Jaspal and Mohinder Sidhu Award

What you will need

• ✓ A statement outlining the importance of being a member of the first generation of your immediate family to pursue a post-secondary degree
• ✓ A statement outlining your community and volunteer involvement
• ✓ At least one letter of reference from someone who can verify your community/volunteer service and the impact of your role

About this award

You can receive an award valued at a minimum of $3,750, and at least one is given each year. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if your parents have never completed a post-secondary education anywhere in the world and you have contributed to the well-being of your local, provincial, or national community. This award is given in the summer term. Simon Fraser University takes applications for summer undergraduate awards from May 3 to May 21, 2027. You will need to ask Simon Fraser University how and when you will be notified of the result. The Senate Undergraduate Awards Adjudication Committee chooses the winners. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Simon Fraser University how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Simon Fraser University 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 Simon Fraser University whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree in any faculty and be enrolled full-time in the term you are eligible for the award. You must be in good academic standing and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Your parents must have never completed a post-secondary education at an institution anywhere in the world. You must have made contributions to the well-being of your local, provincial, or national community. A preference will be given to students who are children of immigrants.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to undergraduate students

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Personal StatementAvoid writing a generic list of your achievements. Instead, focus on why being the first in your family to pursue a degree is important to you and how it has shaped your perspective. Describe one specific challenge you overcame to get to university.
• ReferencesAvoid using a reference who only knows you casually. Instead, choose someone who can verify the direct impact your role had on the community or organization you served. Ask your referee to provide a concrete example of your contribution.
• StrategyAvoid treating your community statement as a resume. Instead, tell a story about a specific project or person you helped. Explain the "why" behind your volunteer work to show your values.
• RealismAvoid assuming that having a high GPA is enough to win. Instead, remember that this award's criteria centre on your family's education history and your community contributions. Ensure your statements emphasize these two areas as much as your academics.

Questions students ask

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