Bursaries, Awards & Scholarships

University of Waterloo

All UW undergraduate and graduate scholarships, awards, and bursaries are detailed in searchable databases found on the Student Awards & Financial Aid (SAFA) website and the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website.

  • Use Award Type to limit your search to scholarships for Indigenous students, along with any other search criteria that apply.
  • Adjust your search options to explore all other entrance award opportunities.
  • Use the Affiliation option to limit your search to awards for Indigenous students along with any other search criteria that apply.
  • Adjust your search options to explore all other award opportunities.
  • Use the Affiliation option to limit your search to awards for Indigenous students along with any other search criteria that apply.
  • Adjust your search options to explore all other award opportunities.

Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo

Title Description Value
Indigenous Student Award - Renison University College 

“This award seeks to address systemic barriers to post-secondary education that Indigenous students face as a direct result of history and ongoing processes of colonization.  

Set up by Renison’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee, the award further recognizes that Indigenous students actively involved on campus often do extra labour related to their Indigeneity and connections to community, both in our classrooms and as part of other university processes.  

These awards are an effort to recognize that labour and to develop a committed and reciprocal relationship with Indigenous students that supports their aspirations and development, fosters their leadership, builds their connections and networks, and supports the contribution of their gifts, passions, and energies at Renison and beyond.”

Learn more about the Indigenous Student Award.

$4,000
WPIRG Campus Legacy Award for Indigenous Students – United College 

During a nearly 50-year legacy at UW and the Affiliated and Federated Institutions of the University of Waterloo, student members of WPIRG took action on many issues and were particularly strong advocates and allies for Indigenous students. 

In recognition of this long history the current Board of WPIRG intends for this gift to further enhance a legacy of cooperation, advocacy and social justice by providing annual awards available exclusively to Indigenous students at Waterloo who are working to advance causes related to social and or environmental change. 

United College will give three awards valued at up to $3,000 annually to a full-time Indigenous graduate or undergraduate student enrolled in any program or Faculty on the basis of participation in actions, demonstrations, conferences or forums regarding social/environmental research and justice (Inclusive of virtual conferences and gatherings).”

Learn more about the WPIRG Campus Award for Indigenous Students

$3,000

Malcolm X PACS Scholarship - Conrad Grebel University College

Recipients of this award are selected based on demonstrated commitment to social justice, inter-racial harmony, and inter-faith dialogue through on-campus or off-campus volunteer activities. Students are prioritized who identify as Black or Indigenous, or with racialized groups who have experienced economic hardship or social disadvantage.

Learn more about the Malcolm X PACS Scholarship.

Contact Conrad Grebel 

External

Title Description Value
SUNDANCe Indigenous Award 

The SUNDANCe Indigenous Award was established to recognize First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students who give back to their communities.

Granted to full-time Indigenous students who are attending Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, the University of Waterloo, Conrad Grebel College, Renison College, St. Jerome's College, United College and the University of Guelph.

Deadline to submit the online application is March 30, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

$1000 to 3 students
Indspire

"Indspire is a national Indigenous registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. Our vision is to enrich Canada through Indigenous education and by inspiring achievement. In partnership with Indigenous, private, and public sector stakeholders, Indspire educates, connects, and invests in Indigenous people so they will achieve their highest potential." 

Varies
Kathleen Blinkhorn Aboriginal Student Scholarship

“ONPHA’s Kathleen Blinkhorn Aboriginal Student Scholarship supports Aboriginal students living in non-profit housing in Ontario. Each scholarship winner receives $2,000 for use towards their post-secondary education costs, like tuition, books, technology and transportation.”

Learn more about the Kathleen Blinkhorn Aboriginal Student Scholarship.

$2,000

Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool - Government of Canada

The Indigenous bursaries search tool is a searchable list of 520 bursaries, scholarships and incentives aimed at Indigenous students across Canada.

Varies
TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples

"Together with AFOA Canada, a not-for-profit led by Indigenous Peoples, we’ve worked to build a scholarship for Indigenous Peoples. Through it, 25 scholarships are available to be awarded annually, worth up to $60K over 4 years."

Learn more  about the TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples

Up to $60,000