Robert H. and Jean M. Taylor Family First Generation Award

What you will need

• ✓ A written statement attesting that you are the first generation in your immediate family (brothers, sisters, parents, or grandparents) to attend university
• ✓ Submission of a Competitive Entrance Bursary application through the PAWS Scholarships and Bursaries channel

About this award

You can receive a $3,000 award. This is a bursary, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. There is only 1 award offered. This is for you if you are the first person in your immediate family—including your parents, grandparents, or siblings—to attend university. You must apply by March 1. When you apply, ask University of Saskatchewan how and when you will hear back—whether by email, phone, or through the student portal. Winners are chosen based on financial need. Selection criteria aren't published in detail, so ask University of Saskatchewan how they assess financial need and how many people typically apply so you can judge your odds. Ask University of Saskatchewan during your application how the money will reach you—some awards pay students directly, while others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed—if you are counting on this for multiple years, confirm with University of Saskatchewan whether it is a one-time award or if it is renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen and a resident of Saskatchewan. You must be entering your first year of study in a direct entry degree program. Additionally, you must be the first generation in your family to attend any university, which is defined as being the first in your immediate family (meaning your brothers, sisters, parents, or grandparents).

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.

• ✓ Canadian citizen
• ✓ Open to high school or undergraduate students
• ✓ Resident of Saskatchewan

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

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

3. 3

   Submit your application

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

Tips for applying

• Written StatementAvoid simply stating that you are the first in your family to attend university. Instead, write a clear statement that explains your family's educational background to prove you meet the definition. Draft this statement carefully before uploading it to the portal.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the last minute to access the PAWS portal. Instead, log in early to ensure your account is active. Test your login credentials a week before the deadline.
• RealismAvoid assuming this award is guaranteed because you meet the basic criteria. Instead, remember that only 1 award is available and it is competitive. Focus on clearly demonstrating your financial need in your application.

Questions students ask

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