Graduate Studies

Financial aid for graduate students

Whether you are currently a graduate student pursuing your Master’s or PhD, or you are looking at becoming a graduate student one day, there are many awards that you may be eligible for.

• Internal and Donor Funded Awards  
  Come from the University’s Scholarship, Bursary and Award funds, Academic Unit and/or Faculty budgets and the generosity of our donors.
• Tri-agency & Government Awards 
  Are funded through private, provincial, or federal sources
• External + Additional Awards 
  Provided by external funding agencies, organized by research areas or funding audience
• Community engagement Award 
  For students who have demonstrated community or cultural contributions. 

• Travel awards for students traveling as a component of their research. Examples include: 
  • Dossa Graduate Student Award
  • Graduate Travel and Research Award (TARA)
  • Indigenous Graduate Travel Award
  • Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement (CGS-MSFSS)
  • Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)

Program-specific awards

• The BC Psychological Association has created an Indigenous Graduate Student Award for students in psychology. 

• Robert Russell Family/ First Nations Graduate Award for students pursuing studies in the Faculties of Education; Arts and Social Sciences; and Sciences.

• Are you in the Indigenous Languages Program? Dr. Ruby Peter Graduate award in language proficiency is available to Master’s students in the Indigenous Languages Program. 

EMBA

Are you enrolled in or considering a Master of Business Administration? SFU Beedie School of Business offers an amazing opportunity for Indigenous leaders through the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA program.

There are several awards available to students enrolled in the EMBA program: 

1. Leith Wheeler Executive MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership Award
2. Vancity Executive MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership Graduate Award
3. CN Graduate Award in Indigenous Business and Leadership
4. Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation Graduate Award in Indigenous Business and Leadership
5. RBC Award in Indigenous Business and Leadership

Help with awards

Helpful information can be found on SFU’s Graduate Studies website, including community resources, awards, student stories, newsletters, and videos. Follow their guide for Additional sources of funding and visit award application tips for some guidance on the application process.

For financial aid questions, contact student aid officer Chris Dembiske email: faa_isc@sfu.ca

Academic community for graduate students

• Connect with Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE). Join the email listserv by emailing the SAGE Indigenous Graduate Peer Mentor: grad.sage@ubc.ca. 
• The Annual Indigenous Graduate Student Symposium (IGSS) is an interdisciplinary forum where students can connect and build their academic network. Email gs_indigenous@sfu.ca to get involved.

Additional resources:

• Financial support 
• Housing 
• Community