Registered Nurses' Foundation of Ontario Academic Awards

What you will need

• ✓ A $35 application fee, paid online when you start the application (usually not refunded)
• ✓ Confirmation that you are enrolled in a nursing program this Winter term (an enrolment document from your school, or a letter from your program director or registrar)
• ✓ Unofficial transcripts uploaded to the application (winners must then send official ones); graduate and second-degree applicants should include transcripts from earlier degrees
• ✓ Two reference letters, sent by your referees directly to the RNFOO office
• ✓ An explanation of how you qualify for each award you choose, and your career goals in nursing
• ✓ If you are a nurse going back to school: current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)

About this award

You can receive a scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Ontario resident enrolled in a nursing program, including registered nurses going back to school. You can be studying outside Ontario. Applications open each December through January, and winners are told in early March. No exact closing date is posted — before you start your application, check the Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario's Academic Awards page or call their office to confirm this year's date. Starting an application costs a $35 fee, which is usually not refunded. Winners are chosen on academic and clinical performance, not financial need. Many individual awards add their own criteria (for example, membership in a Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario interest group, or a focus on care of the elderly), so read the awards brochure and pick only the ones you meet. One application covers every award you choose. If you win, you have two weeks to have your school send official transcripts before the award is paid. Ask the Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario how the money will reach you so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you are a resident of Ontario (you may study outside the province) and fit one of these groups: - You are a nurse registered with the CNO (the College of Nurses of Ontario — the regulatory body that licenses nurses), including those in graduate-level studies. - You are a student in a practical nursing program approved by the CNO (the College of Nurses of Ontario). - You are a student in a baccalaureate (four-year degree) nursing program accredited by CASN (the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing — the national body that sets standards for nursing education) and approved by the CNO (the College of Nurses of Ontario).

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 undergraduate, graduate or certificate students
• ✓ Studying nursing

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

   Check this year's deadline

   We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.

Tips for applying

• Academic RecordAvoid only submitting your latest transcript. Instead, highlight any specific academic achievements or professional milestones that show your growth in the nursing field. Gather your most recent grades and registration proofs before the December window opens.
• Professional StandingAvoid assuming your registration is automatically verified. Instead, prepare a current digital copy of your CNO (College of Nurses of Ontario) registration or proof of enrollment in an approved program. Check that your documents are up to date.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until January to look for the application. Instead, set a calendar reminder for early December so you can apply as soon as the window opens. This ensures you don't miss the short two-month window.
• RealismAvoid counting on this as a sure source of funding. Instead, remember that these awards are limited and competitive. Apply for multiple nursing bursaries to increase your chances of getting support.

Questions students ask

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