Nursing Scholarships in Canada

Registered psychiatric nursing students enrolled at a CNSA chapter school in good standing may apply for this award recognizing their achievements. This CNSA member award is valued at $1,000 and is granted through the Canadian Nurses Foundation's annual scholarship program. One Canadian Nurses Foundation application covers every award you qualify for. The application opens January 1 and closes in mid-March each year (the 2026 cycle closed March 17, 2026); recipients are notified in July, and each applicant can receive at most one award per year. Applicants submit a resume or CV, confirmation of registration from their school, transcripts (unofficial accepted), and one or two references from academic supervisors, who complete a short competency assessment through the application portal. Canadian citizenship or permanent residence and enrollment in a Canadian nursing program are required.

University of New Brunswick Fredericton campus students entering the second, third, or fourth year of the BScF or BScENR programs are eligible. Three scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded primarily on scholastic attainment, with leadership demonstrated through extracurricular involvement also considered. Apply through the university's scholarship process by April 15.

For Aboriginal students in third or fourth year of basic nursing education in the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing leading to registration as a Registered Nurse. Three awards of $500 are available. Applicants submit proof of Aboriginal ancestry, Saskatchewan residency, a statement on efforts to improve the lives of Aboriginal people and career aspirations in nursing, and letters of recommendation from two faculty members attesting to work ethic and alignment with Jean Goodwill's values.

Full-time or part-time Master of Nursing students in the Nurse Practitioner stream at the University of Manitoba with a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA in the last 45 credit hours may apply. The primary academic supervisor must hold a salaried appointment in the College of Nursing. Two non-renewable awards of $3,000 each are available. Selection weighs academic standing, innovative nursing practice, and leadership.

Registered nurses enrolled in a recognized master's degree pediatric nurse practitioner program who plan to practice in a rural or underserved region for the first two years after completing PNP education may apply. Applicants must have completed at least two semesters or quarters, have no previous formal PNP education, be in full-time status (nine or more credit hours per semester), hold a 3.0 or higher GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be NAPNAP members. Award amounts vary. Recipients are selected based on academic performance and financial status.

Outstanding Master of Nursing students in the Nurse Practitioner program at UBC who need financial assistance to complete their education may qualify. Awards from this endowment total $6,500. There is no separate application. Awards are made on the recommendation of the School of Nursing in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Barbara McWilliams established the fund in memory of her mother Helen Smith Brown and aunt Elizabeth Smith, both registered nurses.

Open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents accepted into a Nurse Practitioner program at a recognized Ontario university. Two non-renewable scholarships of $5,000 each are awarded annually by the May Court Club of Ottawa. Apply online and email supporting documents to maycourtclubscholarships@gmail.com. Required materials include a letter of intent (max 500 words), résumé, proof of program acceptance, proof of citizenship or permanent residence, and two reference letters (one on volunteerism/community service, one on work experience). Selection considers volunteerism, academic achievement, goals, and personal qualities. The award is paid in two installments.

For domestic undergraduate students enrolled in eligible nursing programs at UBC Vancouver. Grants up to $2,000. Offered by the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills to increase enrollment and retention in nursing programs across BC. Administered by Nursing in consultation with Enrolment Services; no separate student application.

For a University of Calgary undergraduate entering first year in the Faculty of Nursing BSc Nursing program. One scholarship of up to $1,500 is offered annually on academic merit, with preference for a student whose home address is in a rural community. Students are considered through the Fall Undergraduate Nominated Award competition. The donor is anonymous.

Outstanding BN or BN/RN students at UNB Saint John are eligible for the UNBSJ Nursing Prize. Two prizes of $500 each are awarded annually on the recommendation of the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, UNB Saint John.