Calgary Foundation · Regional
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Undergraduate Bursary
About this award
Get $3,000 for your final year of an undergraduate program if you are a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student in Alberta — apply by May 15, 2026.
You can receive a bursary valued at $3,000. There are up to six bursaries available in total: four are provided by the Thorner/Johnston/DiMarzo Family Fund at Calgary Foundation and two are provided by Calgary Foundation. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit and are approaching the end of your undergraduate journey. You must apply by May 15, 2026. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Calgary Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is applied directly to your tuition. Confirm with your school's financial aid office how this credit will appear on your account so you can plan your payments. Renewal conditions aren't listed — because this is specifically for students entering their final year of study, it is likely a one-time award. Confirm with Calgary Foundation if there are any other requirements to keep the funds.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
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.
Collect reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice and share your résumé.
Draft and revise your essays~10 hours
Use the STAR framework. Be specific, show impact, proofread twice.
Submit by May 15, 2026~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is writing a generic history of your culture.
Winners instead focus on their personal, lived connection to First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities and clearly link their future career goals to the support this money provides.
Many students submit a generic character reference.
You should choose a referee who can speak specifically to your resilience, your cultural ties, or your academic dedication in your final year.
Since you must prove financial need, gather your latest tuition statements and income documents before you start.
Being able to quantify exactly why you need the $3,000 makes your application more convincing.