AU bursaries are intended to help those students who need it most. AU considers it a priority to address financial privation that jeopardizes students' ability to continue their studies. As Canada’s Open University, AU strives to remove the barriers of income level in part by providing, and encouraging support for, student financial bursaries.
If the award description states that the application should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar, application documents should be submitted to
Student Awards Administrative Assistant
Office of the Registrar
Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3Phone: 1-800-788-9041 ext 6197
Fax: (780) 675-6174
awardsinfo@athabascau.ca
All bursaries managed by Athabasca University require students to follow an application process as outlined in the description of each bursary listed below.
| Donor: Albert and Pirkko Karvonen | |
| Value: $1,100 Towards Course Enrolment | |
| Number Awarded: 6 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | October 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on September 1, 2021.
The Albert and Pirkko Karvonen Environmental Science or Biology Bursary is intended to assist program or non-program (unclassified) students with the costs associated with tuition fees. Applicants must a resident of Canada.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Alberta Blue Cross Corporation Foundation | |
| Value: $1,000 | |
| Number Awarded: 2 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | October 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on September 1, 2021.
Description of Award
The Alberta Blue Cross 50th Anniversary Bursary is awarded annually to two current AU undergraduate nursing degree program students who have achieved the highest grade average on two 3 credit nursing courses taken through Athabasca University. The grade average on the two AU nursing courses must be 80 percent or better. Eligible students must be residents of Alberta and demonstrate financial need. Students can receive these scholarships once only.
Conditions of Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply for these scholarships:
• Be current AU undergraduate nursing degree program students
• Have an 80% grade average on two AU 3 credit nursing courses
• Be Alberta resident
• Have demonstrated financial need
• Submit the completed application, and any supporting documents, to the Student Awards Administrative Assistant, Office of the Registrar at AU.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: One tuition credit for a single, 3 credit course registration equivalent to the applicants program of study (UG/GR) | |
| Number Awarded: Varies | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | January 15 July 15 |
Description of the Award
The Athabasca University 50th Anniversary I-CARE Completion Bursaries are intended to assist AU Graduate and Undergraduate program students with continuation of their education without interruption to their studies due to financial need.
Conditions of Eligibility
An applicant must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this award:
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate (UG/GR) program at AU.
• Must have no more than 15 AU credits to complete for their undergraduate program or no more than 9 AU credits to complete their graduate program.
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 is required.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Has never received this award previously.
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Emil C. Fredericks | |
| Value: Up to 1500 | |
| Number Awarded: Varies | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | October 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on September 1, 2021.
Students must have an identified learning, physical, or mental disability. A disability is a functional limitation resulting from physical, sensory or mental impairment, which, for an indefinite period, affects the ability of the student to perform the activities necessary to participate fully in post-secondary learning.
Candidates must be participating in undergraduate or graduate coursework at Athabasca University. Preference will be given to students in an AU degree, diploma, or certificate program who have made noteworthy progress toward graduation and who have an identified financial need for funding assistance.
Students are eligible to receive this award only once.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: Tuition credit for fee for one 3 credit course at an undergraduate or masters level | |
| Number Awarded: Varies | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | December 15 September 15 June 15 March 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on April 9, 2021.
Awarded to an AU undergraduate or graduate program student with an identified learning, physical, or psychiatric disability. A disability is a functional limitation resulting from a physical, sensory, or mental impairment, which, for an indefinite period, affects the ability of the student to perform the activities necessary to participate fully in post-secondary learning.
Applicants must have expressed significant determination to commence studies at Athabasca University but be facing a financial need barrier that prevents them from proceeding or continuing post-secondary studies at AU.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: Varies - Maximum single award will not exceed $3,000 | |
| Number Awarded: Varies | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on April 15, 2021.
Awarded to Athabasca University students that have an identified learning, physical, or psychiatric disability. A disability is a functional limitation resulting from a physical, sensory, or mental impairment, which, for an indefinite period, affects the ability of the student to perform the activities necessary to participate fully in post-secondary learning. Preference will be given to students who are not eligible for alternative funding sources via the 'Canadian Studies Grant for Students with Disabilities'. Students may be eligible to receive a maximum lifetime limit of $3000.
Conditions of Eligibility:
An applicant must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply for this award:
• Be a current Athabasca University undergraduate or graduate program student.
