How We Can Support You
While the BSSC does not administer financial aid directly, we work closely with McMaster’s Student Services and campus partners to help Black students:
- Understand financial aid systems
- Identify scholarships, bursaries and awards
- Access emergency and short-term financial support
- Navigate financial stress during challenging periods
- Prepare for the financial realities of graduate school and early career life
We are here to guide, refer and advocate.
If finances are impacting your well-being, academic focus or sense of belonging, we encourage you to reach out to speak with BSSC staff for guidance and referrals, attend workshops and info sessions or book career or graduate advising for long-term planning. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for funding updates.
Your financial circumstances do not define your potential. Support exists, and you deserve access to it.
Discover Your Options
Students may be eligible for:
- Entrance scholarships
- In-course scholarships
- Need-based bursaries
- Faculty-specific awards
- External scholarships
- Identity-based and equity-focused awards
- Graduate funding opportunities
Many students miss funding simply because they didn’t know it existed. We help close that gap.
We actively share and promote:
- Scholarships supporting Black and African-descendant students
- Community-based awards
- External Black-led foundations and organizations
- Graduate scholarships and research funding
These opportunities are shared through:
- The BSSC newsletter
- Career and graduate advising sessions
- Workshops and information sessions
- Targeted emails and announcements
Navigating OSAP and financial aid can be confusing, especially if you’re supporting family, working part-time or balancing multiple responsibilities.
We can help you:
- Understand the basics of OSAP and funding timelines
- Prepare questions before meeting with Student Services
- Identify when to seek additional support
- Navigate changes to your financial situation during the year
If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help.
Unexpected financial challenges happen. If you are experiencing:
- Sudden financial hardship
- Housing or food insecurity
- Loss of employment
- Emergency travel needs
- Short-term financial crises
We can:
- Help you explore emergency bursaries and supports
- Connect you to the appropriate campus resources
- Offer a confidential space to talk through what’s next
You are not alone, and asking for help is an act of strength.
Financial stability is also about access to employment and experience.
We can help you access:
- Paid student roles with us in the BSSC
- Information on co-op, internships and work-study programs
- Career advising that considers financial realities
- Connections to employers and alumni networks
We recognize that many students must work while studying, and we support you in finding opportunities that align with your goals.
Thinking about graduate or professional school? Financial planning is critical.
We support students with:
- Understanding graduate funding packages
- Research scholarships (e.g., NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR)
- Budgeting for applications and entrance costs
- Fellowships, assistantships and external funding
This support is offered in collaboration with our Career and Postgraduate Specialist.