Peter Gilgan Foundation Indigenous Student Award

Annual bursary for Indigenous students in any program at any level who show financial need.

Published by G Paul · last checked August 31, 2026

Next deadline

Nov 1, 2026

Level

College, Undergraduate, Graduate, Trades, Certificate

Open to

Across Canada

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Indigenous affiliation
Enrollment at a post-secondary institution

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Peter Gilgan Foundation 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 attending a post-secondary institution and need extra financial help to cover your education costs. 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 an application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Peter Gilgan Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Peter Gilgan Foundation 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 Peter Gilgan Foundation 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 currently attending a post-secondary institution. This award is open to you regardless of your program of study or your level of study. You must also show demonstrated financial need to 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, undergraduate, graduate, trades or certificate students

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
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 breakdown of your tuition gaps and living expenses. List your specific shortfall to show exactly why this funding is needed.
StrategyAvoid applying only once a year. Since there are three separate deadlines (August, November, and February), you should track which one best aligns with your semester's heaviest costs.
RealismAvoid relying on this as your only source of funding. Because the dollar amount isn't public, treat this as a helpful top-up while you secure your primary loans or grants.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

Applications close on November 1, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Check the award's official page for the citizenship rules.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Aug 31, 2026