Indigenous Student Nurse Education Bursary

Applications are now closed for the April 2024 intake. The application form for the April 2025 intake will be available in January 2025.

The Indigenous Student Nurse Education Bursary (ISNEB), established in 2021, is an initiative of the BCNU Indigenous Leadership Circle. The bursary reflects the union's ongoing support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action; in particular, the call to increase the number of Indigenous professionals in health care.

In November 2020, the provincial government released a report, In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous Specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Health Care. Echoing the call to action raised by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the report made it clear that BC needs more Indigenous nurses to help foster a culture of safety in our health care system.

This bursary is open to Indigenous BCNU student members who are studying to become LPNs, RNs and RPNs, including those currently working as an employed student nurse (ESN).

The ISNEB is $1,500 and is awarded annually. The bursary is inspired by Indigenous nurse leaders. Each year, ILC will dedicate an individual in whose name the bursary is being awarded. For 2024, the ILC is delighted to name Patrick Thomas, a retired BCNU member and a highly respected Indigenous nurse leader.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Identify as Indigenous.

• Be enrolled in a school of nursing in British Columbia as of April 15.

• Be a student member of BCNU - membership is free. Sign up NOW! 

• Employed student nurses (ESNs) may apply.

• Cannot previously have been the recipient of this bursary.

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Application Process

Applications are accepted from January to April 15 of each year.

• Complete the online application (see below) and associated waiver.

• Application deadline is April 15 of each year.

• Notification will be sent to the randomly drawn bursary recipient by email in early May (please ensure you check your junk mail folders).

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Award Disbursement

Applicants meeting the eligibility requirements stated above will be entered into a random draw for the bursary. The successful applicant will be notified with instructions by email.

Before funds are released, the successful applicant will be required to provide their social insurance number (SIN) for tax purposes as well as proof of program enrollment (letter from school, receipt for tuition paid, or a copy of transcript). 

If you have any further questions about the Indigenous Student Nurse Education Bursary, please email the Student Nurse Education Bursary team at sneb@bcnu.org.