Scholarships and Funding Opportunities

UPEI offers several scholarships specifically for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students.

Our Mawi'omi Student Centre sends out frequent emails about additional scholarship opportunities not included below that arise each term. To receive emails about scholarship and bursary opportunities please contact mawiomi@upei.ca.

Drop by the Mawi’omi Centre to pick up an application form or if you have any questions!

​Netuklimuk (Way of Life) Indigenous Student Awards

Criteria: One award will be granted to an undergraduate Indigenous student entering full-time study at UPEI in any faculty who is in the greatest financial need. Another award will be granted to an undergraduate Indigenous student returning to full-time study at UPEI in any faculty who is in the greatest financial need.

Prince Edward Island Law Society/Law Foundation Epekwitnewa'j Mi'kmaw (a Mi'kmaq Prince Edward Islander) Student Award

Criteria: Granted to an Epekwitnewa'j Mi'kmaw (a Mi'kmaq Prince Edward Islander) residing in PEI who is enrolled in any full-time UPEI program. Preference will be given to those who have demonstrated community service and/or who are promoting the values of Canadian reconciliation, as evidenced through a short essay in their personal statement. In the event of equally qualified candidates, financial need will be the deciding factor.

NCPEI Scholarship for Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies

Criteria: Granted to a student who identifies as Indigenous, normally lives off-reserve, and has applied to a minor in Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research and Applied Studies. Eligible candidates must submit an application demonstrating how they meet this criteria and respond to the following questions through either an essay, of no more than one page in length, or a digital recording of no more than 5 minutes in length: 1. Why is pursuing a minor in IKERAS important to you?, 2. How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals?. If more than one applicant submits responses which indicate equal merit, the scholarship will be granted to the student in the greatest financial need.

J. Elmer and Elise Hynes Aboriginal Student Achievement Award

Awarded to a first year or returning self-identified Aboriginal student in full-time undergraduate studies who is positively and actively involved with Aboriginal students on campus and/or in the community, has a good academic record that reflects perseverance in their studies and demonstrated leadership qualities.

  • Maximum amount: $1,000
  • Deadline: October 15
  • Application

John J. Sark Memorial Scholarships

Awarded to self-identified Aboriginal students enrolled in full time undergraduate studies at UPEI who display involvement and leadership in their community, as well as financial need.

  • Maximum amount: $1,000
  • Deadline: October 15
  • Application

Sister Rebecca Sark Memorial Award 

Granted annually to a student in any year of study who self-identifies as an Indigenous student, is in full-time undergraduate studies, and is positively and actively involved with Indigenous students on campus and/or in the community. The recipient must have a good academic record that reflects perseverance in their studies and demonstrates leadership qualities. 

  • Maximum amount: $500 
  • Deadline: October 1 
  • Application 

TD Insurance Engineers PEI Indigenous Student Award

Granted to an Indigenous student entering their first year of the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering four-year program. If there are no students who meet this criteria, the award may be granted to an Indigenous student who is entering their second, third or fourth year of the program. If there are two or more equalling qualifying students, the student in the greatest financial need will receive the award. 

  • Minimum amount: $1,000 
  • Deadline: March 1 (or October 1 if opened to returning students) 
  • Application 

External scholarships and funding opportunities

Engaging with Culture Award

The Mawi’omi Centre is proud to announce the Engaging with Culture Award. In partnership with Innovation PEI and PEI Department of Economic Growth, Tourism, and Culture, this fund is designed to help current Indigenous students (and their family, support people, etc.) attend ceremonies and cultural gatherings by alleviating some of the financial concerns. Whether it is $100 to purchase material for regalia or need $2,000 to attend a multi-day gathering out of province, this program may help you get there.

This assessment will help plan your gathering, develop a better understanding of what funding is being required. Once this assessment is completed the Centre will contact you within three business days to schedule a follow-up meeting to review your application and complete outstanding forms. If there are any questions about this application or you are unsure you qualify, please reach out to mawiomi@upei.ca. This funding is designed to make attending gatherings/ceremonies as accessible as possible.

How it works

Application process will be conducted in two steps. The first step is an online application form that will capture some basic information (year, program, event details) and collect a projected expense form which will be developed and submitted by the student. This step will not be completed unless both the Google form and expense document have been submitted. The student will not be considered and move on to the second step without first completing both the form and expense sheet. Once completed, the student will be emailed by myself to schedule a meeting (in person or online) to review their application and ensure it captures as much detail; as possible. We will also review the program expectations (receipt collection and event review will be submitted after the event and any outstanding but eligible costs will be reimbursed).

