Scholarships

 

The Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program – Education

Awarded annually (up to four years) to two Indigenous graduate students who are beginning their studies in the Faculty of Education.

Deadline for Submissions: March 31, 2026

This program strives to foster academic excellence and innovation in Indigenous scholarship and Indigenous research, increase Indigenous graduate student representation in the Faculty of Education, and reduce social and economic barriers that disproportionately hinder Indigenous student access and completion of graduate-level studies.

This scholarship also builds on recent investments in new faculty member appointments in Indigenous Education and growth in support services offered through the Office of Indigenous Education.

Eligibility

Awarded annually to two Indigenous students who are beginning their graduate studies at Western’s Faculty of Education. Selection will be based on complete submission of all application materials received by the deadline.

Important note: Applicants may apply to the Faculty of Education’s scholarship for students living with disabilities and the Faculty of Education’s scholarship for Indigenous students. However, successful applicants are awarded only one of these scholarships.

Verification of Indigenous Identity

To be eligible for the Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program, applicants must complete the following:

Scholarship Applications

To apply, please send all required application materials to Candace Jamieson Barr (Indigenous Education Office) at the following: indigenoused@uwo.ca. In the email message subject line write “Indigenous Graduate Student Scholarship, last name, first Initial”. Application details are outlined below.

Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program Checklist

The following is the checklist for a complete Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program Application (further information is provided below under Application Details):

  • An Applicant statement confirming submission of Student Declaration of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership. 
  • Two Reference Letters: one academic reference letter (e.g., thesis supervisor or course instructor) and one reference letter from an Indigenous community leader, elder, or mentor (who can confirm the applicant’s connection and contributions to Indigenous community)
  • Essay (approximately 500-words).
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV).

APPLICATION DETAILS

Verification of Indigenous Identity

The Indigenous Graduate Students Scholarship Program is available to Indigenous students who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit and have verified Indigenous identity by completing the Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western, procedure.

Reference Letters 

Applications must include two reference letters that consist of one academic letter (e.g., letter from a thesis supervisor or course instructor) and one letter from an Indigenous community leader, elder, or mentor (who can confirm the applicant’s connection and contributions to Indigenous community).

Essay  

All applicants must submit an essay (approximately 500 words) where they self-identify as Indigenous and describe their academic achievements and their connection and contributions to their Indigenous community. The essay will also outline how the award will advance their future studies and the potential contribution for meaningful impacts on Indigenous communities. The essay may include description of an applicant’s circumstances relating to any systemic or financial barriers faced in education or in life.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

In academia, a CV is a comprehensive record of education, scholarly and professional activities, publications, and other academic achievements. All applicants must submit a copy of their CV. The CV must include a personal summary that contains the applicant’s full name, email address and other contact information.

Adjudication of Scholarships

Complete applications will be reviewed and selected by a Committee assembled and chaired by the Director of Indigenous Education and include Indigenous faculty members with expertise in the field of Indigenous Education. Western's Indigenous Affirmation Advisory Committee (IAAC) will be called upon to verify indigenous identity of applicants.