University of Toronto Indigenous Student Scholarships & Bursaries 2025–26 (Fully Updated Guide)
The University of Toronto (U of T) Canada’s leading institutions, known for its academic excellence and diverse student community. For the 2025–26 academic year, U of T offers several financial support programs designed to reduce barriers, and support in students achievement. These several opportunities are focused for both undergraduate and graduate students, including those in second-entry professional programs such as law, medicine, and education.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss in detail about each Indigenous award and bursary offered at U of T in 2025–26. It will mainly cover eligibility criteria and application deadlines to award amounts and pro tips for a successful application, this resource is designed to help you secure funding and focus on your studies.
About the Institution
The University of Toronto (U of T), founded in 1827, is Canada’s top-ranked institution and one of the world’s leading research universities with three campuses — St. George in downtown Toronto, Scarborough (UTSC), and Mississauga (UTM) It currently offers an unparalleled range of programs across 700 undergraduate and over 200 graduate and professional degrees which usually cover most of the students subject areas .
Also, the university is home to over 90 departments, 14 faculties, and various interdisciplinary research centers. As far as ranking is considered, it consistently ranked among the top 25 universities globally by QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education in recent ratings announced, 97,000 students, including over 27,000 international students from more than 170 countries are currently enrolled.
Famous study in the university are arts and humanities, engineering, health sciences, business, law, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence and sustainability. Now we will discuss about various Scholarships/ bursary opportunities avaialable here.
1. Indigenous Student Bursary
Deadline: February 2, 2026
Award Value: $1,000 – $3,500
Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Application: University Registrar’s Office online portal
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be an Ontario resident.
Must have genuine financial need.
Self-identify as an Indigenous person in Canada.
Also meet Canadian citizenship and residency requirements.
Application Process:
Submit the Indigenous Student Bursary application available online via the University Registrar’s Office.
Ensure all application is accurate including personal and financial information.
Submit before the deadline
You will receive the decision against your application via email within 1–2 months after the deadline.
2. In-Course Awards for Indigenous Students
Applications for in-course awards are due November 1, 2025. These awards are combination of financial need, academic achievement, and community leadership.
Bennett Award
Specifically available to full-time undergraduate students. Preference is given to students with Indigenous backgrounds or those whose parents did not attend post-secondary education or have genuine financial needs.
City of Toronto Scholarship for Indigenous Students Studying in Health Professions
Supports Indigenous students in health-related programs. Awards are based on financial need, academic merit, and community leadership. Applicants must be Ontario residents and Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
First Nations House Bursary
Provides financial assistance to Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students. Award amounts vary depending on financial need.
Gladys Watson Indigenous Education Fund
Available for Indigenous students enrolled in graduate and second-entry professional programs. Preference is given to those with financial need.
Métis Nation of Ontario Bursary
There are only available to registered members of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Applicants must have citizenship verified with the MNO office.
Rosalind Murray Bradford Scholarship
Awarded to undergraduate students of Indigenous ancestry in their second to fourth year, with at least second-class honors standing.
Gertrude Elgin Robson Scholarship
Open to full-time Indigenous students. Preference for those with financial need and association with First Nations House.
Edward and Dorothy Dawson Award
For Indigenous undergraduate students in science-related disciplines. If no suitable candidates are found in sciences, the award may go to other Indigenous students with financial need.
Lillian McGregor Award of Excellence
Given to Indigenous students at any level who demonstrate both financial need and contribution to the Aboriginal community.
Marilyn Van Norman Indigenous Student Leadership Award
Recognizes Indigenous students showing leadership and community involvement, with a focus on volunteer work.
3. Other Major Indigenous Awards
President’s Award for the Outstanding Indigenous Student of the Year
Value: $10,000 (two awards annually)
Deadline: June 1 annually
Criteria: Your previous Academic excellence and community contribution throught the duration.
Level: Full-time Indigenous students in coursework-based programs.
SGS Indigenous Graduate Travel Award
Value: Up to $1,000
Purpose: Supports Indigenous graduate students participating in educational or experiential learning activities in Canada or abroad.
Eligible Activities: Indigenous-focused events, workshops, competitions, and field trips.
Indigenous Experiential Learning Fund
Value: Up to $1,000
Purpose: Removes barriers to participating in course-based experiential learning activities.
Eligible Costs: Transportation, vulnerable sector checks, immunization, professional attire, and childcare.
4. Summary Table of Awards
| Award Name | Level | Amount | Criteria | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indigenous Student Bursary | UG/Grad | $1,000–$3,500 | Ontario resident, Indigenous identity, financial need | Feb 2, 2026 |
| Bennett Award | UG | Varies | Indigenous or first-generation student, financial need | Nov 1, 2025 |
| City of Toronto Scholarship | UG/Grad | Varies | Health professions, financial need, leadership | Nov 1, 2025 |
| First Nations House Bursary | UG/Grad | Varies | Indigenous, financial need | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Gladys Watson Indigenous Education Fund | Grad/Prof | Varies | Financial need, Indigenous | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Métis Nation of Ontario Bursary | UG/Grad | Varies | Registered MNO member | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Rosalind Murray Bradford Scholarship | UG | Varies | Academic merit, Indigenous | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Gertrude Elgin Robson Scholarship | UG/Grad | Varies | Indigenous, preference to FNH association | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Edward and Dorothy Dawson Award | UG | Varies | Science disciplines preferred | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Lillian McGregor Award | All | Varies | Financial need, community contribution | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Marilyn Van Norman Award | All | Varies | Leadership, community involvement | Nov 1, 2025 |
| President’s Award | All | $10,000 | Academic excellence, Indigenous leadership | June 1, 2026 |
| SGS Indigenous Graduate Travel Award | Grad | $1,000 | Educational travel | Rolling |
| Indigenous Experiential Learning Fund | UG/Grad | $1,000 | Learning expenses | Rolling |
6. FAQs
Q1: Can part-time students apply?
Yes, some awards are open to part-time students, especially at the graduate level. Always check specific criteria.
Q2: Are non-Ontario residents eligible?
Most awards require Ontario residency, but a few exceptions exist. Review each award description carefully.
Q3: How is financial need assessed?
U of T uses a standard needs-assessment form, considering income, expenses, and dependents.
Q4: Can I apply to more than one award?
Yes. Applying to multiple awards increases your chances of receiving funding.
Q5: When will I know if I’ve won?
Notifications typically arrive by email within 1–2 months after the application deadline.
Q6: Is proof of Indigenous identity required?
Yes, for certain awards (e.g., Métis Nation of Ontario Bursary), verification is necessary.
Conclusion
The University of Toronto’s Indigenous scholarships and bursaries for 2025–26 provide significant support for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate studies, graduate research, or professional training, there are funding opportunities to match your needs and ambitions.
For more details and application links, visit First Nations House at the University of Toronto or contact ac******************@******to.ca.
For further details please see offiicial website. of the university
