RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program

The RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program was launched in 1992 to assist Aboriginal students to complete post-secondary education, and provide an opportunity for RBC to strengthen its relationship with the Aboriginal community. Selected students are awarded up to $4,000 each academic year for two to four years to use towards tuition, textbooks, supplies and living expenses.

RBC awards 10 scholarships in two categories:

• For students majoring in disciplines related to the financial services industry
• For students majoring in disciplines unrelated to the financial services industry

We also consider scholarship recipients who are interested in careers in financial services for summer and post-graduate employment.

To the Royal Bank of Canada, I would like to thank you for your extremely generous contribution to the continuation of my education. I know this money will go a long way in providing me with a head start to the extensive and long road ahead…. I feel very privileged and honoured to have been chosen as a successful candidate for this scholarship and hope to build on this achievement for success in the future.

Johnathan, 2008 Award Recipient

If this program sounds like it is right for you, we welcome your application.

Who is eligible

You are eligible to apply to the RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program if you are a Status Indian*, a Non-status Indian, Inuit or Métis and meet these criteria:

• You are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada
• You have applied or are currently attending an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada
• You maintain a full course load that leads to a recognized degree, certificate or diploma
• You have at least two years remaining in post-secondary academic program as of September 2012
• You require financial assistance to pursue your education

If you are already receiving partial funding from other sources, you may still apply to the RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program to cover additional educational and living expenses.

*Indian as defined in Section 2(1) of the Indian Act

How award recipients are selected

A committee of Aboriginal academics and RBC representatives review all completed applications and makes the final selection of the award recipients primarily based on personal and academic achievements and individual financial need. Successful applicants are notified of the committee's decision by May 30 of each year. All decisions of the committee are final.

How it works

You will receive up to $4,000 per academic year for educational and living expenses for two to four years. To receive the full amount for all years of study, you must attend an accredited post-secondary institution, have at least two to four years remaining in your current program of study, remain in the program of study we awarded the scholarship for and maintain a full-time course load and good academic standing. RBC requests confirmation of your full course load and good academic standing at the beginning of every fall and winter semester. This confirmation will be collected in a way satisfactory to RBC. You will receive the first half of your scholarship at the beginning of the fall semester. If you maintain a good academic standing, you will receive the balance in January. Please note that RBC reserves the right to change or discontinue this program at any time. We will honour commitments already in place if the program changes or ends.

Application Process

To be eligible, applications and supporting documents are to be received by RBC by 11:59 pm EST on February 28th, 2012. If selected, the applicant must provide proof of her/his acceptance to university or college and eligible status by July 31. If you cannot confirm your acceptance by July 31, RBC reserves the right to disqualify you for that academic year and to select another applicant. You may reapply for the following academic year.

Completed application package must contain:

• FULLY completed application form
• COPY of your most current transcript
• LETTER of recommendation from a teacher, employer, or member of your community.

Please do not submit more than one application per year.