Robert L. Jamieson · National
Robert L. Jamieson Award for Indigenous Students
About this award
Get a bursary for your music or fine arts studies if you are an Indigenous student with financial need — apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1. Apply through Indspire's central Building Brighter Futures program — one application covers all sponsor pools.
The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact Indspire (the organization that provides funding for Indigenous students) 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 creative path in music or fine arts and need extra financial support to stay in school. You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. 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 beyond financial need, though they may also look at your academic success and volunteer work. Ask Indspire how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Indspire 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 Indspire whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain. How to apply: This funding is administered through Indspire's Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships program. Students complete one central application that's evaluated against all 360+ of Indspire's funding pools (including this one) — you don't apply to the sponsor directly. The Apply button on this page routes to Indspire's portal automatically. For the full program description, all three application deadlines, and detailed eligibility, see Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships on FundMyCourse.
Can you get it?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Post Secondary — study level
- Studying music, fine arts — field of study
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Submit by No deadline~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is providing a generic portfolio.
Winners instead curate a collection of work that shows a clear artistic voice and growth.
Include a brief artist statement that explains the "why" behind your pieces.
The biggest mistake is using a teacher who only knows your grades.
Winners instead use a mentor or professor who can speak to your passion for music or art and your persistence.
Ask your referee to provide specific examples of your creativity.