Western University Bursary: Overview

The Western Bursary is a needs-based program designed to help eligible full-time students with the cost of their education. The bursary is available to Canadian and international students and is renewable for up to four years of study. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Western University. Bursaries are typically awarded in the fall and winter terms and are paid directly to Western University’s student account.

Admission Bursary

Western’s bursary is a need-based award for domestic students with financial needs. The bursary is Western’s primary source of funding for undergraduate students and is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Western Bursary is a needs-tested bursary. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • demonstrate genuine financial need
  • be enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate degree program at Western University

Western Bursary is renewable for up to four years of study, provided that you continue to demonstrate financial need and remain enrolled as a full-time student in an eligible program.

Black Student Relief Fund

Western University has a bursary available to black students who may be experiencing financial difficulties. The Western Bursary is open to any black student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Western. The bursary is intended to help offset the cost of tuition, books, and other educational expenses. This funding is available to undergraduate students in any year of any program with emergency financial needs who self-identify as Black. These awards cannot cumulatively exceed $750 per student per academic year. Approximately $10,100 is available and was generously established by BAWA (Black at Western Alumni).

First Generation Bursary

Western Bursary is a bursary available to students who are the first in their immediate family to attend a post-secondary institution. The Western Bursary is worth up to $3,500. To be eligible for the Western Bursary:

  • You must be a student whose parents have not enrolled in any post-secondary studies. This includes full or part-time studies, in or outside of Canada, at any time, in any program.
  • Post-secondary studies will include college and university.
  • You must meet Ontario residence requirements. For more information visit the OSAP website.
  • You must be enrolled in the current academic year at the main campus.
  • You must have applied on the Financial Assistance Profile (“FAP”) or Admission Bursary Application and have been approved for bursary/need-based awards or work-study.

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