Financial Aid

The Indigenous Student Advisor is here to help you find ways to overcome barriers that may prevent you from joining the Saint Mary's community.

In addition to academic guidance, there are a number of financial resources available for students.

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards at Saint Mary's

With the support of alumni and friends, Saint Mary’s University rewards academic excellence and supports students with financial need through scholarships, bursaries and awards.

Saint Mary’s University is committed to growing the number of scholarships and bursaries that are available to support Indigenous students as part of our commitment to building a World without limits.

Students who have been accepted to attend Saint Mary’s University for their first year of study can apply for Admissions Awards by the March 1 annual deadline. Currently enrolled students can apply for Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards through the Financial Aid & Awards office by the May 1 annual deadline.

Awards Available for Indigenous Students*

Akkerman Bursary
This bursary was established by John Akkerman BComm’82, in honour of his family and in recognition of the opportunities that Nova Scotia and Saint Mary's University have provided. This bursary will be available to full-time undergraduate African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students enrolled in Saint Mary's University. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce program in the Sobey School of Business.

Kevin Bonnycastle Memorial Award
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student, entering third or fourth year, at Saint Mary's University in the Department of Sociology or Criminology with a declared major in Sociology or Criminology or a declared double major in Sociology and Criminology. Preference will be given to:

  • Students who self-identify as Indigenous and demonstrate financial need.
  • Students who self-identify as Indigenous .
  • Students who self-identify as a visible minority and demonstrate financial need.
  • Students who self-identify as being from a visible minority.
  • Students who demonstrate financial need.

Loretta Saunders Memorial Bursary
Awarded to a female student enrolled at Saint Mary's University of Indigenous descent who demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to recipients who are single parent students.

Richard & Nancy Flynn Award for Indigenous Students
This bursary is available to Indigenous students enrolled in any program at Saint Mary's University. Preference will be given to students first from Newfoundland and Labrador and secondly from Nova Scotia.

Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Diversity Excellence Awards
These awards, created by Scott McCain and Leslie McLean, will be available to full-time undergraduate Indigenous or Black students with financial need who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada enrolled in any faculty or program, with a preference for students who are from Atlantic Canada.

Sobeys Diversity Excellence Award for Indigenous Students
Two renewable awards are available for eligible full-time or part-time undergraduate students in the Sobey School of Business who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations Status and non-Status, Metis and Inuit) and demonstrate financial need. Preference for the awards will be given to students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. If there are no eligible Sobey School of Business students, the awards can be given to full-time or part-time Indigenous students enrolled in another faculty.

Thomas J and Donald P Keleher Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be available to full-time undergraduate students from the Atlantic provinces enrolled in any program. Preference will be given to students who have self-identified as African Nova Scotian or Indigenous.

Turner Bursary
Established by Keisha Turner BA’12, the Turner Bursary is available to full-time undergraduate students who identify as African Canadian or Indigenous women. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate an interest in and engagement with entrepreneurship Saint Mary’s University or the broader community.

*This list is subject to change and availability.

External Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

Students may also access External Award opportunities. Students are invited to contact the Indigenous Student Advisor for additional information on external awards and resources.

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