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OCAD University · National

Scotiabank Indigenous Bursary

Reviewed by · verified April 30, 2026

$8.8K
Total value
Aug 1
Deadline

About this award

Get $8,800 a year for up to five years toward your studies at OCAD University — apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1.

You can receive $8,800 per year. For the first 4 years of the scholarship, four awards of $8,800 each will be distributed annually. In year 5 of the program, two awards of $8,800 each are available. 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 attending OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design University — a public university specializing in art and design). You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. No notification timeline is posted publicly — before you start the application, check OCAD University's program page or call their office to confirm when you will hear back about your status. Selection criteria aren't published — ask OCAD University how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask OCAD University 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 OCAD University whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Can you get it?

  • Post Secondary — study level

How to apply

  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. Submit by August 1, 2026~1 hour

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

More details

Financial Need

The biggest mistake is giving a vague summary of your costs.

Strategy

Winners instead list exactly how the $8,800 will cover their standard tuition, student fees, books, and materials to show the direct impact of the funds.

Support

The biggest mistake is using a generic character reference.

Strategy

Winners instead provide letters that specifically highlight their connection to their Indigenous community and their dedication to their art or design studies.

Strategy

The biggest mistake is waiting until the final deadline.

Strategy

Since there are three separate dates (August 1, November 1, and February 1), apply for the earliest one possible to get your funding sorted before the term starts.

Share this scholarship

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Scotiabank Indigenous Bursary

$ 8,800

Varies

Apply by Aug 1

fundmycourse.ca/scholarships/scotiabank-indigenous-bursary

Verified Apr 30, 2026
$8.8K 73 days left
Apply