Overview
McMaster offers several financial support options to incoming and current Black students as part of a commitment to address barriers to access. These opportunities are in addition to the general work programs, bursaries, scholarships and government student loan programs that all students who demonstrate academic excellence and/or financial need, may be eligible for.
Scholarships are non-repayable awards granted on a competitive basis for outstanding academic performance, leadership activities and community contribution.
The NSBE McMaster Chapter Entrance Scholarship
Established in 2021, the NSBE McMaster Chapter Entrance Scholarship will provide $2,500 a year to first-year Black students who demonstrate strong leadership skills and valuable contributions to their community. Recipients will also be offered a position on the NSBE McMaster Executive Team.
- Value: $2,500
- Eligibility for Award:
- Short essay questions detailing your impact on your community, demonstration of leadership, what you hope to accomplish during your time at McMaster
- A list of your extracurricular and employment activities
- A reference letter
- Criteria:
- Apply via The Faculty of Engineering Entrance Award application
- Deadline: February 19, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Learn more about the NSBE entrance scholarship
The McMaster Brighter World Entrance Award for Black Students
Established in 2020 by McMaster University to celebrate the achievements of Black students entering an undergraduate program.
- Value: $5,000 (a variable number of scholarships available)
- Eligibility for Award: Must be a self-identified Black student applying for admission to a Level 1 program.
- Criteria:
- Apply via the “Entrance Awards by Application” in AwardSpring, which includes:
- Short essay describing the accomplishments you are most proud of to date. You may choose to write about your accomplishments in schooling (academic or non-academic), employment, community service (including service to family) or extra-curricular activities
- A reference letter
- Apply via the “Entrance Awards by Application” in AwardSpring, which includes:
- Deadline: February 19, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST
The Access Award
Established in 2019, the Access Award creates a pathway for academically qualified students from equity deserving groups in the Golden Horseshoe area to access post-secondary education. In addition to financial assistance, students will have access to support and mentorship opportunities that will help position them for success.
- Value: Up to $20,000 per year in aid & award funding towards tuition, compulsory fees, books, equipment and living costs and one guaranteed McMaster University work experience. Tenable for up to four years.
- Eligibility for Award:
- Students from equity deserving groups in the Golden Horseshoe area
- Demonstrate financial need
- Criteria:
- An AwardSpring application which includes:
- Short essay questions detailing the barriers to accessing post-secondary education you are facing and your desire to attend McMaster
- A reference letter
- An AwardSpring application which includes:
- Deadline: February 19, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST
More information on McMaster Access Strategy
The Enbridge BlackNorth Diversity Entrance Scholarship
- Value: $9,000
- Eligibility for Award:
- [OPTIONAL] Share any special circumstances that would be helpful in the evaluation of your application
- List any awards or recognitions that you may have achieved
- Showcase your extracurricular involvement
- Highlight any employment, volunteer and/or entrepreneurship experiences you’ve had
- Confirm your involvement with any external organizations
- Respond to three short-answer questions
- Include the contact information of two referees that will submit a reference letter on your behalf
- Criteria:
- Apply via The Faculty of Engineering Entrance Award application
- Deadline: February 19, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST
The Kalani Family Scholarship
Established in 2020 by the Kalani Family.
- Value: $2,500
- Eligibility for Award: To be awarded to undergraduate students enrolled in any program who identify as racialized students, attain a minimum 9.5 sessional average, and who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability through community involvement.
- How to apply: Through AwardSpring.
- Deadline: Opens January 1, closes April 29, 2024 at 11:59 pm (ET).
The Excellence in Midwifery Student Leadership Scholarship
Established in 2020 by members of the midwifery community.
- Value: $2,500
- Eligibility for Award: To be awarded to an undergraduate student enrolled in the Midwifery Education Program who identifies as Indigenous or racialized, attains high averages, and demonstrates excellence in one of three areas: 1. exemplary client care, 2. innovative community outreach, or 3. exceptional engagement in campus life.
- How to apply: Through AwardSpring.
- Deadline: Opens January 1, closes April 29, 2024 at 11:59 pm (ET).
Dig – BIPOC Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
To be awarded to two BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour) student studying at a Canadian University. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (or equivalent) and be pursuing a career in consumer insights.
- Requirements: Submit a 500-word essay or short video explaining your interest in a career in consumer insights.
- Deadline: March 31, 2024
- Value: $4,000 and a 3-month offer of paid employment either between academic years (i.e. summer) or as part of their study requirements (i.e. internship) in the year the scholarship is awarded.
Learn more about Dig – BIPOC Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
The BeMo® & SortSmart® Diversity Advocacy Scholarship
To be awarded to full-time pre-medical (any undergraduate discipline) or medical students in good academic standing.
- Requirements: A short survey and brief, online screening test.
- Deadline: The deadline for the spring scholarship is May 31 and Oct. 31 for the fall scholarship.
