Indigenous Student Bursary

Purpose

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

• a publicly–assisted colleges and universities in Ontario
• an approved Aboriginal institute in Ontario

How much can I get

The amount of bursary available varies and can range from $1,000 to $3,500. The actual amount awarded is determined by your school. Contact your school’s financial aid office for details.

Who is eligible

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

• You’re attending a publicly-assisted college or university in Ontario or an approved Aboriginal 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.

Your school may have additional eligibility requirements in addition to those listed above. For example, some schools require that you be in full-time studies. 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 considered those who reported being an Aboriginal person, that is, First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit).

How to apply

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.).