Rotary Indigenous Bursary Fund

Laurentian University

$5,000 for Indigenous students entering their second, third, or fourth year of any program.

Published by G Paul · last checked October 23, 2026

Total value

$5,000

Deadline

Jan 31, 2027

Level

Undergraduate

Open to

Ontario

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Brief essay (300-500 words) outlining your program of study, motivation for higher education, leadership initiatives, and career ambitions
Signed recommendation letter from a professor, band council member, or recent/current employer
Indigenous identity (First Nations, Inuit, or Metis)
Full application submitted via email to financialaid@laurentian.ca

About this award

You can receive $5,000. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. If funding remains available, the award is automatically renewable twice as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and maintain a good academic standing. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student (First Nations, Inuit, or Metis) who is balancing your studies with financial challenges. You must apply by January 31. When you apply, ask Laurentian University how and when you'll hear back — whether by email, portal, or phone. The Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar selects a maximum of three (3) Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Metis) students each year. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Laurentian University how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Laurentian University 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. To keep this award for multiple years, you must maintain a good academic standing and continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Since specific renewal conditions aren't listed, confirm with Laurentian University exactly what GPA or status you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an Indigenous student (First Nations, Inuit, or Metis). You must be enrolled full-time and entering your second, third, or fourth year of studies in any program. You must also demonstrate financial need. A preference is given to "mature" status students.

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 students
Resident of Ontario

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Ask for reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.
Write your essay
Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

EssayAvoid writing a generic summary of your grades. Instead, focus on your specific motivation for higher education and your career ambitions. Describe one leadership initiative you led that shows your impact.
ReferencesAvoid using a general character reference. Instead, secure a signed letter from a professor, band council member, or current employer who can speak to your academic or professional growth.
RealismAvoid assuming the award is guaranteed if you meet the basic bars. Instead, remember that only a maximum of three students are selected annually, so make your personal essay as specific as possible.

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 January 31, 2027. 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 Oct 23, 2026