• Have an identified learning, physical, or psychiatric disability, as defined in the description of the above.
• Student must be registered with the AU – Accessibility Services Department.
• Availability of alternative funding sources or unmet need.
• Demonstrate of financial need
• Verified need for technology and/or support services as determined by the Assistive Technologist, and/or Accessibility Services Department.
• A vendor quotation that supports the requests for Accessibility Services technology or support service expenditures.
• Proof of application, approval and/or denial of the Canada Students Grant for Students with Disabilities.
Students awarded the AU Accessibility Services Technology & Support Services Bursary will be required to provide receipt(s) for proof of purchase of equipment or services within one month of receipt of the bursary notification.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: $2000 | |
| Number Awarded: 20 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | October 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on September 1, 2021.
Awarded to current AU undergraduate program students who have completed at least 9 AU credits. Recipients will be selected on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to applicants who have made contributions to their local community via any level of volunteerism and/or other extracurricular activities. Students are eligible to receive this bursary only once.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: $2500 towards course enrolment | |
| Number Awarded: Maximum 10 Annually | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | March 15 October 15 |
The AU Doctoral Level Student Bursaries are intended to assist students continue with their education without interruption to their studies due to financial need or exceptional life circumstances.
Current AU doctoral level program students in financial need and/or those AU students faced with exceptional life circumstances are invited to apply. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 3 AU credits at the doctoral level and have a cumulative AU program GPA of 3.0. Additional circumstances such as disabilities, single parent/caregiver status, and so forth may be taken into consideration.
No student can receive more than two of these bursaries in a five year period.
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Externally Funded | |
| Value: Up to $2000 (Tuition costs associated with three, 3 credit Athabasca University courses) | |
| Number Awarded: Three per competition, two competitions per year | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | July 1 November 1 |
The Athabasca University (AU) – First Nation Colleges Student Awards are intended to recognize the achievement of Alberta First Nation College students who wish to pursue studies at Athabasca University (AU), yet face financial barriers that inhibit their ability to do so. Students attending or from First Nation Colleges in Alberta are eligible to apply. Preference may be given to students from Red Crow College. Students may reapply and receive this award more than once.
An applicant must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply for this award:
• Be a current AU student. (degree program, certificate or unclassified).
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Demonstrate their desire to achieve their educational goals.
• Submit the completed application and any supporting documents to the Student Awards Unit, Office of the Registrar at AU.
• GPA of 2.0 or higher at Red Crow College (or other First Nation College with in Alberta)
• GPA of 2.0 or higher at AU if reapplying for this award.
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: Tuition fee credit for 1, three credit course applicable to the students program of study (In Canada or Out of Canada) | |
| Number Awarded: Varies | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | May 15 November 15 |
The AU Graduate Level Student Bursaries are intended to assist AU program students continue with their education without interruption to their studies due to financial need.
Application Criteria
• Be a current AU graduate level program student
• Have completed a minimum of 9 AU credits at the graduate level
• Have an AU program GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Have not received this bursary twice previously
• Have room in their program of study to use the bursary for a future course registration
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University and External Donors | |
| Value: $1000 | |
| Number Awarded: Varies |
Description of Bursary
The purpose of the AU Graduate Student Emergency Bursary is to provide emergency funding to AU students who are experiencing unexpected expenses that have the potential to interrupt their studies at AU. This bursary has been established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on AU students. Recipients are eligible to receive an emergency bursary one time only.
AU Graduate Student Emergency Bursary is CLOSED
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Anonymous | |
| Value: One full installment of MBA fees/cost of course tuition | |
| Number Awarded: 2 per year | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | November 15 May 15 |
The AU MBA Faculty of Business Bursary award is intended to assist AU MBA students continue with their education without interruption to their studies due to financial need. Current AU MBA students in financial need are invited to apply or students may be invited to apply by the Faculty of Business. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 9 credits toward their MBA program and have a cumulative AU program GPA of 3.0. Students can receive this award once.
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: Varies - Up to $1000 | |
| Number Awarded: Varies | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | Applications accepted ongoing |
The AU Natural Disaster Convocation Bursaries are intended to assist AU students who have been affected by a natural disaster and incurred unexpected expenses that may impede their ability to attend AU’s Convocation ceremony.
