Funding for Indigenous Students

York University promotes the success of its Indigenous students through a variety of campus initiatives, including dedicated funding opportunities.

Indigenous Student Bursary

In an effort to improve postsecondary education and training outcomes for Indigenous learners, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities provides funding to York University on an annual basis in support of the Indigenous Student Bursary.

The Indigenous Student Bursary is an award provided to Indigenous students with financial need who are attending postsecondary programs and/or training programs at either Ontario publicly-assisted colleges and universities, or approved Indigenous postsecondary education and training institutions. For the purpose of this bursary, an Indigenous person is defined as a person who identifies with First Nations (Status/Non-Status), Métis, or Inuit cultural and/or ancestral background.

To be considered for this bursary, students must meet the criteria outlined above and must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person, and an Ontario resident. York University students must complete the Student Financial Profile by the October 15 deadline and must self-identify as Indigenous.

Funding for this bursary program is limited and is allocated at the discretion of York University on the basis of financial need level and/or study level. Applicants may be asked to provide documentation confirming that they are eligible for this bursary. Successful applicants will be notified by email in December.

Private donor awards

There are numerous donor-funded awards that have been approved under the York University Indigenous Students special program, as allowed by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, to assist Indigenous students at York University in overcoming some of the financial barriers that can hinder success at postsecondary education.

More information on these awards can be found by using the Award Search module. Use keywords such as "Indigenous", "Aboriginal", "Métis", "Inuit" and "First Nations" to narrow the search.

To be considered for these awards, York University students must complete the Student Financial Profile by the October 15 deadline and must self-identify as Indigenous. Applicants may be asked to provide documentation confirming their status. Successful applicants will be notified in writing.

External awards

York University works in partnership with Indspire to provide support to Indigenous students. More information is available at http://indspire.ca/for-students/bursaries-scholarships/.

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

OSAP provides eligible students with loans and/or grants. Please visit www.ontario.ca/osap for more information about OSAP and to apply.

Funding from Indigenous organizations, also known as band funding, should not be reported on your OSAP application and will not impact your OSAP funding assessment. If you have any questions about applying for OSAP as an indigenous student, please contact Mary Santoli, Financial Aid Trainer and Ministry Liaison, at santols@yorku.ca

Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool

A searchable list of bursaries, scholarships and incentives for Indigenous students.