VIA Rail · National
The Future is On Board Educational Award
About this award
Apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1 for an annual award to help Indigenous students from the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte community cover post-secondary costs. Apply through Indspire's central Building Brighter Futures program — one application covers all sponsor pools.
The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact VIA Rail to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student from the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte community who needs financial help to pay for your education. You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — email, portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask VIA Rail how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask VIA Rail 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 VIA Rail 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?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Post Secondary — study level
- Studying Technical Trades, Engineering, Graphic Design, Trades, Accounting, Communications, Public Administration, law, business, mechanical and engineering technicians — field of study
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 providing a vague statement about needing money.
Winners instead provide a clear budget showing exactly how the award fills a gap in their tuition or living costs.
List your specific shortfall to prove your need.
The biggest mistake is using a general character reference.
Winners instead use a mentor or teacher who can speak specifically to their persistence in their field of study.
Get a letter that highlights your growth in your program.