University of Ottawa Indigenous Leadership Scholarship

About this award

You get $26,000 in total, paid as $6,500 per year ($19,500 in total if you are in civil law). This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are of Indigenous origin, are entering a University of Ottawa undergraduate program full time for the first time, and can show leadership and commitment to academic and extracurricular activities. Apply online by March 31, 2027. When you apply, ask University of Ottawa how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through an application portal. The scholarship goes to an Indigenous student who shows academic excellence and outstanding leadership, with preference for students who speak an Indigenous language. Applicants ranked second, third and fourth receive $1,500 award. It cannot be combined with the University of Ottawa Admission Scholarship. Ask University of Ottawa 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. You can renew it for the three following years if you stay full time in a direct-entry faculty (or the Civil Law Section, where renewal rules differ) and keep a cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 8.50 or higher. With a CGPA between 8.00 and 8.49, you renew at 50% of the annual value.

Who qualifies

You must be of Indigenous origin and provide proof of this. You must be enrolled full time, for the first time, in an undergraduate program in a direct-entry faculty or in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section. You need an admission average of 85% or higher and must show leadership qualities and commitment to academic and extracurricular activities. Preference goes to students who speak an Indigenous language.

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 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

• LeadershipAvoid just listing the titles of the clubs you joined. Instead, tell a story about one specific time your leadership helped someone else succeed. Describe the result of your actions.
• RealismAvoid assuming this is the only source of funding you need. Instead, look for other bursaries at University of Ottawa to ensure you have a full financial plan for your degree.

Questions students ask

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