Western Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Completed online Financial Assistance Profile Application via the Student Center
• ✓ Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
• ✓ Documentation demonstrating financial need
• ✓ For Admission Bursary applicants: the separate Admission Bursary Application, when applying for first-year admission to an eligible undergraduate or professional program

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Western University 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. It helps you cover tuition, ancillary fees, residence fees, rent, food, books, equipment, and even regalia rental if you are in your fourth year. This is for you if you come from a low-income family and need help overcoming financial barriers or food insecurity to succeed in your studies. Deadlines depend on when you need the money. For Fall/Winter funding, you must apply by October 31. If you miss that, you can apply again in the second term between the first day of classes in January and February 28. Summer bursary funding has its own application in the Student Center; the 2026 summer deadline was July 23. Selection is based on demonstrated financial need. Ask Western University how they calculate need and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Western 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 Western University whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify for Fall/Winter funding, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and be registered in a full-time or part-time program at the main campus. For summer funding, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and be registered in a minimum half credit at Western during the summer term. For the Admission Bursary, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident applying for first-year admission to an undergraduate program (Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Health Science, Media and Communications Studies, Music, Science, or Social Science) or the first year of a second-entry professional program (Medicine, Law, Dentistry, or Business HBA1). All awards require you to demonstrate genuine financial need.

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 or permanent resident
• ✓ 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

• Financial NeedAvoid providing vague descriptions of your situation. Instead, be very specific about your monthly costs for rent, food, and books. Gather your latest tax documents and bank statements before you start the online form.
• SupportAvoid waiting until the deadline to troubleshoot your login. Instead, ensure you can access the Student Center portal early. Contact the Western University IT help desk immediately if you cannot find the Financial Aid and Funding menu.
• StrategyAvoid applying only once if you miss the first window. Instead, remember that there is a second chance to apply for funding between January and February 28. Mark both dates in your calendar now.
• RealismAvoid assuming this will cover 100% of your costs. Instead, treat this as one piece of your financial puzzle alongside loans and other grants. Check the maximum possible award amount with the financial aid office to set a realistic budget.

Questions students ask

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