Gillis Purcell Memorial Scholarship for Indigenous People

About this award

Apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1 for a scholarship supporting Indigenous students pursuing careers in journalism.

The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact The Canadian Press to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student who is passionate about storytelling and reporting in the news media. You have three different deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. No notification timeline is posted publicly — before you start the application, check The Canadian Press's program page or call their office to confirm when you will hear back. Selection criteria aren't published — ask The Canadian Press how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask The Canadian Press 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 The Canadian Press whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Can you get it?

• ✓ Indigenous — citizenship requirement
• ✓ Post Secondary — study level
• ✓ Studying Journalism — field of study

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

   Draft and revise your essays~10 hours

   Use the STAR framework. Be specific, show impact, proofread twice.

3. 3

   Submit by August 1, 2026~1 hour

   Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.

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