The 2023-2024 In-Course Bursary application is now closed; application deadline was Friday, November 3, 2023 at 4:00pm. The 2024-2025 application will open October 1, 2024. 

In-Course Bursaries are non-repayable awards that are based upon financial need and minimum enrollment requirements. Bursaries through this program typically range from $100 – $2,000 per eligible student. This bursary is offered to both undergraduate and graduate students and open to full and part-time students. In-Course bursaries are non-renewable, non-transferable and are limited in number.

Important notes for the online In-Course Bursary application:

  • Read the entire application before you begin as you will need to gather financial information.
  • Applications must be submitted by the deadline provided to be considered. You will not have access to edit or submit your application after the provided deadline.
  • Applicants reporting $0 in resources for their studies will not be considered for funding. All students are expected to have come to university with a sound financial plan to address the cost of attendance. This program is meant to assist students with small gaps that may exist in their budgets, they are not meant to be used as a main source of funding for post-secondary study.
  • Applications must be complete for consideration. Applications that lack information and/or documentation, or includes information that is not clear or current, will not be granted a bursary. This application requires time to prepare the supporting information, please apply as soon as possible before the deadline.
  • Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make edits.
  • If your application has been submitted successfully you will receive an automated confirmation email reply. Please check your junk folder if you do not see the email in your in box.

Note: All endowed bursaries (those listed in the Academic Calendar) are covered by this one bursary application with the exception of some that have required supplemental information as noted in the detailed bursary descriptions below.

You will be able to upload your supplemental information to your in-course bursary application (please see the detailed bursary descriptions below for further details).

To be eligible for the In-Course Bursary, students must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be a student of MSVU and studying in both Fall and Winter terms (we do not currently run a one term program); and,
  • Be enrolled in 2 units between September – April (typically, this totals four courses)
  • Be enrolled in a credential program (Degree, Certificate or Diploma)
  • If a domestic student, must have either a government student loan or bank funding (if applicable). As government student loan programs also include non-repayable grants for eligible students, the desire to avoid student debt is not considered a valid reason to not apply for students who demonstrate financial need
  • Students who are on a Mount-approved co-op in the winter term may apply for the In-Course Bursary but must include their anticipated income to be made over their co-op term.
  • Late applications will not be accepted.

Due to the volume of applications, only those approved for an In-Course Bursary will be notified.

All notifications will be sent to recipients’ MSVU email accounts.

Successful applicants will receive bursary funds applied to their tuition account no earlier than January pending confirmation of enrollment. If students do not owe money on their account once bursary money is applied, students can request a refund cheque. Refunds will begin to be issued in early February.

Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office at financial.aid@msvu.ca

Please note that the current listing of Bursaries is accurate, but that changes may occur.

Note: All endowed bursaries (those listed in the Academic Calendar) are covered by this one bursary application with the exception of some that have required supplemental information as noted in the detailed bursary descriptions below.

You will be able to upload your supplemental information to your in-course bursary application (please see the following detailed bursary descriptions for further details):

80th Anniversary Endowed Bursary
Established by students enrolled in the Applied Human Nutrition and Family Studies & Gerontology degree programs, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Home Economics at Mount Saint Vincent University. This bursary will be awarded annually to a third or fourth year student enrolled in Applied Human Nutrition (even years) and Bachelor of Arts, combined major in Gerontology or Family Studies (odd years), who has demonstrated financial need.


Indigenous Student Bursary
Awarded annually to an aboriginal student. Preference will be given to a female returning to studies as a mature student.

Required Supplementary Information: (Awarded annually to an aboriginal student. Preference will be given to a female returning to studies as a mature student) – attach a paragraph outlining your recent First Nations, Metis or Inuit community involvement.


A. Edwin Emery Memorial Endowed Bursary
Established by Margaret (Tobin) Emery, a Mount alumna, in memory of her husband, to honour Edwin Emery’s long career and keen interest in the field of telecommunications. Awarded annually to a student with financial need enrolled in the Public Relations degree program.


Agnes O’Donnell Kelly Memorial Endowed Bursary
Awarded annually to students in their third or later year. Established by friends and family of the late Agnes O’Donnell Kelly to honour her many years of service to the Mount. A friend, leader and tireless worker for the Alumni Association, her church and community, Agnes (Academy ’36, BScSS ’39) was also a former president and life member of the Alumni Association.


