Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Applied Research Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Project proposal including introduction, objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes
• ✓ Personal statement highlighting your qualifications, experience, and passion for the research
• ✓ Letter of recommendation from a faculty member who will supervise the research project
• ✓ Detailed explanation of how the work goes above and beyond capstone project requirements (if applicable)
• ✓ Agreement to submit an interim confirmation of progress signed by your supervisor
• ✓ Agreement to make a social media post on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin tagging #saskpolytechresearch

About this award

You can receive a scholarship of $1,000 or $500. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. You get $1,000 if you collaborate with an industry, community, or business partner, while $500 scholarships are awarded for projects with no external partner. This is for you if you are a student eager to solve everyday problems through applied research partnerships with industry and the community. You must apply by January 29, 2027. No notification timeline is posted publicly — when you apply, ask Kiela Caudillo at applied.research@saskpolytech.ca how and when you will hear back. Selection is based on your academic achievement and the nature of your research, such as its innovation or sustainability. Your faculty supervisor must confirm you are in good academic standing in their letter of support. Selection criteria aren't published in detail — ask Saskatchewan Polytechnic how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is awarded upon the completion of your project and your participation in the annual Applied Research Student Showcase. Ask Saskatchewan Polytechnic during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. To keep the money, you must complete the project, submit required reports, and present your work at the annual showcase. You also need to provide a mid-project check-in signed by your supervisor and make a social media post tagging #saskpolytechresearch. Since renewal conditions aren't listed, confirm with Saskatchewan Polytechnic if you can apply again in future years.

Who qualifies

You must be enrolled full-time in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic certificate, diploma, degree or post-graduate certificate program of 20 weeks or more in length. You must have completed at least one semester of the program by the Applied Research Student Showcase date. You must complete your project prior to May 31, 2027. You can receive only one scholarship per academic year. If you work jointly on a project with other students, you will be required to share the scholarship. You are not eligible if you work as a research assistant or student researcher at a Saskatchewan Polytechnic centre, or if your project already received funding from Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Capstone projects required for graduation are not eligible, but you can apply if your research activities go above and beyond your capstone requirements.

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 certificate, undergraduate or graduate students
• ✓ Studying applied research or technology

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

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Write your essay

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

4. 4

   Submit your application

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

Tips for applying

• Project SummaryAvoid using jargon or overly technical language that might confuse reviewers. Instead, write in a clear, concise, and organized manner. Draft your proposal and then read it aloud to ensure it sounds simple and direct.
• SupportAvoid submitting your proposal without external input. Instead, seek feedback from your project supervisor to refine your ideas. Schedule a meeting with your faculty mentor specifically to review your methodology and timeline.
• StrategyAvoid rushing your application at the last minute. Instead, begin working on your applied research plan well in advance to avoid overlooking details. Set a personal deadline one week before January 29 to allow for final edits.
• RealismAvoid assuming your project is automatically feasible. Instead, demonstrate that your research plan is practical and achievable within the timeframe. Include a realistic schedule in your proposal to show exactly how you will meet the May 31 deadline.

Questions students ask

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