Hilary Pearson Award · National
Hilary Pearson Award
About this award
Apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1 for an annual bursary supporting female Indigenous students with demonstrated financial need.
The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact Indspire (the organization that manages this funding) to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a female Indigenous student who needs extra financial help to cover your education costs. You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through their portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Indspire how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Indspire 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 Indspire whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.
Can you get it?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Post Secondary — study level
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 providing a vague statement about needing money.
Winners instead provide a clear budget showing exactly where their funding gaps are and how this bursary fills them.
List your specific tuition and living costs to prove your need.
The biggest mistake is using a general character reference.
Winners instead use referees who can specifically speak to their resilience and their commitment to their community.
Ask your referee to provide a concrete example of your leadership.