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 a maximum of four years to use towards tuition, textbooks, supplies and living expenses.

This year we have increased the number of awards from eight to ten scholarships. Awards are distributed 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 you think this program is 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 been accepted to 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 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 June 15 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 a maximum of four years. To receive the full amount for all years of study, you must attend an accredited post-secondary institution, 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

Please note we have made some changes to the application process:

• We have a new application period. Applications can be submitted from January 1 to March 31 of each year.
• We have streamlined the application process to make it easier for students to apply.
  Also note, as part of your application you must provide a letter of recommendation and a school transcript.

Please do not submit more than one application per year.

The 2009 Aboriginal Student awards application period is now closed. Selected winners will be notified of the committees decision by June 15th.

Application deadline is 11:59 pm EST on March 31. If selected, 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.

Please contact us at the following email address if you have questions about the program.
aboriginalstudentawards@rbc.com

To ensure security of personal information we will not be accepting application forms via this e-mail address.