ABORIGINAL FUNDING
In addition to funding opportunities specific to Aboriginal students, Aboriginal students may be eligible for other sources of financial support available to all OCAD University students, such as OSAP, scholarships, awards, bursaries and work study programs. For more information, students are encouraged to review all sections of "Financial Matters."
If you would like to be added to a mailing list to receive notification of funding opportunities specific to aboriginal students, please send an email request to Financial Aid & Awards.
Internal Bursaries
Ontario Aboriginal PSET Bursary Program
OCAD U is pleased to announce that the Government of Ontario has allocated funding to create a bursary fund for Aboriginal students through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities’ Aboriginal postsecondary education funding approach. The Ontario Aboriginal Postsecondary Education & Training (PSET) Bursary Program will provide direct support to Aboriginal students with financial need to access support to aid their participation in postsecondary education and training.
A bursary is a non-repayable award given on the basis of financial need. Ontario Aboriginal PSET Bursaries will range in value. The total amount available to OCAD U students in 2011/2012 through this fund is $7572.
Students must meet the following criteria in order to apply for a bursary through this program:
- Be of Canadian Aboriginal heritage (either First Nation status or non-status, Métis or Inuit)
- Be studying on a full- or part-time basis at OCAD U during the 2011/2012 academic year
- Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Person
- Be an Ontario resident as defined by OSAP
- Demonstrate financial need of at least $1,000 (or the amount of the award) for the 2011/2012 academic year
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 27, 2011, 4 p.m. Results will be sent by mid-November.
The deadline is now over.
Métis Nation of Ontario Student Award Program
The Métis Nation of Ontario Student Awards Program was established through the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) by the Métis Nation of Ontario. CONFIRMED: One bursary in the amount of $801 (may be divided) is available. Students must meet the following criteria in order to apply for a bursary through this program:
- Be enrolled as a full- or part-time program student at OCAD U for the 2011/2012 academic year
- Be a Canadian resident Métis
- Demonstrate financial need
- Students who are Métis, studying on a full- or part-time basis at OCAD U and who have financial need, are eligible to apply.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 27, 2011, 4 p.m. Results will be sent by mid-December.
2011/2012 Metis Nation of Ontario Student Award Application (PDF)
OTSS Graduate Studies Bursary Program (Ahasiw-Maskegon Iskwiw Bursary)
The OTSS Graduate Studies Bursary Program is established on a yearly basis with revenue generated from donations and endowments to the Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS). OTSS Graduate Studies Bursaries range in value depending on individual circumstances. The total amount available to OCAD students in 2011/2012 through this fund is $1626.
CONFIRMED: The following bursaries have been confirmed as available through this bursary program for 2011/2012. (Complete ONE OTSS Graduate Studies Bursary Application to be considered for all of these).
- Alumni Association Chancellor’s Bursary $1548
- Ahasiw-Maskegon Iskwiw Bursary (for an aboriginal student) $1626
- Olga Korpor Bursary (for fine art) $2875
- Charles Pachter Bursary (for fine art) $6232
- Ruby Crichton Vivash Bursary (for design) $2607
- William & Phyllis Waters Bursary $4249
- Edward & Dorothy Williams Bursary (for art) $2147
In order to apply for a bursary through this program, students must:
- Be studying on a full-time basis at OCAD U in one or two semesters during the 2011/2012 academic year in one of the following graduate programs: the Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media & Design; the MFA in Criticism & Curatorial Practice; the MDes in Strategic Foresight & Innovation; or the MA in Contemporary Art History.
- Be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Person
- Be an Ontario resident
- Demonstrate financial need (priority is given to OSAP students; non-OSAP students will ONLY be considered if funds are available)
Please note: Special consideration for targeted awards may be given to students with permanent disabilities and students of Aboriginal descent.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 27, 2011, 4 p.m. Results will be sent by end of October.
The deadline is now over.
External Bursaries
Aboriginal Canada Portal
First Nations, Metis and Inuit online resources and government programs and services.
Contact: Aboriginal Canada Portal
Aboriginal Connectivity in Canada - Financial Assistance
Information from Canada Revenue Agency with links to national financial assistance, guides and lists of bursaries and scholarships for Aboriginal people.
Contact: Aboriginal Connectivity in Canada
Jim Bourque Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Deadline: July 16
Contact: Arctic Institute of North America
Four Directions Scholarship Award
Amount: $1000
Deadline: July 30
Contact: ONECA
Canada Post Aboriginal Education Awards
Amount: $1000
Deadline: July 31
Contact: Canada Post
Native Women’s Association of Canada Scholarships
Amount: Various
Deadline July 31
Contact: Native Women's Association of Canada
Aboriginal Education Awards
Amount: $3000 (may be renewed)
Deadline: May 31
Contact: Husky Energy
Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth Program
Amount: $750-$4000
Deadline: October 15 each year
Contact: Canada Council for Aboriginal Business
"Aboriginal-Specific" Canada Council Grants
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Various
Contact: Canada Council
Canada Aboriginal Writing Challenge
Amount: Up to $2000
Deadline: March 31
Contact: Our Story
Grand River Post Secondary Education Assistance
Amount: Various
Deadline: Various
Contact: Grand River Post-Secondary
Robert Markle Scholarship
Amount: $1200
Deadline: Check with organization.
To apply: Send a brief resume stating personal background and heritage; selection of colour slides
and/or black and white photographs or a small portfolio of recent work (information
should include medium, size, and date); letter of recommendation from instructor.
Send to: Robert Markle Fund
c/o Woodland Cultural Centre
184 Mohawk Street
P.O. Box 1506
Brantford, Ontario N3T 5V6
Casino Rama’s Awards for Excellence Program for Aboriginal Students - Undergraduate Programs
Amount: Up to $2500
Deadline: January 30
Contact: Undergraduate Studies Application
Casino Rama’s Awards for Excellence Program for Aboriginal Students - Graduate Programs
Amount: Up to $5000
Deadline: January 30
Contact: Graduate Studies Application
RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program
Amount: Up to $4000
Deadline: January 31
Contact: RBC
Fine Arts Bursary Awards Program
Amount: TBA
Deadline: May 1 each year
Contact: National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
Women's Opportunity Awards
Amount: Various
Deadline: July 1 - Dec 1
Contact: Soroptimist International of the America's, Inc.
Abraham McPherson Memorial Award
Amount: Four scholarships of $250 each given annually
Deadline: May 31
Contact: Manitoba Aboriginal Education Counselling Association
Disclaimer: OCAD University is not responsible for the operation or content of the linked Web sites, nor for any information, interpretation, comments or opinions expressed in any of the linked Web sites. Any comments or inquiries regarding the linked websites are to be directed to the particular organization for whom the particular Web site is being operated.
Last Modified:2/7/2012 9:05:23 AM
