The RBC Bursary for Indigenous Students
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RBC · National
Reviewed by G Paul · verified April 30, 2026
Apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1 for an annual bursary for Indigenous students attending approved post-secondary institutions across Canada.
The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact RBC 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 identify as Indigenous and need financial help to cover the costs of your education. You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through an application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask RBC how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask RBC 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 RBC whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
The biggest mistake is providing a vague statement about needing money.
Winners instead provide a clear breakdown of their tuition gaps and living expenses to prove exactly why the funds are needed.
List your specific costs to show the urgency.
The biggest mistake is using a generic character reference.
Winners instead secure letters from community leaders or teachers who can speak to their specific contributions to Indigenous communities.
Get a referee who knows your impact on others.
How do I apply?
Click the Start application button above: it opens the official application page in a new tab.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on August 1, 2026. Submit early: portals get busy in the final hours.
Can international students apply?
Eligibility is limited to: Indigenous.
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Screenshot the card below for Reddit, WhatsApp, or your school's chat — verified, dated, with a one-line citation back to the source.
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