Before you begin:

Do some research into the ceremony or gathering you are hoping to attend (again, can be something like a local sweat or a multi-day culture gathering off island) to ensure you can provide ample and accurate information for your application.

After you complete the application:

Once this assessment is completed the Centre will contact you within three business days to schedule a follow-up meeting to review your application and complete outstanding forms. If you submitted the application and need to update information after your submission, send an email to mawiomi@upei.ca with your name, student number and event title as the subject, and then briefly outline your requested change. The change will then be made during your follow-up meeting.

NOTE: This program is a pilot program and its success relies on applicant feedback. This includes asking questions or providing feedback on what events can be covered through this program. If there is a gathering you are interested in attending but you are unsure it will be funded please do not hesitate to ask. You may be surprised!

Application start date: March 20, 2023
Application end date: December 1, 2023

Apply for the Engaging with Culture Award

Truth and Reconciliation – Straight Arrow Awards

Deadline: September 8, 2023
Sponsoring Organization: Education Is Our Buffalo

The Truth and Reconciliation – Straight Arrow Awards was named for the 2021 Island Literary Award Winning Book: The Chosen: Straight Arrow – Ann Without An E. The first book in Canada that focuses on Truth and Reconciliation Superheroes. The spirit of the book is to inspire everyday local Indigenous and Ally heroes that move reconciliation and our communities forward together.

Timeline: The application period is open year around and are due in September. The Award and Presentation happen during the final week of September. This period is known as Truth and Reconciliation Week in Canada. The award presentation is scheduled before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

Purpose: This scholarship has its origins in Canada, from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The TRC calls to action addressed the ongoing impact of Residential Schools on survivors and their families. It also provided a path for government and Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in to create a joint vision of reconciliation.

In June 2021, a bill creating a statutory holiday on September 30 to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada received royal assent after passing unanimously in the Senate. The objective is to create a chance for Canadians to learn about and reflect on a dark chapter in their country’s history and to commemorate the survivors, their families and their communities, as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Indigenous leaders.

Over the course of more than 100 years, some 150,000 Indigenous children were ripped from their families and forced to attend church-run residential schools, where many suffered physical and sexual abuse, malnutrition and neglect. More than 4,000 are believed to have died.

The date of September 30 is also Orange Shirt a day that has been observed since 2013 in memory of a piece of clothing then-six-year-old Phyllis Webstad had taken from her on her first day at a residential school in 1973.

Education: While educating on Residential Schools, the Awards also promote education and awareness on the discovery of unmarked graves and survivors from Indian Day Schools as well as other schools. The day and website is intended to educate and remind Canadians about the history of these schools, honour the victims and celebrate the survivors.

Eligibility:

Indigenous

  • Eligible to attend the University of Prince Edward Island
  • Be a member of a First Nation, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Affiliate, Metis Nation, or Inuit beneficiary 

Ally

  • Eligible to attend the University of Prince Edward Island
  • Participated in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
  • BIPOC, LGBTQTI+ peoples with learning disabilities are all encouraged to apply who are also Allies supporting Truth and Reconciliation.

Requirements: Electronic application

Please include your student number, phone number and email.

Note: An Indigenous person who is a member of BIPOC can apply as an Ally as well; however, must also include in their 500-word essay their support and promotion of BIPOC.

Electronically uploaded essay that answer question below for both Indigenous and Ally:

Question to Answer: What is your commitment to promoting and protecting Indigenous education, culture, and values in the Prince Edward Island? (maximum 500-word essay).

Awards: Two $1,000 scholarships per year are issued each year to two candidates. One candidate will be Indigenous candidate and the other will be an Ally. Each student must resubmit an application every year, regardless if they were awarded a scholarship the previous year.

Website: https://www.educationisourbuffalo.com/awards

Email: michael.sima@gmail.com 

CIHR: Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
Application due September 21 at 20:00 EDT

Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and foreign citizens are eligible to apply, provided they meet the following conditions:

  • Applicants who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada may only hold their Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship at a Canadian institution. 
  • Applicants who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and who obtained their PhD, PhD-equivalent or health professional degree from a foreign university may only hold their Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship at a Canadian institution.
  • Applicants who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and who obtained their PhD, PhD-equivalent or health professional degree from a Canadian university may hold their Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship at either a Canadian institution or an institution outside of Canada. 

