McMaster Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries
Review the Registrar’s office page for more details about Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships.
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: Up to $25,000 per year to Canadian Black students entering the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster.
- 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.
- Criteria:
- An AwardSpring application which includes:
- Short essay questions detailing academic, professional and personal involvements and your desire to attend McMaster
- A reference letter
- An AwardSpring application which includes:
- Deadline: February 17, 2022, at 12 pm Noon (ET).
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:
- An AwardSpring application which includes:
- Short essay questions detailing your impact on your community, what you hope to accomplish during your time at McMaster and your financial situation.
- A list of your extracurricular and employment activities.
- A reference letter
- An AwardSpring application which includes:
- Deadline: February 21, 2024 at 11:59 pm (ET).
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 $25,000 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: March 20, 2023 at 11:59 pm (ET).
More information on McMaster Access Strategy
The Kalani Family Scholarship
- 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 1st, closes April 29, 2022 at 11:59 pm (ET).
The Excellence in Midwifery Student Leadership Scholarship
- 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 1st, closes April 29, 2022 at 11:59 pm (ET).
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
RBC INSURANCE ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP AWARDS
McMaster University’s Athletic & Recreation Department and RBC Insurance have established athletic financial awards that recognize student-athletes who are members of a women’s interuniversity team/club and have demonstrated leadership qualities and a commitment to community engagement.
AWARD CRITERIA
• Members of a women’s interuniversity team/club
• Currently enrolled in Level II or above of an undergraduate degree program
• GPA of 6.5 or higher calculated on all registered course work in previous academic year
• Has not exceeded the OUA allowable maximum of athletic financial award support ($4,500) this academic year
• Meets all other OUA/USPORTS Athletic Financial Award policies
• Completes the supporting documentation requirements
NUMBER OF AWARDS AVAILABLE: Varies
VALUE: Varies from $500 – $4,500
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 3, 2021
Submit to Claire Arsenault via email at baillic@mcmaster.ca. A committee will review all applications. Selected recipients will be notified by January 22, 2022.
REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please submit a one-page statement of eligibility that includes the following:
a. Name, student number and team on the submission
b. Outline your extracurricular activities and involvement in community initiatives
c. Discuss your leadership qualities and describe a time that you took on a leadership role
d. Discuss the impact you wish to have on the McMaster athletic community as you complete your degree.
The BeMo® & SortSmart® Diversity Advocacy Scholarship
To be awarded to full-time pre-medical (any undergraduate discipline) or medical students in good academic standing.
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- 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.
Learn more about The BIPOC Scholarship
By GrantMe
RBC Future Launch Scholarship
https://www.rbc.com/dms/enterprise/futurelaunch/future-launch-scholarship.html?utm_source=rbcawards&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=acct_flscholarship2020
The RBC Future Launch Scholarship will be awarded to those who show a clear vision for their future.
Value: $1,500
Eligibility for Award:
- For Canadian youth between 15-29 years old
- Enrolled part-time in school or not in school at all
- A Canadian Citizen or Permanent resident
- Grades and transcripts are not required
- Hundreds of scholarships are available throughout the year
- Not working at RBC or a dependent of someone working at RBC
Deadline: July 28th, 2022 at 11:59 pm (ET)
Black Foundation of Community Network
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjUUsRTXvEyxxdsS90k69fJcB7Ql1Sb-jKM8btKOWVTzT3nw/viewform
The BFCN scholarships and awards were created to recognize outstanding Black students with bright futures as upcoming leaders and dreamers in their communities.
Value:
Eligibility for Award:
- Must be a Black student
- Must be graduating high school or CEGEP in June 2022 and attending an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution in September 2022 pursuing undergraduate education on a full-time or part-time basis OR must be currently enrolled in an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution pursuing undergraduate or graduate education on a full-time or part-time basis
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must demonstrate community support and involvement
- Must demonstrate leadership qualities
Deadline: July 31st, 2022 at 11:59 pm (ET)
Jamaican Canadian Scholarship Awards
https://jcaontario.org/scholarship/jcaannualscholarships/
Value: Minimum value of awards noted as bursaries is $500. Minimum award value of each available scholarship is $1000.