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: Course Tuition Fees | |
| Number Awarded: Varies | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | Applications accepted ongoing for monthly adjudication |
The AU Natural Disaster Emergency Bursaries are intended to assist AU students with continuing with their education without interruption due to being affected by a natural disaster. Recipients are eligible to apply for a second bursary upon successful completion of initial bursary funded course.
Please note that the COVID-19 Pandemic is not considered a Natural Disaster under the provisions of this award.
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: Current PLAR Assessment Fee - not exceeding $1000 | |
| Number Awarded: 2 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | February 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on January 7, 2022.
The AU PLAR Bursary will enable applicants in financial need to have access to AU’s PLAR process and, as a result, the credit that results from that process.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: Tuition fee credit for one, 3 credit undergraduate course (In Province, Out of Province or Foreign) | |
| Number Awarded: Varies | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | April 30 December 31 August 31 |
The AU Undergraduate Student Bursaries are intended to assist AU program students continue with their education without interruption to their studies due to financial need.
Application Criteria
• Be a current AU undergraduate program student
• Have completed a minimum of 3 AU credits at the undergraduate level
• Have not received this bursary twice previously
• Have room in their program of study to use the bursary for a future course registration
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University and External Donors | |
| Value: $1000 | |
| Number Awarded: Varies |
Description of Bursary
The purpose of the AU Undergraduate Student Emergency Bursary is to provide emergency funding to AU students who are experiencing unexpected expenses that have the potential to interrupt their studies at AU. This bursary has been established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on AU students. Recipients are eligible to receive an emergency bursary one time only.
AU Undergraduate Emergency Bursary is CLOSED
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Mr. Carter Yellowbird | |
| Value: $1500 | |
| Number Awarded: 1 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | January 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on December 1, 2021.
The Carter Yellowbird Indigenous Bursary is awarded annually to an Indigenous student enrolled in one of the Athabasca University (AU) undergraduate programs. The Carter Yellowbird Indigenous Bursary will be awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Bursary will be awarded directly to the student.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Edmonton-Glenora Rotary and Athabasca University | |
| Value: $1000 | |
| Number Awarded: 1 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | October 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on September 1, 2021.
Awarded annually to an AU undergraduate program student who has successfully completed a minimum of 9 AU credits between October 16, of the previous year and October 15, of the current year, who currently resides in the Alberta Capital Region.
See map of Capital Region: http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/mc_capital_region_plan.cfm.
The recipient is selected based on financial need, with preference given to female applicants. It is recommended that applicants have a history of contributions to community through volunteerism, and active participation, along with a demonstrated enthusiasm to succeed through life-long learning. The recipient of this bursary should be willing to provide a visit to the Rotary Club to participate in a short acknowledgement ceremony.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation | |
| Value: $1,000 | |
| Number Awarded: 4 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | February 15 May 15 August 15 November 15 |
These bursaries are intended to help offset travel costs incurred by students participating in travel required in Faculty of Health Disciplines’ programs. Examples of required travel include beginning orientation and/or clinical placement. These funds are awarded to current AU students who reside in North or
Central Alberta, who have demonstrated financial need and commitment to the health profession and who are enrolled in a program in the Faculty of Health Disciplines in which travel is required.
Students can receive this award only once during their program.
Conditions of Eligibility:
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply for this bursary
• Be a current student (undergraduate or graduate) enrolled in any program within the Faculty of Health Disciplines, graduate or undergraduate
• Demonstrate financial need
• Must reside in Northern or Central Alberta
• Provide an explanation of their commitment to the health profession
• Submit the fully completed application, and any required enclosures, to the Student Awards Unit at Athabasca University.
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
The award you are applying for requires a reference letter. Click here to access the information for the submission of the reference letter: Reference letter form
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Athabasca University | |
| Value: Up to $1250 | |
| Number Awarded: 3 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | May 15 August 15 February 15 |
Awarded to current AU undergraduate program or collaboration program students in their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of study who are in good academic standing, who have demonstrated a financial need, and who possess identified technological obstacles to continuing academic study at Athabasca University.
Applicants must be of Indigenous ancestry as defined by their nation of origin. Proof of ancestry is required. Indigenous community acceptance and participation should be addressed in the application.
