Joyce Foundation Bursaries

What you will need

• ✓ Short essay (max 500 words) explaining how you have overcome obstacles and adversity
• ✓ Letter of reference from an individual who can speak to your personal circumstances, resilience, and potential for success (PDF, DOCX, or DOC format)
• ✓ Response to supplemental question explaining how you demonstrate a strong effort and commitment to your studies
• ✓ Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
• ✓ Full-time enrollment in an eligible program at Confederation College

About this award

You can receive up to $5,000 per year for every year of your program. Specifically, you get $5,000 if you are in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and $4,000 if you are in any other eligible program. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep — there is nothing to repay. This is for you if you are a full-time student in a healthcare or engineering technology program who has faced significant personal obstacles but remains committed to your education. You must apply by September 22, 2026. When you apply, ask Confederation College how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the application portal. Selection is based on your financial need and personal circumstances, along with the effort and commitment you show toward your studies. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Confederation College 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, school fees, and books only. Ask Confederation College during your application to confirm if the funds are sent to the school or handled differently so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Confederation College whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada and be attending a post-secondary institution in Canada. You must be enrolled in a full-time course of study in one of these programs: Practical Nursing (2 years), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (4 years), Dental Hygiene (3 years), Medical Radiation Technology (3 years), Mechanical Engineering Technology (3 years), or Electrical Engineering Technology (3 years). A preference will be given to you if you graduated from a high school in the region of northwestern Ontario within the last three years. Additionally, a preference may be given to you if you have no other avenues of funding or supports for your post-secondary education.

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 post-secondary students
• ✓ Studying Practical Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Medical Radiation Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology or Electrical Engineering Technology

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

   This round closed on September 22, 2026

   Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• EssayAvoid simply listing the hardships you have faced. Instead, tell a specific story about how you overcame a particular obstacle and what that taught you about resilience. Focus on your growth and your potential for success in your studies.
• ReferencesAvoid using a generic character reference. Instead, choose a referee who knows your personal circumstances deeply and can provide concrete examples of your strength in the face of adversity.
• StrategyAvoid giving vague answers about your academic effort. Instead, describe the specific habits or sacrifices you make to ensure you succeed in your full-time program.
• RealismAvoid assuming that being in a high-need category guarantees the award. Instead, remember that preference is given to those with no other funding sources, so be very clear about your financial situation in your application.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

• Confederation CollegeAircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME) Association #65 Award$1,000
• Confederation CollegeCalen Grant Memorial$1,000
• Confederation CollegePaul Behman Memorial Award$1,000
• 3M Canada (through the Electro-Federation Canada scholarship program)3M Electrical Markets Division Scholarship$3,500
• Holland CollegeCharlottetown Y's Men Award$1,000
• Nipissing UniversityThe Venasse Building Group Award$1,000
• Hockey Nova ScotiaJim Stirling Scholarship$2,000
• Nipissing UniversityAramark Canada Bursary$1,115