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CIBC Mellon Indigenous Bursary

Indigenous bursary favouring business, tech and engineering. Other undergrad programs qualify if those fields lack applicants. Aug 1, Nov 1 or Feb 1.

Reviewed by G Paul · verified September 1, 2026

Nov 1, 2026

Next deadline

What you will need

Proof of any Indigenous affiliation
Confirmation of enrollment in an undergraduate or post-graduate program
For post-graduate applicants: proof of study in Business, Engineering, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), or Technology

About this award

The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact CIBC Mellon to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you have any Indigenous affiliation and are pursuing higher education, particularly in technical or business fields. Deadlines come around three times a year on August 1, November 1 and February 1, so aim for whichever one is next. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask CIBC Mellon how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask CIBC Mellon during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with CIBC Mellon whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must have any Indigenous affiliation to apply. If you are an undergraduate student, the provider gives preference to those in business, technology, and engineering programs; however, if there are not enough applicants in those fields, undergraduate students in any program can qualify. If you are a post-graduate student, you must be studying Business, Engineering, Technology, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

This is what the award's own page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm with the provider before you apply.

Open to graduate or undergraduate students
Studying business, technology, engineering, STEM, Science or Math

How to apply

Read the award's own page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

More details

Program Choice

Avoid assuming you cannot apply if you aren't in business or engineering.

Instead, highlight how your specific program of study contributes to your community, especially if you are applying from a non-preferred field.

Support

Avoid submitting a generic application without a reference.

Instead, secure letters from community leaders or professors who can verify your Indigenous affiliation and academic goals.

Strategy

Avoid waiting until the final deadline.

Since there are three windows (August, November, and February), apply during the earliest one possible to increase your visibility.

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