Midwest Surveys Indigenous Education Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Indigenous affiliation
• ✓ Financial need
• ✓ Involvement in and contribution to the community
• ✓ Enrollment in a Geomatics or related discipline program

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Midwest to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student pursuing a post-secondary education in Geomatics and related disciplines who demonstrates financial need and a commitment to your community. Deadlines come around three times a year on August 1, November 1 and February 1, so aim for whichever one is next. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Midwest how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. They provide two (2) bursaries annually based on financial need, community involvement, and academic merit. Ask Midwest 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 Midwest whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must have any Indigenous affiliation to apply. You should be pursuing post-secondary education in Geomatics and related disciplines. Priority is given to those in the following programs: Survey Theory and Calculations at Northern Lakes College, Geomatics Engineering Technology, Geomatics Engineering, Engineering Design and Drafting Technology, or Geographic Information Systems Technology. If no eligible recipients are found by the November 1 deadline, students in Engineering programs at Lethbridge College, NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology), SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology), Saskatchewan Polytechnic, University of Calgary, or Northern Lakes College may be considered.

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 college or undergraduate students
• ✓ Studying Survey Theory and Calculations, Geomatics Engineering Technology, Geomatics Engineering, Engineering Design and Drafting Technology, Geographic Information Systems Technology or Engineering

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

   Submit your application

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

Tips for applying

• Community LeadershipAvoid listing your volunteer roles as a simple list of duties. Instead, describe the actual impact you had on your community and how you helped others. Provide a specific example of a project you led or a group you supported.
• SupportAvoid choosing a reference who only knows you as a student. Instead, provide a referee who can speak to your character and community involvement outside of the classroom. Use a community leader or elder who can vouch for your contributions.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring the preference categories. Instead, highlight exactly how your program of study matches the first-preference list. If you are in a second-preference Engineering program, emphasize your interest in Geomatics to bridge the gap.
• RealismAvoid assuming the award is guaranteed because you meet the basic criteria. Instead, realize that with only two (2) bursaries provided annually, the competition is high. Focus your application on your unique story of overcoming financial barriers to pursue your education.

Questions students ask

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