Seneca In-Course Bursaries and Awards

Seneca Polytechnic

Seneca students apply through Seneca's awards application for in-course scholarships and bursaries. Most are open in the Fall until October 31; a few, such as the $10,000 Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship, close February 15.

Published by G Paul · last checked September 26, 2026

Next deadline

Oct 31, 2026

Level

Undergraduate, Certificate, Trades

Open to

Ontario

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Seneca's online awards application in Student Home (the Financial Aid tile, then "Apply for Financial Aid"), including a budget
Answers to the questions linked to each award you select
Additional documents where an award asks for them (shown next to the award in the application)
For the First Nations Resource Development Scholarship: enrolment in one of the eligible resource development-related programs
For the Ontario First Generation Bursary and the Indigenous Student Bursary: financial need based on Seneca's criteria, and meeting the OSAP citizenship and Ontario residency requirements

About this award

Each award has its own value, and many do not post one. Two awards listed as open right now name their amounts: the First Nations Resource Development Scholarship ($2,500) and the Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship ($10,000). As these are bursaries and scholarships, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a Seneca student. Some awards are open to students in all programs and others only to students in specific programs. The awards listed as open right now include ones for First Nations students, Indigenous students, students whose parents never attended postsecondary education, and students affected by the conflict in Ukraine or other conflicts. Seneca's main award application period is in the Fall, with most awards open from September to October 31. A limited number of entrance awards open from mid-July to mid-August, and leadership awards from mid-December to mid-January. The four awards listed as open right now close February 15 (February 15, 2027 for the Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship). If you applied earlier in the 2026–2027 year, go back to your existing application to apply for awards that are open now. Selection criteria aren't published—ask Seneca Polytechnic how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Seneca Polytechnic 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 Seneca Polytechnic whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

These awards are for Seneca students, and each award has its own rules. The awards listed as open right now have these requirements: For the First Nations Resource Development Scholarship: You must be a status or non status First Nations student connected to a First Nation community in Ontario and enrolled in an eligible resource development program (such as Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Technology, or Aviation Technology). For the Ontario First Generation Bursary (OFGB): You must be a financially needy Ontario student whose parents never attended postsecondary education. You must be in an approved degree, diploma, or apprenticeship program and meet the citizenship and residency rules of the OSAP (the Ontario Student Assistance Program—the provincial office that manages student grants and loans). For the Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship: You must be a student at a publicly assisted Ontario college or university who is directly or indirectly impacted by the Ukrainian conflict or other conflicts. For the Indigenous Student Bursary: You must self-identify as an Indigenous person in Canada, show financial need, and attend a public Ontario college, university, or approved Aboriginal institute. You must also meet the OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) citizenship and residency 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.

Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Open to undergraduate, certificate or trades students
Resident of Ontario
Studying Civil Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Systems Technician, Electromechanical Engineering Technology Automation, Electronics Engineering Technician, Electronics Engineering Technology, Environmental Technician, Environmental Technology, Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technician Tool Design, Mechanical Engineering Technology Building Sciences, Mechanical Engineering Technology Industrial Design, Mechanical Technician CNC Programming, Sustainable Urban & Transportation Planning or Workplace Safety and Prevention

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 vague statements about your budget. Instead, use the specific financial criteria set out by Seneca Polytechnic to prove your need. Have your budget information ready before you start the budget section of the application.
QuestionsAvoid typing long answers straight into the application. Instead, write them in a document first so you can check spelling and stay within the character limit, then paste them in. If a question does not apply to you, type N/A or deselect that award.
StrategyAvoid applying for only one award. Instead, return to your existing Seneca application throughout the year to check for new opportunities in the Summer and Winter terms. Set a calendar reminder for October 31, when most Fall awards close.
RealismAvoid assuming that meeting the basic requirements means you will receive an award. Instead, recognize that these are limited awards based on financial need and program eligibility. Apply for multiple external awards alongside these Seneca options to increase your chances.

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 October 31, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

No. You need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 26, 2026