NATIONAL INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2024 - 2025

DEADLINE: March 14, 2024 (11:59 pm EST)

2024-Mar-14 The deadline has passed for applications.

    Eligibility:

    Awarded annually to five Indigenous undergraduate students (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) studying full-time at Western's main campus in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, Engineering, Music, Health Sciences, FIMS, Social Science, Science based on their outstanding academic excellence and meaningful and impactful contribution toward Indigenous communities. Three scholarships will be awarded to indigenous students applying directly from a Canadian high school, and two scholarships to Indigenous students applying from a postsecondary institution for full-time studies at Western's main campus in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, Engineering, Music, Health Sciences, FIMS, Social Science, Science. Recipients must meet the minimum academic averages for admission to their selected program, and will be selected on the basis of academic achievement, creative and innovative thinking, and previous or intended contributions to Indigenous communities , broadly defined.

    Applicants must submit a 1000 word essay that outlines their Indigenous identity and answers the following questions:

    1. 1) Why do you want to come to Western?
    2. 2) How will this award enhance your abilities to contribute to Indigenous communities?

    Applications must include a nomination letter from their school or a community representative, along with official school transcripts. Applications will be submitted online to the Office of the Registrar by February 14th. Applications will be reviewed and selected by a Committee assembled and chaired by the Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Initiatives) and will include an Indigenous Student Centre staff member, an Indigenous Elder, an Indigenous faculty member, and an Indigenous graduate student.

    Criteria:

    Written component:

    Applicants must submit a 1000 word essay that outlines their Indigenous identity and answers the following questions: 1) Why do you want to come to Western? 2) How will this award enhance your abilities to contribute to Indigenous communities?

    Reference Letter:

    Applications must include a reference letter from their school (teacher, guidance counsellor, and mentor) or a community representative (Elder, mentor, cultural teacher).

    Review Committee:

    Applications will be reviewed and selected by a Committee assembled and chaired by the Vice Provost/Associate Vice President (Indigenous Initiatives) and will include; an Indigenous Student Centre staff member, an Indigenous Elder, an Indigenous faculty member, and Indigenous graduate student.

    Value:

    5 at $50,000 each to Indigenous students applying from Canadian high schools or applying from a postsecondary institution.

    Ancestral Identification:

    The National Indigenous Scholarship is reserved for Indigenous students who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit. Proof of ancestry can be provided in one of several formats: Indian status card, Métis Nation citizenship card, Inuit Trust Card or a letter from band or community representative, affidavit stating the reason why such documents cannot be attained.

    Access to National Indigenous Scholarship application:

    In order to access the National Indigenous Scholarship application you will need your Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) reference number and date of birth. Please be advised that there is a delay between the date that you submit your admission application to OUAC and the date Western receives your information and it is uploaded to our system. It will be a minimum of 5 business days from the date that you submitted your admission application to OUAC before you are able to access the National Indigenous Scholarship application.

    Please click below to access The National Indigenous Scholarship Application.