Walker Wood Scholar Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Apply through OCAD University's AwardSpring scholarship portal

About this award

You can receive a $5,000 bursary. There are five (5) bursaries of $5,000 each available for the 2026–27 academic year. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep — there is nothing to repay. This is for you if you are an emerging artist or designer who excels in your studies while staying active in your community. You must apply by November 9, 2026. When you apply, ask OCAD University how and when you will hear back — whether it is through email, the portal, or by phone. OCAD University says its bursaries are given out based on financial need and the number of students who apply. Ask OCAD University's financial aid office how many students usually apply, so you can judge your odds. Ask OCAD University 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 OCAD University whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or a Protected Person (someone with refugee or protected-person status in Canada). You must be a full-time undergraduate student in any OCAD University faculty and currently in Year 2, 3, or 4 of your studies. To qualify, you need to show academic excellence, creative achievement, and financial need. A preference is given to students who demonstrate leadership, extracurricular involvement, or community engagement.

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.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
• ✓ 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

• Community InvolvementAvoid just listing the organizations where you volunteered. Instead, describe the specific impact your work had on others. Write about one project where your initiative made a real difference.
• SupportAvoid providing references who only know you as a student. Instead, use a referee who can speak to your leadership or community engagement outside the classroom. Contact a community leader or coach who has seen your work firsthand.
• RealismAvoid assuming that having financial need guarantees the award. Instead, remember that this is a competitive process with only five awards available. Apply for other bursaries at OCAD University to increase your chances of getting funding.

Questions students ask

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