Veren Award for Indigenous Students

For annual bursaries supporting Indigenous students attending post-secondary institutions across Canada.

Published by G Paul · last checked August 31, 2026

Next deadline

Nov 1, 2026

Level

Trades

Open to

Across Canada (preference for those whose home communities are in Alberta and Saskatchewan)

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Indigenous affiliation
Enrollment in a post-secondary institution in Canada
Financial need
Home community location (especially for those in Alberta or Saskatchewan)

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Veren 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 need financial help to pursue your education in fields like engineering, skilled trades, or social sciences. 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 a portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Veren how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Veren 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 Veren whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an Indigenous student with any Indigenous affiliation who requires financial aid to attend a post-secondary institution across Canada. While open to all qualified students, preference is given to those whose home communities are in Alberta and Saskatchewan. You can apply if you are studying Cultural Studies, Education, Engineering, Environment, Health & Safety, Social Sciences, Geoscience, or Skilled Trades (including Electrician, Instrumentation, Mechanics such as millwrights, Pipefitting, and Welding, including practical welding, welding technology, welding inspecting, and welding engineering).

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 trades students
Studying Cultural Studies, Education, Engineering, Environment, Health & Safety, Skilled Trades, Electrician, Instrumentation, Mechanics (millwrights), Pipefitting, Welding, practical welding, welding technology, welding inspecting, welding engineering, Social Sciences or Geoscience

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

Program FitAvoid submitting a generic application. Instead, highlight how your specific program of study—like Geoscience or Welding—matches the industry interests of an energy producer like Veren. Mention your specific career goals in these fields.
SupportDon't forget to include letters from their community. Instead, provide strong references from band councils or community leaders that prove your ties to your home community, especially if you live in Alberta or Saskatchewan.
StrategyDon't wait until the final deadline. Since there are three windows (August, November, and February), apply during the earliest one that fits your enrollment date to increase your chances of securing funds before the annual pool is exhausted.
RealismBecause this award is distributed annually to students across all of Canada, it is likely competitive. Treat this as one part of a larger financial aid strategy rather than your only source of funding.

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