Lorraine Allison Memorial Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Cover letter including your contact email address
• ✓ Brief description of proposed research (2 to 3 pages) including hypothesis, relevance, title, purpose, area/type of study, methodology, and evaluation plan
• ✓ Identification of any collaborative relationships or work
• ✓ Three reference letters
• ✓ Complete curriculum vitae (CV)
• ✓ Official transcripts (student-issued copies are acceptable)

About this award

You can receive a $3,000 scholarship. This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. There is one award given out annually. This is for you if you are a graduate student dedicated to conducting research that benefits people living in the North, especially Indigenous Northerners. You must apply by January 20, 2027. When you apply, ask Arctic Institute of North America (University of Calgary) how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or a portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Arctic Institute of North America (University of Calgary) how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Arctic Institute of North America (University of Calgary) 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 Arctic Institute of North America (University of Calgary) whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To be eligible, you must be a graduate student enrolled at a Canadian university. You must be in a program of study related to Northern issues, which are defined as locations that lie north of the southern limit of the discontinuous permafrost zone. While social science topics will also be considered, biological science fields will be preferred. Scholars from Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are encouraged to apply.

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.

• ✓ Open to graduate students
• ✓ Studying Northern issues, biological science or social science

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

   Order your transcript1–2 weeks

   Your school's registrar can take a week or two.

3. 3

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

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

4. 4

   Submit your application

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

Tips for applying

• Research StatementAvoid writing a vague overview of your interests. Instead, provide a 2 to 3 page description with a clear hypothesis, methodology, and a plan for evaluating your findings. Clearly identify any collaborative work you are doing.
• ReferencesAvoid sending generic letters of recommendation. Instead, ensure your three reference letters specifically highlight your commitment to Northern research and academic excellence.
• StrategyAvoid sending your documents in a zipped folder. Instead, attach each piece of supporting documentation as an individual file to your email to ensure the committee can access them easily.
• RealismAvoid treating this as a guaranteed fund if you are also applying for the Jennifer Robinson scholarship. Instead, remember that you can reuse your transcripts and reference letters for both, but you must note this in your cover letter.

Questions students ask

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