First Nations, Métis and Inuit Undergraduate Bursary
$ 3,000
$3,000 each, applied directly to tuition
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Calgary Foundation · Regional
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Undergraduate Bursary
Reviewed by G Paul · verified April 17, 2026
$3,000
Total value
May 15, 2026 (past — check with provider)
Deadline
About this award
Get $3,000 for your final year of an undergraduate program in Alberta — apply by May 15, 2026 if you are a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student.
You can receive a bursary valued at $3,000. There are up to six of these awards available: four are provided by the Thorner/Johnston/DiMarzo Family Fund at Calgary Foundation and two are provided by Calgary Foundation. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student who is entering the final year of your studies and needs financial help to cover your tuition costs. You must apply by May 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 during your application if there are any other specific steps to ensure the funds reach your school account. Renewal conditions aren't listed — since this is for students entering their final year, it is likely a one-time award, but you can confirm with Calgary Foundation if there are any ongoing requirements.
Can you get it?
- To qualify, you must be a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student. You must be attending an Alberta post-secondary institution in the upcoming fall and be entering the final year of study in an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate program. You must also demonstrate financial need for your tuition.
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Collect reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice and share your résumé.
Draft and revise your essays~10 hours
Use the STAR framework. Be specific, show impact, proofread twice.
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.
More details
Essay
The biggest mistake is writing a generic academic paper.
Strategy
Winners instead share a personal story about their connection to First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit culture and community, while clearly explaining how the money helps them reach their specific future goals.
References
Many students provide a generic character reference.
Strategy
Winners provide a letter from someone who can speak specifically to their aspirations and their commitment to their community.
Strategy
Focus your essay on the bridge between your cultural identity and your professional ambitions.
Strategy
Show the committee exactly how this $3,000 removes a barrier to your graduation.
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How do I apply?
Click the Start application button above: it opens the official application page in a new tab.
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When is the deadline?
The provider lists the deadline as "May 15, 2026 (past — check with provider)". Check the official source before applying.
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Can international students apply?
Check the official source: citizenship requirements vary.
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