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Hilary Pearson Award

Annual bursary for Indigenous students at any level of study, with preference for female applicants.

Reviewed by G Paul · verified September 1, 2026

Nov 1, 2026

Next deadline

What you will need

Proof of Indigenous affiliation
Documentation demonstrating financial need for education costs
Confirmation of enrollment in a post-secondary institution

About this award

The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact Indspire (the organization that administers this award) 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 are an Indigenous student who needs financial help to cover your education costs, with preference going to female applicants. 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 an online portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Hilary Pearson Award how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Hilary Pearson Award 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 Hilary Pearson Award whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you are an Indigenous student with any Indigenous affiliation. While the award is open to those meeting that criteria, preference is given to female students. You can be in any program of study at any level of post-secondary education, provided you have demonstrated financial need for help with your education costs.

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

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

Financial Need

Avoid providing a vague statement about needing money.

Instead, provide a clear breakdown of your tuition gaps and living expenses.

List your specific costs to show exactly why you need this bursary.

Support

Avoid using a generic reference letter.

Instead, use referees who can speak to your specific cultural leadership and academic persistence.

Ask your referee to include a concrete example of your growth.

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