Parkland Burnaby Refinery Indigenous Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Indigenous affiliation
• ✓ Enrollment in a Canadian post-secondary institution (College, University, Technical College, or Apprenticeship Program)
• ✓ Financial need
• ✓ Community involvement and contribution

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Parkland 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 identify as Indigenous and are pursuing your education at a post-secondary level, especially if you have a strong record of helping 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 application portal. Selection criteria aren't published in detail, though the funder considers financial need as the main factor along with your academic performance and community involvement. Ask Parkland how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Parkland 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 Parkland whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you have any Indigenous affiliation and are attending a post-secondary institution across Canada, such as a college, university, technical college, or apprenticeship program. There are 2 bursaries available for any program of study, and 2 bursaries specifically for female students enrolled in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). While the funder primarily looks for demonstrated financial need, they also consider your academic merit and how you contribute to your community.

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, undergraduate, graduate, trades or certificate students
• ✓ Studying STEM

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

• Financial NeedAvoid providing a vague statement about needing money. Instead, provide a clear, honest breakdown of your costs and gaps. List your specific tuition and living expenses to show exactly why this bursary is needed.
• StrategyAvoid applying only once. Since there are three separate deadlines (August 1, November 1, and February 1), you should track which one best aligns with your school's payment schedule.
• RealismAvoid assuming a guaranteed win because of identity alone. With only four total bursaries available, competition is high. Focus heavily on the community contribution aspect of your application to stand out.

Questions students ask

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