Scotiabank Indigenous Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Indigenous affiliation
• ✓ Enrollment in any program at OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design University)

About this award

You can receive $8,800 per year. For the first 4 years of the scholarship, four awards of $8,800 each are distributed annually. In year 5 of the program, two awards of $8,800 each are given. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep — there is nothing to repay. This is for you if you identify as Indigenous and are pursuing your education at OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design University). Deadlines come around three times a year on August 1, November 1 and February 1, so aim for whichever one is next. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, a portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask OCAD University how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask OCAD 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. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with OCAD University whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you have any Indigenous affiliation and are attending OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design University). You can be enrolled in any program of study at the university.

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 or graduate students

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

   Submit your application

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

Tips for applying

• IdentityAvoid providing a generic bio. Instead, clearly articulate your Indigenous heritage and how your art or studies connect to your community. Be specific about your roots.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the final deadline. Since there are three windows (August, November, and February), apply during the earliest one possible to get your funding sorted before the term starts.
• RealismAvoid assuming the full five-year funding is guaranteed. Note that the number of awards drops from four in the early years to only two in year 5, so treat the later funding as highly competitive.

Questions students ask

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