Horatio Alger Foundation · National
Horatio Alger Award
About this award
Apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1 for a renewable scholarship for Indigenous students from the North starting a full-time four-year program.
The provider does not post a fixed dollar amount — contact Horatio Alger Foundation to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student from the North who has worked hard to overcome obstacles and needs financial help to afford school. You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. No notification timeline is posted publicly — when you apply, ask how and when you will hear back via email, portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Horatio Alger Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Horatio Alger 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. This is a renewable award, but specific renewal conditions aren't listed — if you are counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Horatio Alger Foundation what you need to maintain to keep the funding.
Can you get it?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Undergraduate — study level
- Resident of NT, YT, NU — provincial eligibility
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.
Request your official transcript1–2 weeks
Order through your school registrar — allow 1–2 weeks.
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 how the scholarship fills the gap between their savings and the cost of tuition.
List your specific costs to prove your need.
The biggest mistake is using a teacher who barely knows you.
Winners instead use a mentor or community leader who can speak to their "determination" and how they have conquered obstacles.
Ask your referee to use those specific words.