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Centre for Indigenous Student Services
Home » Financial Aid and Support for Indigenous Students

Financial Aid and Support for Indigenous Students

YorkU Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries

Who Can Apply?

York University awards more than $34 million in bursaries, scholarships, and awards each year. Eligibility varies from academic achievements, community involvement, to specific criteria.

How to apply?

Submit your Student Profile in the Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships (FAAS) by October 15, noting that you are Indigenous through self-identification.

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We encourage students to explore funding opportunities available through their First Nation, Métis, or Inuit community, as many provide post-secondary education funding and support programs. Students may wish to contact their Band Office, Métis Nation organization, or regional Inuit organization to learn more about available funding opportunities. 

Below is a list of additional funding opportunities available to Indigenous students through external organizations and programs. 

There are three on-campus employment programs for current students: 

  • Research at York (RAY) 
  • Work/Study 
  •  Leadership, Engagement and Ambassadorship Program (LEAP) 

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Frequently Asked Questions

A scholarship is based on outstanding academic and/or athletic achievement, or personal merit, and it is usually awarded during the admissions process.

Bursaries are usually granted based on student financial need. Academic excellence and financial need are usually the primary criteria for any type of award.

Yes! Please look at the above chart for the list of these scholarships, awards, and bursaries. You can also find more information at Student Financial Services.

Yes. If you are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit and are unsure about York’s Indigenous identity verification process or whether you meet the requirements for Indigenous-specific funding, you can still ask questions and seek guidance. Students are encouraged to complete the Student Profile and self-identify where appropriate. If you are unsure what documentation may be needed or which awards and supports you may qualify for, contact the Centre for Indigenous Student Services for respectful and confidential support.

If you are unsure if you qualify for the Entrance Awards & Bursaries, please fill out your Student Profile. This is an online application used to assess your financial needs. York University uses this information to help identify students who may qualify for financial support. Complete the Student Profile between December 1 and April 1. You may contact the Centre for Indigenous Student Services if you have any questions.

Fill it out as soon as you can; you do not need to have an offer of admission, and you don’t have to have accepted your offer to fill out this form.

Deadlines for specific awards are listed within the Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships (FAAS) Application portal.

Please contact Student Support & Advising for more information on OSAP. If you are considering applying for OSAP check out the OSAP Aid Estimator.