Eligibility for Award:
- Academic achievement (transcript required; unofficial transcripts/grade summaries are accepted)
- Involvement in school and/or community leadership activities and volunteerism
- Financial need (financial statement required; see Eligibility Criteria section for more information)
- Applicant’s personal essay and any other essay/material that may be required for a particular scholarship
- Significant personal achievements beyond academic ability, which may include personal accomplishments in spite of adversity
- Two references demonstrating the applicant’s accomplishments
- Commitment to career goals and to giving back
Deadline: July 29th, 2022 at 11:59 pm (ET)
Parents of Black Children (POB) Young, Gifted & Black Undergraduate Scholarship
https://app.tieit.io/pages/live/621/pobcscholarship
Parents of Black Children (PoBC) is honoured to launch the Young, Gifted and Black Student Scholarship for the first time. We are selecting one post-secondary student across Ontario who is enrolled in a Canadian University/College in September 2022. The winner of this award can be entering any year of a program as long as they are attending full-time classes in September 2022.
Value: $3,500
Eligibility for Award:
- You must be a self-identifying Black student that has been accepted to attend a post-secondary school in September 2022 (full-time).
- You must provide proof of post-secondary acceptance if selected for this scholarship.
- Upon participation in this submission, you are agreeing to the use of your image, name and submission across our social platforms.
- You must not be affiliated with, a child of, or related in any way to a Parents of Black Children, employee, volunteer, founding member or board member in order to be selected for this scholarship.
- You must be a resident of Ontario, Canada.
- The post-secondary institution you are attending must be located in Canada.
Deadline: July 29th, 2022 at 11:59 pm (ET)
Deloitte Black Student Scholarship
https://www.bcjobs.ca/jobs/deloitte-canada-black-student-scholarship-canada-1317288
Deloitte is committed to building and leveraging an inclusive culture in everything we do to help build and develop future leaders in Canada. Deloitte Canada is extremely proud to launch for the second year the Black Student Scholarship. We are selecting undergraduate students across Canada, who will be awarded a one-time $5,000 scholarship towards eligible school expenses, and an opportunity to complete a work term at one of our Canadian offices this year.
Value: $5,000
Eligibility for Award:
- You are eligible to work in Canada
- You self-identify as Black
- You are enrolled in post-secondary education in Canada (full-time or part-time)
- You are a 2nd, 3rd or 4th year undergraduate student
Deadline: July 24th, 2022 at 11:59 pm (ET)
The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill
The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill are Canada’s first comprehensive, leadership-driven scholarships for master’s and professional degree students.
- Value: Tuition and fees for an eligible master’s or professional program and a living stipend of $2,000 per month during academic terms
- A comprehensive enrichment program including mentorship, interdisciplinary learning and access to a global community.
Learn more, here.
Renaissance Award
- Value: Up to $25,000 for a 4- to 12-month self-directed enrichment experience
- Apply through AwardSpring
- Deadline: January 15th, 2023
Learn more, here.
Rhodes Scholarship
Your chance to study at Oxford University in England for 2-3 years!
- Value: At least $50,000/year for tuition, fees, living expenses
- Eleven Rhodes Scholars are chosen from across Canada each year (two in Ontario)
- Apply through AwardSpring to be one of McMaster’s nominees
Learn, here.
Killam Fellowship
Live and study in the United States for one semester or a full academic year!
- Value: Up to $10,000 USD, plus a health insurance allowance
- Submit your application by Jan. 15 on the Killam website
- Deadline: December 15th, 2022
Learn more about the Killam Scholarship, here.
Project Hero
Financial support to the children of Canadian military killed while serving in an active mission.
- Value: Tuition waiver + residence (double room) and a regular meal plan at McMaster covered
- For application information, contact Student Services
The Schulich Leader Scholarships
These entrance awards are given to the top entrepreneurial-minded STEM students that demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, creativity and charisma.
