Indigenous Student Bursary

Purpose

The Indigenous Student Bursary provides aid to Indigenous students with financial need who are attending either:

How much can I get

The value of a typical bursary ranges from $1,000 to $3,500, however students with remote travel costs for themselves, their spouse or dependents may receive up to $6,500. Institutions have discretion to augment individual bursaries with internal funds. There is no absolute cap on the total value of each bursary. Contact your school’s financial aid office for details.

Who is eligible

You may be eligible for this bursary if you meet the following requirements:

  • You’re attending a publicly-assisted college or university in Ontario or a recognized Indigenous Institute in Ontario.
  • You’re in an approved postsecondary academic program (e.g. degree and diploma programs) or training program (e.g. apprenticeships).
  • You self-identify as being an Indigenous person in Canada (see definition, below).
  • You meet citizenship and Ontario residency requirements as outlined on the OSAP Application for Full-Time Students.
  • You have demonstrated financial need based on the criteria as set out by your school.

Students must sign a statement confirming that they are a First Nation, Métis or Inuit student if they wish to apply for this bursary. Institutions may request additional documentation to confirm Indigenous membership/citizenship based on their internal policies or guidelines. Contact your school’s financial aid office for complete details.

You don’t have to apply for either OSAP for Full-Time Students or OSAP for Part-Time Students to be considered for this bursary.

    Indigenous Person

    An Indigenous person in Canada is anyone who self-identifies as being an Indigenous person, that is, First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit).

How to apply

If you applied for either OSAP for Full-Time Students or OSAP for Part-Time Students, you must submit this application separately to be considered for the bursary.

Use your school’s Indigenous Student Bursary application. Their application will specify what supporting documents are required.

Deadlines

Application, document and review details for this bursary vary by school. Check with your school’s financial aid office for details.

Checking your application status

Contact your school’s financial aid office with any questions that you have on the status of your Indigenous Student Bursary application.

Getting your aid

Check with your school. They determine how this bursary is issued (e.g. by cheque, reducing outstanding fees, etc.).