Scholarships

Indspire Scholarships
Indspire is the largest scholarship fund available for Indigenous students in Canada! This unique platform allows you to complete one application to apply for all of the Indspire scholarships. They also have three deadlines throughout the year, meaning it’s never too late to apply. With over $115 million in scholarships awarded to more than 37,500 Indigenous students over the years, there’s bound to be a scholarship for you!

Amount: Various depending on scholarship
Deadline to apply: August 1, November 1, February 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Link to more information: https://indspire.ca/programs/students/bursaries-scholarships/

!Updated MAE Indigenous Education Fund
In an effort to decrease financial barriers and increase the participation of Indigenous students in post-secondary Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields, McCuaig & Associates Engineering has established an education fund of $1,000 per year open to self-identifying Indigenous students studying full-time in a STEM field at any post-secondary school in Canada.

Amount: $1000-$5000 (renewable annually)

Applications open: January 15th, 2026
Link to more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yBmUz5awtHdB8c99YPkcVnmmTOY4qVtB/view?usp=sharing

Nelson Scholarship
Each year, Nelson awards a $10,000 scholarship to one Indigenous student in Canada! They look for student leaders who have demonstrated academic success, personal strength, and a commitment to preserving Indigenous languages and culture. If this sounds like you, then be sure to apply by the end of June! 

Amount: $10,000
Link to more information: https://pages.nelson.com/scholarship/

Guardian Capital Indigenous Student Awards
Guardian Capital Group Limited (“Guardian”) is excited to launch the Guardian Capital Indigenous Student Awards, offering annual educational grants to Indigenous students to help fuel their dreams by supporting their post-secondary education within Canada.

Whether you are a full-time or part-time post-secondary student planning to attend college or university, studying a skilled trade, or enrolled in an apprenticeship or technology program, we want to hear from you!

Link to more information: https://indspirefunding.ca/guardian-capital-group-limited/

!Updated Reflections Scholarship Program
Each year, the Looking Glass Foundation awards several thousand dollars to BC undergraduate students who have accessed (or are currently accessing) support for an eating disorder and are ready for academic pursuit. We’re excited to announce that the scholarship applications are now open for the upcoming academic year. Contact scholarship@lookingglassbc.com for more information.

Applications open: Spring 2026
Link to more information: https://www.lookingglassbc.com/programs/scholarships/

!Updated CHIEF JOE MATHIAS BC ABORIGINAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND 
The Chief Joe Mathias Aboriginal Scholarship is one of the longest running and largest Indigenous scholarships in BC. With the generous support of private donors and the Province of BC, we have provided over 500 scholarships to students from almost every First Nation in BC.

CJMBC BC First Nations Teachers’ Scholarship
This scholarship is specifically for First Nation students pursuing a Bachelor of Education at a BC post-secondary institution that leads to a Certificate of Qualification to teach in K-12 schools.

Applications open:  April 1, 2026
Link to more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19zbIpxgaUPZnNufQb8CSYA2-cKGoK0aY/view?usp=sharing

!Updated First Nations, Inuit & Métis Nurse Education Bursary
Launched in 2024 and developed in consultation with Indigenous nurse educators, this bursary supports students and nurses enrolled in LPN, RN, RPN, or Master's programs at accredited institutions across BC. The application process is designed to be supportive, respectful, and accessible, with input from Indigenous nurse educators and clinicians guiding the eligibility criteria.

Link to more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fw820odYR7zbm7vOIh1KsRO02pnI0yep/view?usp=sharing

!Updated Tom Finnie Bursary
This bursary is in memory of Tom Finnie, who was a former board member of M’akola. Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His life was one of total service to his country via the Navy. Every community he lived in was enriched by his presence; each life he touched made better because he cared and let them know they were special.

He was a tireless worker in many organizations throughout his life, including being a trades person. He supported all sports and was a senior game swimmer. He taught cultural activities with School District 71. He travelled as far as Manitoba, teaching drum making, hunting, fishing, and survival. In recognition of Tom’s commitment to his community and the communities served by the M’akola, the organization established an annual Tom Finnie Indigenous Trades Bursary.

Six bursaries of will be awarded over six regions to Indigenous students enrolled in a trades program. Each bursary will be in the amount of $2,500.

Annual award amount: $2,500 (six available)

Link to more information: https://makoladevelopment.com/scholarshipsbursaries/