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Metis Education Foundation (MEF) | |
| Value: $2500 | |
| Number Awarded: 4 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | January 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on December 1, 2021.
This award is to alleviate the costs of tuition and learning resources and to encourage the post secondary achievement of Métis undergraduate students while attending Athabasca University.
Conditions of Eligibility:
· Be a Canadian citizen
· Be enrolled as a full-time student in a university certificate or bachelor’s degree or have completed over the previous academic year at least 12 AU
credits (4 courses) leading to an undergraduate degree offered by AU
· Demonstrate financial need
· Have a cumulative GPA of 2.3, or better, at the time of application
· Provide proof of Métis heritage by submitting one of the following;
a. A photocopy of a valid Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) membership card (which can be obtained by applying to the MNA Head Office) or valid Métis membership in any of the following: Métis Settlements of Alberta, Métis Nation of Ontario, Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis Nation – Saskatchewan, Métis Nation British Columbia; or
b. A photocopy of a parent’s, grandparent’s, aunt’s/uncle’s, or sibling’s valid membership card in any of the above named Métis organizations (along with proof of this kinship connection); or
c. Other valid proof of Métis genealogy (as validated by either MNA/ RLI)
· Submit an essay of 500 words detailing their background/experience with the Métis community and describing how the receipt of a Métis Scholar Award will support the recipient’s academic goals and/or benefit his/her community in the future
· Not be receiving RLI Métis Training to Employment (MTE) funding for the same course of study
· Not be a Registered or Treaty Indian
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Anonymous | |
| Value: $2000 Awarded as a Tuition Credit | |
| Number Awarded: 5 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | May 15 |
This bursary is intended to assist AU program students, who are single parents that reside in: the City of Edmonton, Alberta; the Northwest Territories; the Yukon or Nunavut, to continue with their education without interruption to their studies due to financial need. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their commitment to volunteerism in their community.
Click here to access the award application form: Application Form
Note: Please download the PDF form to your desktop, then open the file from your desktop using Adobe Reader and complete and save the form. Do not use your browser to complete the form as the data may not save correctly. Once you have completed and saved the form, please re-open it and review all of your entries before submitting it to the award submission portal. To download a copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit the Adobe website.
Once you have completed the application form, please visit our award submission portal to submit it.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Rotary Club of Athabasca | |
| Value: $500 | |
| Number Awarded: 1 |
This award is closed until further notice.
Awarded annually to an Athabasca University undergraduate degree program student who has completed at least 12 AU credits. Applicants must be permanent residents of Northern Alberta. The recipient will be selected based on financial need. Preference will be given to the applicant who has made contributions to his/her community through volunteerism, active participation in their community, and have demonstrated an enthusiasm to succeed through life long learning.
The recipient should be willing to visit the Rotary Club of Athabasca to participate in a short acknowledgment ceremony.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Robin Bleich | |
| Value: $820 Tuition Fee Credit | |
| Number Awarded: 1 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | October 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on September 1, 2021.
The Sunny Bleich Completion Bursary for Undergraduate Students is intended to assist AU degree program
students with continuation of their education without interruption to their studies due to financial need.
An applicant must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this award:
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at AU.
• Must have no more than 15 AU credits to complete for their undergraduate degree.
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 is required.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Must be resident of Canada.
• Has never received this award previously.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
| Donor: Walker Wood Foundation | |
| Value: $2000 | |
| Number Awarded: 2 | |
| Annual Application Deadline: | October 15 |
This award is presently closed. It will reopen for application submissions on September 1, 2021.
The Walker Wood Foundation Undergraduate First in Family Bursaries are intended to offer financial support and recognition to Athabasca University undergraduate program students who are the first in their family to attend a post-secondary educational institution.
These bursaries are for current Athabasca University students who are the first in their family (grandparents, parents, nor siblings have earned a post secondary credential, i.e. university, college or technical diploma, certificate or degree) to attend university. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and have successfully completed at least one, 3 credit AU course, (not completed by challenge credit). Applicants must a Canadian citizen and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to applicants who are a resident of Ontario or the Maritime Provinces.
Questions? Contact the Student Awards Unit.
Updated by Student & Academic Services
AU, CANADA'S OPEN UNIVERSITY, is an internationally recognized leader in online and distance learning.