- Value: $5,000
Learn more about The BeMo Diversity Advocacy Scholarship
The BIPOC Scholarship By GrantMe
On a mission to eliminate student debt. GrantMe helps students win scholarships and get accepted into their top choice schools so that they can build their future. The GrantMe BIPOC Scholarship is part of our growing pool of resources for students in post-secondary.
Bursaries are non-repayable grants awarded solely on financial need. Bursaries are intended to supplement a students’ other sources of funding, such as OSAP, bank loans and parental/spousal contributions. Financial need is generally determined using information from your OSAP application; however, students and who do not apply for OSAP may still be considered for a bursary. Review bursary eligibility.
The Bursary Fund for Black Students
Established in 2020 through the generosity of various donors. To be granted to undergraduate students enrolled in any program who identify as Black students and demonstrate financial need.
- Amount: Decided through the general bursary program criteria.
- How to apply: The general bursary application is required.
- Deadline: Jan 10th, 2022
The Humanities Black Student Bursary
Established in 2020. To be granted to undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Humanities who identify as Black students and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students in a Communication Studies or Multimedia program.
- Amount: $2500
- How to apply: The general bursary application is required.
- Deadline: January 10th, 2022.
The Svadjian Bursary
Established in 2020 by Victoria Joseph. To be granted to undergraduate students enrolled in any program who identify as racialized students and demonstrate financial need
- Amount: Decided through the general bursary program criteria.
- How to apply: The general bursary application is required.
- Deadline: Jan 10th, 2022
Black or Indigenous Heritage Student-Athlete (BIHS) Bursary
Available to student-athletes whose heritage is self-identified as either Black or Indigenous and provides additional financial support to those demonstrating financial need. Limited funding is available, and students will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Amount: Up to $2,000
- How to apply: Award Spring
- Deadline: Opens November 1st, Closes January 10th, 2022.
Black Excellence Athletic Financial Awards
Established and dedicated to Black student-athletes each year. The Black Excellence Athletic Financial Awards follow OUA and USPORTS policies, including limits on award values and meeting minimum academic requirements. Please contact the Athlete Services Coordinator for more information.
- Amount: $2,500 (Up to 8 students)
- How to apply: Award Spring
- Deadline:February 1st, 2022.
The Bachelor of Health Sciences Class of 2011 Bursary
Established in 2020 by the Bachelor of Health Sciences Class of 2011. To be granted to undergraduate students enrolled in any program who identify as Black students and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a Bachelor of Health Sciences program.
- Amount: Decided through the general bursary program criteria.
- How to apply: The general bursary application is required.
- Deadline: Jan 10th, 2022
The Olaolu Olatunji Athletics Award
Established in 2021 in memory of Olaolu Olatunji. To be awarded annually to a student-athlete, who identifies as Black, and in the judgement of the Department of Athletics & Recreation shows exceptional promise or achievement and who meets the eligibility requirements of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and U Sports. Preference will be given to both student-athletes in football and/or student-athletes who are enrolled in the Faculty of Science.
- Amount:$1,000
- How to apply:Via nomination by the Athletics department.
- Deadline: Info coming soon
Physics & Astronomy Research Experience Award
Established in 2021 by anonymous donors to support students in developing research skills. To be awarded to undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Science who identify as
Racialized, Black or Indigenous and are participating in research opportunities in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
- Amount:Info coming soon
- How to apply:Info coming soon
- Deadline:Info coming soon
The Faculty of the Department of History Bursary
Established in 2020 by the Faculty members of the Department of History. To be granted to undergraduate students enrolled in an History Program who identify as Black or Indigenous students and demonstrate financial need.
- Amount: Decided through the general bursary program criteria.
- How to apply: The general bursary application is required.
- Deadline: Jan 10th, 2022
How to apply
To apply for a bursary, you’ll need to log into AwardSpring through Mosaic and complete a personal profile. Based on the information you provide, if you are eligible for the bursary program, it will appear on your dashboard and you’ll need to complete and submit the follow-up activities.
You do not need to apply for a specific bursaries. Using information from your application, you will be assessed for all the bursaries you are eligible for. If you identify as a Black student, be sure to indicate that on your profile.
Student Services is your first point of contact for all things aid & awards. Find answers to your questions through our online chatbot, MAC, available 24/7 or connect with an SSP during the online chat business hours.
The Black Student Success Centre is a resource for self-identified Black students to build community and receive advice and support during their time at McMaster and beyond.
The Student Success Centre provides a variety of services and programs to support students including resume, interview and job prep skills.
AwardSpring – Aid & Awards made simple
With AwardSpring, you can complete one common app that matches you with all the aid & award opportunities you’re eligible for. It also tracks the completion of any additional requirements on a user-friendly dashboard.
You can even share the same requirements (i.e. a reference letter or statement of interest) across all applications with the same criteria to save you time!
Have technical questions about AwardSpring? Ask us here!
Not technical? Reach out to our Student Services Professionals.
More Information on how to apply.
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