- Value: $100,000 or $80,000 to pursue an undergraduate degree in an eligible STEM program.
- Schulich Leaders join an elite network and benefit from student enrichment opportunities throughout the year.
Learn more, here.
The Wilson Leadership Scholar Awards
The Wilson Leadership Scholar Award recognizes and cultivates leadership potential and prepares undergraduate and graduate students to serve as Canada’s next generation of leaders. Wilson Leaders commit about 15 hours per month to meeting with mentors and experts, taking on new experiences and building on current interests, and pursuing their personal and professional goals.
- Value: $20,000 in direct and $5,000 in experiential funding
- Wilson Leaders commit about 15 hours per month to meeting with mentors and experts, taking on new experiences and building on current interests, and pursuing their personal and professional goals.
Learn more, here.
The Climate Change and Health — Innovation Award
The Climate Change and Health – Innovation Award recognizes students who have achieved excellence in creating an innovative solution that positively impacts climate change and health. The award has been developed to encourage interdisciplinary team work and collaboration, as well as foster the kind of diverse and inclusive leadership that is required to address complex sustainability challenges in our society.
Learn more about the Climate Change and Health – Innovation Award here.
The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill
The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill are Canada’s first comprehensive, leadership-driven scholarships for master’s and professional degree students.
- Value: Tuition and fees for an eligible master’s or professional program and a living stipend of $2,000 per month during academic terms
- A comprehensive enrichment program including mentorship, interdisciplinary learning and access to a global community.
Learn more, here.
Renaissance Award
- Value: Up to $25,000 for a 4- to 12-month self-directed enrichment experience
- Apply through AwardSpring
- Deadline: January 15th, 2023
Learn more, here.
Rhodes Scholarship
Your chance to study at Oxford University in England for 2-3 years!
- Value: At least $50,000/year for tuition, fees, living expenses
- Eleven Rhodes Scholars are chosen from across Canada each year (two in Ontario)
- Apply through AwardSpring to be one of McMaster’s nominees
Learn, here.
Killam Fellowship
Live and study in the United States for one semester or a full academic year!
- Value: Up to $10,000 USD, plus a health insurance allowance
- Submit your application by Jan. 15 on the Killam website
- Deadline: December 15th, 2022
Learn more about the Killam Scholarship, here.
Project Hero
Financial support to the children of Canadian military killed while serving in an active mission.
- Value: Tuition waiver + residence (double room) and a regular meal plan at McMaster covered
- For application information, contact Student Services
The Schulich Leader Scholarships
These entrance awards are given to the top entrepreneurial-minded STEM students that demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, creativity and charisma.
- Value: $100,000 or $80,000 to pursue an undergraduate degree in an eligible STEM program.
- Schulich Leaders join an elite network and benefit from student enrichment opportunities throughout the year.
Learn more, here.
The Wilson Leadership Scholar Awards
The Wilson Leadership Scholar Award recognizes and cultivates leadership potential and prepares undergraduate and graduate students to serve as Canada’s next generation of leaders. Wilson Leaders commit about 15 hours per month to meeting with mentors and experts, taking on new experiences and building on current interests, and pursuing their personal and professional goals.
- Value: $20,000 in direct and $5,000 in experiential funding
- Wilson Leaders commit about 15 hours per month to meeting with mentors and experts, taking on new experiences and building on current interests, and pursuing their personal and professional goals.
Learn more, here.
Meet previous winners and alumni. (You can click on the image to see the full list of Wilson Leaders)
The Climate Change and Health — Innovation Award
The Climate Change and Health – Innovation Award recognizes students who have achieved excellence in creating an innovative solution that positively impacts climate change and health. The award has been developed to encourage interdisciplinary team work and collaboration, as well as foster the kind of diverse and inclusive leadership that is required to address complex sustainability challenges in our society.
Learn more about the Climate Change and Health – Innovation Award here.