Entrance Bursaries for the 2023-24 Academic Year
The Entrance Bursaries program is available to students entering into an undergraduate academic program at St. Francis Xavier University directly from high school. Entrance bursary funding is limited. Eligibility to apply is based on financial need and meeting the specific criteria of each bursary as outlined below. An entrance bursary can be one among many important resources in a student’s financial plan to attend university and does not replace student loan funding. Successful applicants must demonstrate financial need in their application, including the intention to apply for and accept the maximum available government student aid for which they are assessed.
Before you apply for Entrance Bursaries:
1. You must apply for admission to StFX by May 15, 2023.
2. You must submit your transcript(s) for admission consideration by May 15, 2023.
Please know that it is not required to have an admission decision by May 15 to be eligible for entrance bursaries, but your application and transcript must be received.
Application Process:
1. Review the list of available entrance bursaries below to understand the criteria of each award.
2. The entrance bursary application includes a series of short answer questions; with the exception of those interested in being considered for the Katherine MacGillivray Maloney Nursing Bursary the application does not require any essay questions. Be prepared to provide short answer responses that are thoughtful, well organized (proper use of grammar and spelling) and specific with relevant detail.
3. Eligibility will be assessed based on how well your application demonstrates you meet a bursary's criteria; you will not be considered for bursaries for which your application does not indicate a match. If you require assistance with the application, please reach out to financialaid@stfx.ca.
4. Complete the online application by the May 15 deadline: This application has now closed.
5. The Michael and Lisa Boyd Family Awards require a separate application to be completed to be considered for these funding opportunities. Complete the online application by the May 15 deadline: This application has now closed.
Review Process:
1. Applications received by the deadline of May 15 are now under review.
2. Successful recipients will be notified of awards by mid-June.
Available Entrance Bursaries:
Angus J. Kell Bursary
This award is available to a student who will be entering full time, first year studies at StFX in a degree or diploma program in September 2023 upon graduation from Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School, Antigonish, Nova Scotia only. Applicants must have combined a satisfactory academic record with leadership in cultural, athletic or community service. Preference will be given to sons and daughters of employees of Kell Enterprises, Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
Award Value: up to $1,000
Class of ‘54 Bursary
This bursary was established in 2004 in celebration of the 50 year anniversary of the Class of 1954. Applicants must be graduating from a Nova Scotia public high school and entering StFX as a full time student in the fall academic term of the same year. This bursary will be awarded to a student demonstrating financial need, whom might otherwise not be able to attend university due to financial barriers. Applicants who have been awarded an entrance scholarship of more than $1250/year to attend StFX will not be considered for this bursary. This bursary requires a two part application process. Interested students must complete the online StFX Entrance Bursary program application, through which financial need must be demonstrated. Applicants must also have a nomination form submitted by their high school principal or guidance counsellor.
Award Value: up to $10,000
Please note: In addition to the online Entrance Bursary application form, this award requires a nomination form from your high school guidance counselor or principal. The nomination form will be available by request from the StFX Financial Aid Office beginning December 2022. Each school may nominate more than one candidate.
David Bernatchez Memorial Bursary
This bursary is available to first year students entering directly from high school into full time study in an undergraduate program at StFX in September 2023. Applicants must show financial need, as well as have demonstrated community service or leadership qualities in their communities such as involvement in varsity or club sports, led a volunteer organization, sat on student council, etc. and be able to make a valuable contribution to student life at StFX. Recipients of this bursary must either play or volunteer for the X-Men or X-Women rugby teams. Examples of volunteers are coaches, managers, and trainers. This bursary will be renewable in subsequent years of study if the student maintains good academic standing and volunteers in at least one university-based activity on an annual basis. A renewal application will be required each year.
Award Value: up to $5,000
Dr. Abraham Risk Bursary
This award will be paid to a full-time student of StFX who has demonstrated financial need, and who is a graduate from Sydney Academy High School. Students should have been involved in student activities during high school, and have demonstrated leadership abilities.
