Frequently Asked Questions
Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards Program
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
Applicants need to submit three documents:
- Indigenous card (front and back)
- Grades
- Proof of enrolment (registered in classes)
Where do I get my Indigenous card?
Check with your Indigenous organization’s membership office.
I do not have an Indigenous card, but my parent has a status card, am I eligible?
A non-status First Nation person is required to submit a front and back copy of their parent’s Indigenous card and the student’s long form birth certificate or baptismal certificate. Both documents must list the student’s name and the parent’s name showing the link between student and parent.
Can I submit my letter of acceptance as proof of enrollment?
No. Students must submit a letter confirming enrollment from the Registrar’s office or a class schedule stating full-time enrollment, student name and school terms.
What if I don’t have my marks?
Students are required to submit grades to qualify. Contact your last educational institution’s Registrar office to obtain your grades.
What if I wasn’t enrolled and do not have marks from the 2023-2024 academic year?
Students who were not enrolled in the 2023-2024 academic year will need to provide a copy of their marks from their most recently completed program or course.
How does Indspire decide how to award bursaries, scholarships and awards?
Student applications are assessed on financial need, merit and giving back (community involvement).
- Awards are assessed on financial need, merit and giving back (community involvement).
- Bursaries are assessed on financial need, merit and giving back (community involvement).
- Scholarships are assessed on merit.
Am I required to volunteer/participate in my Indigenous community to be eligible for an award?
- Any source of volunteering, such as, your academic institution, your child’s school, elder care, family care, SPCA, Big Brother or Sister, local hospital, church, Indigenous organization (i.e. longhouse), sport’s team is beneficial to your application. (this is not an exhaustive list just examples)
- This area is viewed and scored, students who do not have any hours will not receive a score in this section and lower their chance of being successful.
When will I know the results of my application?
Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only successful students will be notified.
Fortunately, you do not need to reapply to the next deadline if you haven’t heard from us. Your application will stay ‘live’ for all three deadlines during the September 2024 to August 2025 academic year. You only need to complete the application once per academic year to be considered for all applicable bursaries, scholarships, and awards.
Can I apply if I am attending school part-time?
This application is for students attending full-time with a minimum 60% course load.
What if I do not have a financial need?
All students are required to have a financial need to be eligible for a bursary. Indspire offers scholarships which are not based on financial need however there are very few scholarships.
Am I eligible for an award at every deadline?
Students are eligible once per academic year for an award through Indspire.
Am I eligible if I am attending school in fellowship or residency program?
Students are not eligible if they are enrolled in a fellowship or residency program.
Can my award be deferred?
Awards cannot be deferred. Awards allocated by Jury must be directed to the program of study and the academic year specified on the application form.
Can I appeal a decision of the Jury?
Decisions of the Jury are final. If you did not receive an award, Indspire will work with you to strengthen your application for the next application deadline.
How are funds disbursed?
Most awards are electronically transferred to students personal banking account. Awards $10,000 and under, will be deposited in full. Awards over $10,000 will be deposited in 2 transactions, one in term applied and the 2nd payment in the subsequent term. There are certain awards that must be posted to a student’s academic account. Students will be notified if their award will be transferred to their institution.
How much will I receive?
Amounts vary. The amount of a bursary varies according to the assessed financial need of applicants, the number of applicants, fields of study, and the availability of funds.
What if my circumstances change?
If circumstances change it is important to contact the Education Department as soon as you are aware. The Education staff will advise how the change impacts your application and/or Jury’s decision.
