The Indigenous Women Leadership Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ Indigenous identity (First Nation, Inuit, or Métis)
• ✓ Enrollment in a minimum three-year post-secondary program
• ✓ Full-time student status for renewal years

About this award

You can receive $10,000 per year for a maximum of four years. 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 woman (First Nation, Inuit, or Métis) who is preparing to start your post-secondary journey. You have three potential deadlines to meet: August 1, November 1, or February 1. 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 Indigenous Women in Leadership how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Indigenous Women in Leadership 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. To keep this award, you must maintain a full-time course load while enrolled in post-secondary. Since this is a renewable award, confirm with Indigenous Women in Leadership what specific grades or reports you need to submit to ensure you receive the funding each year.

Who qualifies

You must be an Indigenous woman (First Nation, Inuit, or Métis) who will commence her post-secondary studies in September. You can be in any program of study at any level of study, regardless of your specific Indigenous affiliation. To qualify for the funding, you must be enrolled in a minimum three-year post-secondary program.

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 high school, college or undergraduate 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

• MentorshipAvoid treating this as just a cash prize. Instead, lean into the mentoring network of 100+ supportive professional women provided with this award. Reach out to your mentors early to discuss your career goals.
• SupportDon't forget to highlight their connection to their community. Show how your education will help you contribute to the advancement of reconciliation. Be specific about the impact you want to make.
• StrategyDon't wait until the final deadline. Because there are three separate windows (August 1, November 1, and February 1), apply during the earliest one possible to get your financial planning sorted.
• RealismThis is a substantial award, which means it is likely very competitive. Focus your application on your leadership potential and your commitment to finishing a multi-year program.

Questions students ask

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