Award Value: up to $1,000
NEW: Dr. Ellen MacPhee Memorial Award
This award is available to a student who is a resident of Prince Edward Island or who attended high school in PEI, having maintained an academic average above 80% through their high school study. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, as well as passion and experience demonstrating leadership, musicality, and/or an interest in health and wellness. The recipient of this award will be invited to attend the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival during the third weekend in July (outside of Souris, PEI) to publicly receive the award by Dr. Ellen MacPhee’s family (attendance is optional).
Award Value: up to $1,500
Dr. Vernon and Mrs. Ann MacDonald Bursary
This bursary is available to students of African Nova Scotian descent who will be entering full time, first year studies at StFX directly from a high school in Nova Scotia. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, as well as leadership qualities and a sincere commitment to making a valuable contribution to student life at StFX. This bursary may be renewable in subsequent years of study, so long as recipients maintain full time enrollment of at least 24 credits per year and continue to meet the criteria of the bursary. A renewal application will be required each year through the Limited Bursary program.
Award Value: up to $2,000
Ellen Costello Women in Business Entrance Bursary
This bursary has been established for first year female students entering directly from high school into full time study in the Bachelor of Business Administration degree program at St. Francis Xavier University’s Schwartz School of Business. Applicants must demonstrate financial need in their application. This bursary will be renewable in subsequent years of study based on the recipient's continued maintenance of the Schwartz School of Business program requirements. A renewal application will be required each year.
Award Value: up to $3,500
NEW: From VK to C in 50 Bursary
This award has been established by an anonymous donor to mark his 50th anniversary in Canada. Arriving here as a refugee, he benefited from the education system in this country and went on to become a world-class nation builder in his professional life. Turning to philanthropy in his retirement, he is offering bursaries in every province and territory to mark this special occasion and to thank Canada for the opportunities it afforded him. VK is Velke Kapusany, Slovakia, the donor’s birthplace, while C signifies Canada. The Ottawa Community Foundation is pleased to facilitate this act of generosity from coast to coast to coast. This award is available to students in any undergraduate diploma or degree program (excluding BEd studies) who will begin full time studies at StFX in September 2023. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and demonstrate financial need in their application. This bursary has the potential to be renewable in each year of study, up to a maximum of three additional years, provided the recipient completes a renewal application each year and continues to meet all the criteria of this award.
Award Value: up to $2,000
Guy R. Savard Bursary
This bursary has been established to create an opportunity for students whose first language is French and are from the province of Quebec to attend St. Francis Xavier University. This bursary will support students in financial need, who otherwise would not be able to attend StFX without significant financial support. Applicants must meet the University’s admission requirements, demonstrate leadership qualities, be committed to making a valuable contribution to student life at StFX, and show financial need in their application. Applicants must be planning to enroll as a full-time student (minimum 24 credits) at StFX in the 2023-24 academic year beginning September 2023. Students from any academic program may apply and are encouraged to take at least one course associated with the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government within their studies. The Guy R. Savard Bursary has the potential to be renewable to a maximum of three additional years provided the recipient reapplies each year, remains in good academic standing and continues to meet all other criteria.
Award Value: up to $12,500
Please note: This bursary requires a special application that you may request directly from the StFX Financial Aid Office at financialaid@stfx.ca, please include Guy R. Savard Bursary in the subject line of your email.
Joyce Foundation Bursary for Public Policy and Governance
This bursary is available to first year students entering directly into the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance degree program at StFX in September 2023. Applicants must be Canadian citizens and demonstrate financial need. Applicants are expected to enroll in all of the following courses in year one of their studies: Economic 101/102, Political Science 101/102 and Public Policy and Governance 101 and must maintain full time status in their studies. This bursary may be renewable in subsequent years of study, so long as recipients continue to meet the criteria of the bursary; a renewal application will be required each year through the Limited Bursary program.
Award Value: up to $3,000
Katherine MacGillivray Maloney Nursing Bursary
The Katherine MacGillivray Maloney Nursing bursary is available to grade 12 students entering into full-time studies in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at St. Francis Xavier University in September 2023. Applicants must be Canadian citizens, have an entrance average of at least 80% from high school and demonstrate financial need. All applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the values of Nursing including qualities of caring, kindness, respect for diversity, compassion and excellence in clinical practice. Students should speak to how they demonstrate social responsibility (i.e.. volunteer work; school committees; etc.) in an accompanying essay to their application. Preference will be given to students entering from a high school in Antigonish Town or County or Guysborough County, including Guysborough and St. Mary’s Municipalities. This bursary has the potential to be renewed in second, third and fourth year of study if the recipient maintains an academic average of at least 65% each year and continues to meet all of the criteria of the award. A new application will be required each year through the Financial Aid Office.
