Heads up: this scholarship was renamed from …. Update your bookmark or shared link to use this URL.

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.

Reviewed by G Paul · verified August 31, 2026

Nov 1, 2026

Next deadline

What you will need

Proof of Indigenous affiliation
Documentation of demonstrated financial need
Proof of enrollment at a Canadian post-secondary institution
Details regarding community involvement and contributions
Academic transcripts to demonstrate merit

About this award

The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — 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 own page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm with the provider before you apply.

Studying Business or Commerce

How to apply

Read the award's own page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Order your transcript1–2 weeks
Your school's registrar can take a week or two.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

More details

Financial Need

Avoid 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 Leadership

Many 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.

Share this scholarship

Screenshot this card to share it, or copy the citation. It shows when we checked it and links back here.