Manitoba Blue Cross · National
Manitoba Blue Cross Indigenous Northern Scholarships
About this award
Get up to $5,000 for your studies in social work or counselling — apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1. Apply through Indspire's central Building Brighter Futures program — one application covers all sponsor pools.
You can receive one of three bursaries: one $5,000 award for PhD students, one $5,000 award for those in a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) program, or one $3,000 award for the Aboriginal & Northern Counselling Certificate Program. These are bursaries, not loans, so you do not have to pay this money back. This is for you if you identify as Indigenous and want to build a career in social work and counselling. You have three different deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. When you apply, ask how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Manitoba Blue Cross how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Manitoba Blue Cross 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 Manitoba Blue Cross whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain. How to apply: This funding is administered through Indspire's Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships program. Students complete one central application that's evaluated against all 360+ of Indspire's funding pools (including this one) — you don't apply to the sponsor directly. The Apply button on this page routes to Indspire's portal automatically. For the full program description, all three application deadlines, and detailed eligibility, see Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships on FundMyCourse.
Can you get it?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Post Secondary, Graduate, Bsw, Certificate — study level
- Studying social work, counselling — field of study
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 writing a generic essay about wanting to help people.
Winners instead explain exactly how their specific degree in social work or counselling will serve their community.
Describe the specific gaps in care you plan to fill.
The biggest mistake is providing references who only know you socially.
Winners provide letters from professors or community leaders who can vouch for your academic discipline and cultural connection.
Get a letter that proves your commitment to northern communities.