Award Value: up to $6,000
Please note: Essays must be submitted at the time of application as a PDF upload through the application.
McKenna-Smith Bursary for Women Hockey Players
This bursary is available to a female student who has demonstrated a passion for playing minor hockey while balancing the demands of high school academics. This bursary is for female students who have played minor hockey and will continue to play recreational/intramural hockey at university. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, have been accepted to a full time undergraduate program at StFX and be academically good students but not necessarily at the top of their class. If no suitable candidates with a minor hockey background can be found, this bursary will be open to other female students who have played a team sport in high school and will continue the sport at the recreational/intramural level. This bursary is not intended for varsity-level university players, varsity athletes are not eligible to be considered for this funding opportunity.
Award Value: up to $1,000
Michael and Jean MacKenzie Bursary
This bursary is available to full-time students who begin studies in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing 4-year degree program at StFX directly after graduating from high school. Applicants must demonstrate financial need in their application, have participated in school sponsored extracurricular activities and demonstrate leadership ability. Preference will be given firstly to students who have graduated from Rankin School of the Narrows, Cape Breton and secondly to students graduating from any high school in Cape Breton, NS. This bursary may be renewed in the second year of study only, so long as the recipient continue to meet all of the criteria of the bursary.
Award Value: up to $2,000
Michael and Lisa Boyd Family Award for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous Students
This award has been established to create an opportunity for students to attend St. Francis Xavier University who may not otherwise be able to pursue post-secondary education due to lack of financial resources. Eligible students are those who self-identify as African Nova Scotian or are identified as Mi'kmaq by the Mi'kmaq communities of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island or Wolastoquiyik by the Wolastoquiyik communities of New Brunswick. Two students will be awarded each year from within one or both of these groups. Applicants must have a high school leaving average of at least 75%, have a demonstrated track record of leadership and/or participation in extracurricular activities, be committed to contributing to student life at StFX, and demonstrate significant financial need in their application. Students will be asked to speak to the challenges and obstacles they have overcome to get to university, as well as the educational experience they hope to receive at StFX, in their application. Applicants must be planning to enroll as a full-time student at StFX in the 2023-24 academic year beginning September 2023. This award has the potential to be renewable to a maximum of three additional years provided the recipient reapplies each year, remains in good academic standing and continues to meet all other criteria.
Award Value: $5,000
Please note: This award requires a separate application, please complete the 2023-24 Boyd Family Awards Application to be considered for this funding opportunity.
Michael and Lisa Boyd Family Award for Atlantic Canadian Students
This award has been established to create an opportunity for students from Atlantic Canada to attend St. Francis Xavier University who may not otherwise be able to pursue post-secondary education due to lack of financial resources. Applicants must have a high school leaving average of at least 75%, have a demonstrated track record of leadership and/or participation in extracurricular activities, be committed to contributing to student life at StFX, and demonstrate significant financial need in their application. Students will be asked to speak to the challenges and obstacles they have overcome to get to university, as well as the educational experience they hope to receive at StFX, in their application. Applicants must be planning to enroll as a full-time student at StFX in the 2023-24 academic year beginning September 2023. This award has the potential to be renewable to a maximum of three additional years provided the recipient reapplies each year, remains in good academic standing and continues to meet all other criteria.
Award Value: $5,000
Please note: This award requires a separate application, please complete the 2023-24 Boyd Family Awards Application to be considered for this funding opportunity.
Morrissey Sisters Bursary
This award will be paid to a full-time first year student of StFX who has demonstrated financial need and is from Prince Edward Island. If no qualified applicants from PEI are found then students from Antigonish will be considered. Preference will be given to students studying in the Department of Human Nutrition. The recipient must be able to demonstrate leadership ability.
