The Indigenous Student Nurse Education Bursary is an initiative of BCNU's 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 employed student nurses (ESNs).
The Indigenous Student Nurse Education Bursary award is $1,500 and is awarded once annually.
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
Application Process
Applications are accepted from January to April 15 of each year.
Complete the online application 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).
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.