Aid & Awards for Indigenous Students

Overview

There are a variety of financial aid and awards available specifically to students that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit or Métis). Additionally, Indigenous students may also be eligible for McMaster University’s Work Program, bursaries, scholarships and various federal and provincial student loan programs.

Get more information on general aid and awards

Many students require government funding to pay for their studies. Indigenous learners living in Ontario can access assistance through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP or band funding). Students can apply for both OSAP and PSSSP, but do not have to declare their PSSSP funding on their OSAP application.

OSAP provides students with a combination of loans and grants based on a student’s financial need. Indigenous students may choose to accept the ‘grant-only’ portion of their assessed funding.

To qualify for OSAP as an Indigenous student, you must complete the following:

  • Self-identify as an Indigenous person (First Nation, Inuit, Metis) under the Citizenship Status section of the OSAP application.
  • Upload supporting documentation as proof.

Indigenous learners attending a post-secondary institution in Ontario may be exempt from the $3,600 per year, fixed student contribution required from all OSAP applicants. To qualify, you must submit documentation confirming your Indigenous identify 40 days before the end of your study period.

If documentation is unavailable or if you are unable to get the documentation due to COVID-19 related service impacts, please contact our Student Services Professionals to discuss your options.

Your OSAP assistance will not be delayed because of the supporting documentation requirement, but it will not reflect the exemption until the documentation is reviewed.  If accepted, you will be exempt from the fixed student contribution which may result in additional loan and/or grant assistance from OSAP.  If you do not meet this deadline, your OSAP assessment will not be updated to include the fixed student contribution exemption.

Learn more about OSAP

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program is a federal aid program available to Status First Nation and eligible Inuit students.  Commonly referred to as band funding, it is administered by local First Nations or Tribal Council education offices. Eligible costs covered by the program may include tuition, books, travel support and living allowances. The maximum amount payable amount for a full-time student is up to $50,000 per year.

Note: Metis students are not eligible for PSSSP.

Learn more about PSSSP

Scholarships are non-repayable awards granted on a competitive basis for outstanding academic performance and/or community contribution. Scholarships are classified under three main categories:

Entrance Scholarships – Most are automatically granted to students entering Level I of any undergraduate program that meet academic eligibility criteria.

In-course Scholarships – Available to undergraduate students NOT in their graduating year. Based on grades from the previous academic year.

Competitive Scholarships – Available by application. Awarded for outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular involvement or a combination of both.

Graduate Student Scholarships – For graduating students, awarded for outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular involvement or a combination of both. 

While the scholarships listed below are specifically for Indigenous students, you may also apply for general scholarships you are eligible for.

Scholarships

MARJORIE ANDERSON FINANCIAL AWARD FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS

This award was established in 2017 in honour of Marjorie Anderson (Class of ’35) of the Six Nations of the Grand River territory, who was the first Indigenous woman to graduate from McMaster.

  • Value: $80,000 ($20,000 per year)
  • Eligibility for Award:
    • Self-identify as Inuit, or as Status/Non-status First Nations from the Six Nations of the Grand River or the Mississauga of the New Credit.
    •  Students entering McMaster at any level of an undergraduate program. Not open to second degree students.
  • Criteria: 
    • Minimum admission average of at least 75%.
    • Demonstrate financial need.
    • Application includes:
      • Essay describing the influence that your Indigenous heritage has on your volunteer activities, leadership opportunities, university program choice, career path, or other community involvement that is important to you (1 – 2 pages).
      • Reference letter from a non-family member.

Eligible students must apply through AwardSpring.

THE ACCESS AWARD

This award helps academically qualified students from equity deserving groups find pathways to higher education.

