Western University Graduate Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Submission of the electronic application via the Student Financials > Financial Aid and Funding > Apply for Financial Assistance portal

About this award

Each bursary is worth up to $2,000 for one year, drawn from more than $1.2 million in bursary funding every year. This total includes more than $700,000 in existing bursary funding and an additional $500,000 per year added as of 2023. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep — there is nothing to repay. This is for you if you are a domestic or international graduate student at Western University who is experiencing financial need. You have three deadlines to apply depending on the term: September 30 for the Fall Term, January 31 for the Winter Term, and May 31 for the Summer Term. When you apply, ask the Office of the Registrar how and when you'll hear back — whether by email, portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Western University how winners are chosen 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

You must be a registered graduate student at Western University. This is open to both domestic and international students who can demonstrate financial need. You are not eligible if you are registered in an MBA (Master of Business Administration) program or if you are registered for thesis-defense only.

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, protected person or international student
• ✓ Open to graduate 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

   Check this year's deadline

   We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.

Tips for applying

• Financial NeedAvoid providing vague descriptions of your situation. Instead, list your specific monthly expenses and income gaps. Provide a clear breakdown of why you need this support now.
• SupportAvoid submitting your application without double-checking your registration status. Instead, confirm you are fully registered for the term you are applying for. Check your student portal to ensure your status is active.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the day of the deadline to upload your documents. Instead, submit your application at least one week early to account for technical glitches. Use the Student Financials section of your portal to track your submission.
• RealismAvoid thinking you need a second application for other bursary money. Instead, remember that this one application is assessed for both this Graduate Bursary and the SOGS Bursary.

Questions students ask

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