psychiatric Nursing Award
About this award
Get up to $3,000 for your baccalaureate studies in psychiatric nursing — apply between December and late January.
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 dedicated psychiatric nursing student looking to be recognized for your achievements and efforts in your practice. 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 (CNF — the national organization supporting nursing education) 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, though you should ask the provider for the exact notification date. The CNF awards committee chooses winners based on merit. They award over 135 scholarships per year across all tiers, but they do not publish the exact number of winners for this specific award — ask the CNF how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds.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.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
- Undergraduate — study level
- Studying psychiatric 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 tasks you were assigned.
Winners instead highlight specific outcomes and the impact they had on patient care.
List a concrete example of a time you improved a patient's experience during your practice.
Many students provide generic letters.
Winners secure references from clinical instructors who can speak specifically to their skills in psychiatric nursing.
Ask your supervisor to mention a specific instance where you showed exceptional clinical judgment.