Wells Fargo Indigenous Student Award

What you will need

• ✓ Enrollment at one of the 13 eligible institutions (McMaster, Sherbrooke, Waterloo, Guelph, Laurier, McGill, Western, HEC Montreal, Concordia, Queens, UBC, University of Calgary, or University of Alberta)
• ✓ Indigenous affiliation

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Wells Fargo to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep — there is nothing to repay. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student with any Indigenous affiliation who is managing financial challenges while pursuing your education. 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 — email, portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Wells Fargo how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. They distribute the award to three students annually. Ask Wells Fargo 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 Wells Fargo whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must have any Indigenous affiliation and be enrolled in any level of study at one of these institutions: McMaster, Sherbrooke, Waterloo, Guelph, Laurier, McGill, Western, HEC Montreal, Concordia, Queens, UBC, University of Calgary, or University of Alberta. You must show demonstrated financial need. While any program is eligible, you have a better chance if you are studying Business, Finance, or Technology.

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 or graduate students
• ✓ Studying Business, Finance or technology

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 prove your need.
• SupportAvoid using a generic character reference. Instead, use referees who can speak directly to your resilience and community involvement. Ask a professor or community leader to highlight your specific strengths.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring the preference for certain fields. Winners who study Business, Finance, or Technology emphasize how their degree connects to those industries. Even if you are in a different program, explain any crossover interests you have.
• RealismAvoid assuming the award is guaranteed because you fit the identity. With only three awards given annually across thirteen universities, the competition is very high. Apply for several other bursaries to ensure you have a safety net.

Questions students ask

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