Eligibility window for degree completion 

Applicants to the 2022-23 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program must fulfill or have fulfilled all degree requirements for a PhD, PhD-equivalent or health professional degree:

  • between September 15, 2019 and September 30, 2023 (inclusively), and
  • before the start date of their award.

Areas of Research

  • Health research
  • Natural sciences and/or engineering
  • Social sciences and/or humanities

Applicants who have not fulfilled all requirements for their degree at the time of application must submit proof no later than October 15, 2023.

For applicants who have completed more than one PhD, PhD-equivalent or health professional degree, the eligibility window applies to the most recent of these degrees.

Complete application details  

Faculty of Social Science: Western University Postdoctoral Award (two awards available)
Application due August 30, 2022

The Faculty of Social Science at Western University will fund two Postdoctoral Awards (PDAs) to exceptional junior researchers in any field of Social Science. The purpose of this award is to support faculty and the candidate in extending their research and scholarship through the appointment.

Eligibility

The successful awardee must:

  • identify at least one full-time faculty member who holds a research-eligible appointment in the Faculty of Social Science to act as their supervisor. The supervisor(s) should have a strong record of research in relation to stage of career;
  • should have completed all requirements for their doctoral degree before taking up the award;
  • engage in full-time postdoctoral research directly related with their proposed project for the period of the award;
  • not hold a faculty position or another postdoctoral position at any university while holding this award.
  • If the successful PDA does not meet the eligibility requirements by the latest date the award can be taken up, it will be withdrawn.

Application Process

Interested candidates should contact potential supervisors as soon as possible to indicate interest in applying. Potential supervisors should submit the candidate's final application electronically by the due date to the Associate Dean Graduate studies in Social Science (jamie.baxter@uwo.ca). 

All applications should include the following components as a single PDF document:

  • A proposal for the program of work (maximum 2 pages single spaced + max 1 page of references), including:
    • Brief summary/abstract of the proposed research;
    • Description of research program including objectives, scholarly and/or practical significance, methodology;
    • Anticipated outcomes and impact, including scholarly outputs and/or knowledge translation activities;
    • A brief timeline including the proposed start date (must be at least one month after submission of application).
    • Letter of support from the proposed supervisor(s) (1-2 pages), including the proposed start date and confirming they have all the necessary resources to support the program of work and why Western is a good fit for the program of research;
    • Candidate's full CV, including contact information of two academic references from the PhD (not including the supervisor/team at Western);
    • Supervisor’s short CV highlighting publication, grant funding and supervisory activities over the past 5 years.

Due date for applications is August 30, 2022. Find out more information. 

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Application due October 17, 2022

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is now accepting applications for their Doctoral Awards. The deadline for direct applications to SSHRC is October 17th, all other applicants should contact their Faculty of Graduate Studies for more details. Find out more information. 

The Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax 
Application due August 15, 2022.

The Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax has launched an Urban Indigenous Student Bursary. These bursaries are valued at $500, and students must be

  1. enrolled me full-time post-secondary for the upcoming 2022/2023 year, 
  2. be residing within HRM, and
  3. demonstrate leadership within the community.

More information is available.

The Rhodes Scholarship
Application is available for ongoing submission

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded, full time, postgraduate award which enables talented young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Rhodes Scholars come to the UK for two or more years and can apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses offered by Oxford University. More information on this scholarship opportunity. 

Indspire Scholarships
Application deadlines: August 1, November 1, February 1 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

Full and part time studies in college, university, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and technology programs for the September 2022–August 2023 academic year.

There is one application for all Indspire’s bursaries, scholarships, and awards (with a few exceptions that you’ll see below). You only need to complete the application once to be considered for all applicable bursaries, scholarships, and awards.

Visit the Indspire website

The Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Postdoc

Application deadline: Ongoing

The Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Postdoc provides one, two or three years of funding – valued at $60,000 per year – for a postdoctoral fellow. This special initiative offers an enhanced leveraging opportunity for postdoctoral fellows. Apply for this opportunity at any time. More information is available. 

The Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship

Application deadline: Ongoing

The Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship provides long-term funding for a significant part of graduate degree programs: Master’s students can complete an 18-month project (minimum $30,000 stipend); PhD students can complete a three-year project (minimum $72,000 stipend). Along with their research experience with an industry or not-for-profit partner, participating students receive training that helps them ensure the success of their projects and further their careers. 

Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool

You can also check out the Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool to find more external scholarships. 

Mawi’omi Centre

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