CEEA Indigenous Award

About this award

Get between $8,500 and $10,000 for your first year in a petroleum-focused degree or diploma — apply by June 15, 2026.

You can receive one of one or more awards valued at $8,500 to $10,000. Specifically, you get $8,500 if you are in a diploma program and $10,000 if you are in a degree program. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. If you maintain your eligibility, the award is renewable for up to three consecutive years. This means you can get up to four years of support total for degree programs and up to two years of support total for diploma programs. This is for you if you are a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student who wants to build a career in the Canadian energy industry. You must apply by June 15, 2026. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, a portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Calgary Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is applied directly to your tuition. Confirm with Calgary Foundation if there are any other specific payment schedules you should know about. To keep this funding, you must maintain your award eligibility. Renewal conditions aren't listed in detail — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Calgary Foundation exactly what you need to maintain.

Can you get it?

• ✓ You must be a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student. You must be directly entering the first year of a full-time petroleum-focused undergraduate degree or diploma program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. Examples of eligible programs include Petroleum, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Geology, Geophysics, and Engineering Technology in those same fields. You also need to show a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.7 or 70%, demonstrate financial need, and show a history of leadership and involvement in your school or community.

How to apply

1. 1

   Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour

   Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.

2. 2

   Request your official transcript1–2 weeks

   Order through your school registrar: allow 1–2 weeks.

3. 3

   Collect reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice and share your résumé.

4. 4

   Submit before the posted deadline~1 hour

   Check the official source for the current deadline: save a copy and submit at least 24 hours early.

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