Scotiabank Business and Commerce Bursary

Bursary for Indigenous students anywhere in Canada at any level of study, with financial need. Business and commerce preferred. Aug 1, Nov 1 or Feb 1.

Published by G Paul · last checked August 31, 2026

Next deadline

Nov 1, 2026

Level

College, Undergraduate, Graduate, Trades, Certificate

Open to

Across Canada

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Indigenous affiliation
Demonstrated financial need
Enrollment at a Canadian post-secondary institution
Details regarding community involvement and contributions

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Scotiabank 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 with any Indigenous affiliation who is managing financial challenges while pursuing your education. You can apply by August 1, November 1, or 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 — ask Scotiabank how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Scotiabank 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 Scotiabank whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an Indigenous student with any Indigenous affiliation attending a post-secondary institution anywhere in Canada. You can be at any level of study. To qualify, you must show demonstrated financial need. While financial need is the main factor, you have a better chance if you are studying in a Business or Commerce program. The reviewers may also look at your academic merit and how you have contributed to your community.

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 college, undergraduate, graduate, trades or certificate students
Studying Business or Commerce

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

Financial NeedAvoid providing a vague summary of your expenses. Instead, provide a detailed breakdown of your tuition gaps and living costs to prove exactly why the funding is needed. List every specific cost you cannot cover.
Community LeadershipMany applicants simply list their volunteer roles. Instead, describe the actual impact you had on your community, using numbers or stories to show how you helped others. Focus on the result of your actions, not just the title of your role.
StrategySince there are three separate deadlines (August 1, November 1, and February 1), do not wait until the final date of the year to apply. Submit your materials for the earliest possible window to increase your chances of securing funds before they run out.
RealismBecause this award prioritizes Business and Commerce students, those in other fields face steeper competition. If you are not in a business program, lean heavily on your community involvement and academic achievements to stand out.

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 November 1, 2026. 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 Aug 31, 2026