TransAlta Indigenous Student Bursary

One of ten bursaries available to Indigenous students in post-secondary or trades programs.

Published by G Paul · last checked August 31, 2026

Next deadline

Nov 1, 2026

Level

College, Undergraduate, Graduate, Trades, Certificate

Open to

Across Canada

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Indigenous affiliation
Enrollment in a post-secondary institution (college or university) or a trades program (technical college or apprenticeship)
Information regarding your home community to determine if it is an area where TransAlta has operations

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact TransAlta 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 identify as Indigenous and are pursuing a post-secondary education or job training to reach your full potential. Deadlines come around three times a year on August 1, November 1 and February 1, so aim for whichever one is next. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask TransAlta how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. There are seven (7) bursaries for those in college or university and three (3) bursaries for those in technical college or apprenticeship programs. Ask TransAlta 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 TransAlta whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you have any Indigenous affiliation and are attending a post-secondary institution such as a college or university, or if you are training in the trades through a technical college or apprenticeship program. You can be at any level of study. You will have a better chance of winning if you are from a community where TransAlta has operations.

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

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

IdentityAvoid providing a generic bio. Instead, share a personal story about your Indigenous heritage and how your specific program of study will help your community. Describe exactly how this training connects to your goals.
SupportAvoid submitting references that only speak to your grades. Provide letters from community leaders or mentors who can vouch for your character and your ties to your home community. Get a letter from someone who knows your impact locally.
StrategyAvoid waiting until the final deadline. Since there are three separate windows (August, November, and February), apply during the earliest one possible to get your application in front of the committee sooner.
RealismAvoid assuming the award is guaranteed because you meet the basic criteria. With only ten total awards available across two categories, focus your application on why you are a unique fit for TransAlta's goal of building prosperous communities.

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 November 1, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Check the award's official page for the citizenship rules.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Aug 31, 2026