  • Value:
    • Up to $25,000 per year towards tuition and other costs associated with attending McMaster (tenable for up to four years)
    • A guaranteed McMaster University work experience
    • 15 awards available
  • This award is open to students who:
    • Currently hold at least a high school diploma or has an expected completion date of June 2022
    •  Are eligible to apply to an undergraduate degree program for September 2022
    • Are committed to academic excellence
    • Permanently reside in the Golden Horseshoe Area
    • Demonstrate financial need
    • Belong to an equity deserving group as defined in the application
  • Questions? Please email Celeste Licorish at access1@mcmaster.ca

Eligible students must apply through AwardSpring.

THE ADELLA MARGARET BRAGG SCHOLARSHIP

This award was generously established in 2010 through a bequest from Adella Margaret Bragg. It can be renewed for up to three years.

  • Value: $12,000 (4,000 each year)
  • Eligibility for Award:
    • Female-identifying student
    • From the Six Nations of the Grand River territory
    • Be currently enrolled in any undergraduate program at McMaster

Eligible students must apply through AwardSpring.

All competitive scholarships are listed in AwardSpring. Navigate to Mosaic > the AwardSpring tile > Scholarships to view.  Applications open on Jan 1, but you can preview eligibility criteria and requirements ahead of time.

All scholarships for Indigenous graduate students are listed on the School of Graduate Studies website.

School of Graduate Studies

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, Indigenous students and who do not apply for OSAP may still be considered for a bursary.

To apply, log in to AwardSpring through Mosaic and complete the common app and Bursary program follow-up . If you identify as an Indigenous person, be sure to indicate that on your profile.

Once your application is completed, you will be assessed for all bursaries you are eligible for.

Bursaries

The Indigenous Student Bursary is funded by Ministry of Colleges and Universities to support self-identified Indigenous students with financial need. To be eligible for this bursary, you must:

  • Self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Meet the Canadian citizenship and Ontario residency requirements
  • Complete and submit the application/voluntary declaration form by the deadline date.

The application period coincides with the General Bursary Program dates and deadlines.

The Métis Nation of Ontario Student Bursary Program was established in 2014 to support Métis students completing an undergraduate program. McMaster is one of the 42 post-secondary institutions across Canada that partner with this program. The value and number of awards vary each year. To apply, you must:

  • Identify as a Métis student
  • Be currently enrolled in any undergraduate program at McMaster
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Complete and submit the application by the deadline date

Application will open on November 15 and closes at the general bursary deadline.

This scholarship program aims to build a brighter future for Indigenous students through education.

Eligibility for Award:

  • Full time studies in college, university, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and technology programs.
  • Self-identify as Inuk (Inuit), First Nations or Métis

Students need to complete only one application for most of Indspire’s bursaries, scholarships and awards. This will assess students for all applicable bursaries, scholarships and awards.

More on Indspire

Stay informed about important dates and deadlines, so you don’t miss out on any opportunities.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Indigenous Student Services help support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Student throughout their journey at McMaster. Stop by the office at L.R. Wilson Hall, Room 1811.

Indigenous Student Services

Student Services is your first stop for all financial aid inquiries, and so much more. Find out how we can help you.

Student Services

Indigenous Student Health Sciences Office offers various academic and well-being services to Indigenous students in the Faculty of Health Science.

Indigenous Student Health Sciences Office

Does band funding affect the amount of OSAP I will receive?

No. Indigenous students do not have to declare funding they receive from PSSSP on their OSAP application. Also, scholarships and bursaries will not affect your PSSSP or OSAP entitlement.

When is the deadline to apply for scholarships and bursaries?

Find out key dates and deadlines for all aid and awards here.

How do I apply for scholarships via AwardSpring if I don’t have OSAP?

You do not need to receive OSAP to apply for scholarships via AwardSpring. To apply, you must first complete common application. You can then and find all the scholarships you are eligible for and apply individually  for each.

I am in need of emergency financial support. What do I do?

Indigenous students experiencing a financial emergency may visit Indigenous Student Services (L.R.W Hall, 1811)  or contact Student Services to discuss and explore solutions.

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