The Yvonne Mercer Indigenous Student Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Indigenous affiliation
• ✓ Demonstrated financial need
• ✓ Enrollment in a post-secondary institution

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Yvonne Mercer to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student with demonstrated financial need who is pursuing post-secondary education. You can apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through a portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Yvonne Mercer how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Yvonne Mercer 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 Yvonne Mercer whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must have any Indigenous affiliation and be attending a post-secondary institution. This award is open to you regardless of your program or level of study. You must show that you have a demonstrated financial need for help with your education costs. Priority is given to you if you are from Oxford House (Bunibonibee First Nation) in Manitoba, Alexis Creek in BC, or from Newfoundland and Labrador. You also have a better chance if you have a learning disability and have shown perseverance in your studies.

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 college, undergraduate, graduate, trades or certificate 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

• Financial NeedAvoid providing a vague statement about needing money. Instead, provide a clear breakdown of your tuition gaps and living expenses. List your specific shortfall to show exactly why this bursary is needed.
• SupportAvoid using a generic character reference. Instead, use referees who can speak to your perseverance, especially if you are applying with a learning disability. Ask your teacher or mentor to highlight your resilience.
• RealismAvoid assuming a guarantee because of geographic preference. While being from places like Oxford House or Alexis Creek helps, you still need to prove financial need to win.

Questions students ask

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