OCAD University · National
Scotiabank Indigenous Bursary
About this award
Get $8,800 a year for up to five years toward your studies at OCAD University — apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1. Apply through Indspire's central Building Brighter Futures program — one application covers all sponsor pools.
You can receive $8,800 each year. For the first 4 years of the scholarship, four awards of $8,800 each will be distributed annually. In year 5 of the program, two awards of $8,800 each are available. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you identify as Indigenous and are pursuing your creative education at OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design University). You have three different deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. When you apply, ask Indspire (the organization managing the fund) how and when you will hear back—whether it is by email, phone, or a portal. 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. How to apply: This funding is administered through Indspire's Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships program. Students complete one central application that's evaluated against all 360+ of Indspire's funding pools (including this one) — you don't apply to the sponsor directly. The Apply button on this page routes to Indspire's portal automatically. For the full program description, all three application deadlines, and detailed eligibility, see Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships on FundMyCourse.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
- Post Secondary — study level
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Submit by No deadline~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is giving a vague description of your costs.
Winners instead list exactly how the $8,800 will cover their standard tuition, student fees, books, and materials to show the direct impact of the money.
The biggest mistake is providing a generic character reference.
Winners instead secure letters from community leaders or mentors who can specifically verify their Indigenous affiliation and artistic goals.
The biggest mistake is waiting until the final deadline.
Since there are three windows (August 1, November 1, and February 1), apply during the earliest one possible to increase your visibility.