Award Value: up to $1,000
NSSSA Entrance Bursary
This bursary has been established to recognize the passion and leadership abilities of students involved with the Nova Scotia Secondary School Students’ Association prior to beginning their studies at StFX. This bursary is available to students entering full time, first year studies at the university in September 2023. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have held a leadership role in the NSSSA, either provincially or locally in their high school.
Award Value: up to $500
Paul Wacko Memorial Bursary
This award is available to a first year StFX student who graduated from a high school in Northern Alberta, with a preference for those from Edmonton. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and leadership achievements in their home or school community, as reflected by their extracurricular activities. This bursary may be renewed in up to three subsequent years of study, so long as the recipient continue to meet all of the criteria of the bursary.
Award Value: up to $2,000
Pluta Family Bursary
This award is available to full time students demonstrating financial need and studying in an undergraduate degree or diploma program at StFX. Applicants must have achieved a minimum grade average of 60% in their studies. This bursary will be awarded alternately each year as follows: Group A: to a student who resides first from the community of Barrios Beach or failing that, a student from Tracadie or then Monestary, Nova Scotia; Group B: to a student who resides in Georgeville or Livingstone’s Cove, Nova Scotia.
Award Value: up to $1,500
Robert and Tracy Bennett Bursary
The Robert and Tracy Bennett Bursary Endowment has been established at St. Francis Xavier University to support an annual bursary for students graduating from Grade 12, entering into full-time undergraduate studies at StFX. The focus of this bursary is to assist students to live on campus in residence, who may be unable to do so because of financial constraints. The first bursary will be awarded to a student beginning their studies in September 2023. This bursary will then be available to a new student every year. Applicants must be from Colchester, Cumberland or Pictou counties of Nova Scotia and they must demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students personally affected by the senseless tragedy that took place in Nova Scotia the weekend of April 18-19, 2020.
Award Value: up to $5,000
Stuart R. Davie Bursary
This bursary is available to Canadian students entering directly from high school into full time study (minimum of 24 credits) in an undergraduate program at StFX in September 2023. Applicants must have a high school leaving average of at least 80%, be committed to contributing to student life at StFX, and demonstrate very significant financial need in their application. This bursary has the potential to be renewable for up to three additional years of study if the student maintains an annual academic average of 65% in their studies, continues to make a valuable contribution to student life, and meets all other criteria. A renewal application will be required each year.
Award Value: up to $8,000
Sullivan Family Bursary
This bursary is available to students entering directly from Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School in Antigonish, NS or from Chedabucto Education Centre - Guysborough Academy in Guysborough, NS into full time study (minimum of 24 credits) in an undergraduate program at StFX in September 2023. Applicants must show personal growth over their high school years; whereas a university education can give them the opportunity to meet their full potential. This bursary requires a two part application process. Interested students must complete the online StFX Entrance Bursary program application, through which financial need must be demonstrated. Applicants must also have a nomination form submitted by their high school teacher, principal or guidance counsellor who has known them throughout their years of study. The nominator must be able to attest to their personal growth and how, if they were to be given the opportunity of a university education, this could help them meet their full potential.
Award Value: up to $2,000
Please note: In addition to the online Entrance Bursary application form, this award requires a nomination form from your high school teacher, guidance counselor or principal. The nomination form will be available by request from the StFX Financial Aid Office beginning December 2022. Each school may nominate more than one candidate.
The Lorne ‘Abe’ Abramson NSSSA Bursary
This bursary has been established in honour of Lorne ‘Abe’ Abramson and his long-term commitment to students and the Nova Scotia Secondary School Students’ Association. This bursary is available to students entering full time, first year studies at StFX in September 2023. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be a member who has held a position in the NSSSA Provincial Cabinet or on the NSSSA Conference Committee.
Award Value: up to $500
Ted and Ann (MacDonald) Turcotte Bursary
This bursary is available to female students who are graduating from a high school in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia or Lowell, Massachusetts. Applicants must have a high school leaving average of at least 75% and plan to enroll in at least 24 credits in their first year of study at StFX. Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities in their communities and be able to make a valuable contribution to student life at StFX. Preference will be given to students enrolling in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics programs (the STEM disciplines). This bursary will be renewable in subsequent years of study if the student maintains a minimum academic average of 70% and continues to meet all of the other criteria. A new application is required each year.
Award Value: up to $3,500
