Canadian Nurses Foundation · National
Extendicare Scholarship in Gerontology
About this award
Get up to $5,000 for your Master's in nursing if you plan to work, teach, or conduct research in gerontology or long-term care.
You can receive up to $5,000 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 nurse dedicated to improving the lives of seniors through clinical practice, education, or research in gerontology and long-term care. Applications open each December for the following academic year and typically close in late January. No specific date for this year 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 via the methods listed on their portal. 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 They award over 135 scholarships per year across all tiers, but they do not publish the exact number of winners for this specific award — ask the CNF how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds.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
- Graduate — study level
- Studying gerontology, long term care — 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.
Draft and revise your essays~10 hours
Use the STAR framework. Be specific, show impact, proofread twice.
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 being too vague about your goals.
Winners instead describe exactly how their research or teaching will improve senior care in Canada.
Detail a specific problem in long-term care you want to solve.
Many students just provide a basic reference.
Winners secure letters from supervisors in geriatric settings who can vouch for their clinical skills and passion for elderly care.
Since one single application covers every CNF scholarship you qualify for, don't try to write separate essays.