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 18, 2022, at 11:59 pm (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: $2,500 (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: March 20, 2022 at 11:59 pm (ET).
The PepsiCo Canada Entrance Award in Engineering
Established in 2020 by PepsiCo Canada.
- Value: Up to $2,500 per year to to be awarded to undergraduate students entering Level 1 in the Faculty of Engineering who identify as racialized students, attain high averages, and who demonstrate leadership potential.
- 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:
- Apply via Faculty of Engineering Application.
- Apply via Faculty of Engineering Application.
- Deadline: Opens Nov 1, Closes February 12, 2022, at 11:59 pm (ET).
Learn more about the NSBE entrance scholarship
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, 2022 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.
Featured scholarships
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, 2021
- 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
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.
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
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
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.