Alice Graydon Paris and Barrie Graydon Knight Bursary
Established by Terrence Paris to honour his mother and brother and by Geoffrey Paris to honour his wife and stepson. This bursary will provide financial assistance to a single parent with demonstrated financial need studying at Mount Saint Vincent University.


Anna Macdonald Godwin Memorial Endowed Bursary
Established by Susan Mills (Diploma in Legal Secretary Studies ’77) in memory of her mother, Anna Macdonald Godwin, an MSV College graduate (BA ’39, Diploma in Education ‘40) and a devoted member of the MSV Alumni Association, in recognition of her passion for lifelong learning and helping those less fortunate. This bursary is awarded annually to a student who is in good academic standing, in any area of study, with first preference to a client, past or present, of Alice Housing, or a member of their family. If a student meeting the first criteria is not available, consideration will be given to either a single mother or a student athlete in good academic standing and in financial need.


Barbara J. Burton Bursary
Established by Barbara Burton, BSc. ’61, who following studies at the Mount, went on to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work and had a 32-year career as a hospital social worker. This bursary is awarded annually to a Nova Scotia student with a physical disability with preference to a student with vision loss.


Bernice Jacobson Chatt Endowed Memorial Bursary
Established by friends and family in memory of the late Bernice Jacobson Chatt (1947-1987), an alumna of the Mount. Awarded annually to a mature female student who has successfully completed 3.0 units, with a preference given to those students who belong to a visible minority and/or are physically challenged.


Black Tie Bursary
The Black Tie Bursary was established by the Mount Saint Vincent University community to celebrate the legacy of Black Tie Dinner & Bingo (previously Bingo 4 Bursaries) which lasted for 14 years. This bursary shall be awarded annually to a student who has demonstrated financial need.


Catherine and Douglas Clancy Endowed Bursary
Established by their daughter, Mary Clancy BA (Hons) ’70 Mount; LLB ’74 Dalhousie; LLM ’76 London, Mount Alumnae President 1985-87, Life member of the Alumnae Association ’89, professor of family law, and former Member of Parliament. This gift to the Learning and Leading capital campaign honours Mary’s parents, Catherine and the late Douglas Clancy. First preference will be given to female students with a proven interest in public service and public policy through political activity, community activity, or student leadership. Students may apply for and hold this bursary more than once, depending on their financial need.

Required Supplementary Information: attach resume or statement demonstrating proven interest in public service and public policy through political activity, community activity or student leadership.


CCJ Childcare Endowed Bursary
Established by members of the University’s senior academic administration, this bursary is awarded annually to a single parent of small children to subsidize child care at the Mount Child Study Centre, in order for the student to continue her/his education.


Debbie Adams Bursary
Established by Deborah (Debbie) Adams, BA ’08 in appreciation for the support she received as a mature student and single parent while attending MSVU. This bursary is awarded to single parents over 30 years of age enrolled in any undergraduate degree program at MSVU.


Dr. Catherine T. Wallace Endowed Bursary
Established by many friends and family in memory of Dr. Catherine T. Wallace. A noted educator, Dr. Wallace was the fourth president of Mount Saint Vincent University, 1965-1974. Under her leadership, expansion of the library, science, administration and physical facilities were undertaken. She was responsible for the formulation of the Charter which changed the name from college to university. She established a Board of Governors and Senate, and pioneered outreach to women through the University’s continuing education program. She was loved and admired for her deep conviction, vision and commitment to the Mount. Dr. Wallace received the Order of Canada and honorary degrees from 13 universities, including Mount Saint Vincent. Awarded to students demonstrating financial need.


Dr. Irene McQuillan Murphy Endowed Bursary
Established by Dr. Irene McQuillan Murphy, (AC ’29, BA ’32, DHumL ’82) and her many friends. This bursary recognizes Dr. Murphy’s active involvement with the Mount as a life member of the Alumnae Association, honorary degree recipient, and loyal supporter of the University’s activities. Dr. Murphy taught for many years in the Halifax school system and was a director of music education. The establishment of this bursary also honours the memory of Dr. Murphy’s husband, Alban M. Murphy, a devoted member and Chairman of the Board of the Halifax Infirmary for many years. The bursary is available to students who have received the maximum Canada and Nova Scotia Student loans and whose permanent address is in Halifax. First preference will be given to students who attended high school in Halifax.


Dr. Margaret Perry Endowed Bursary
Dr. Margaret Perry was Nova Scotia’s pioneer woman filmmaker. This bursary, established through the Estate of Barbara Morrison, is awarded annually to a deserving student in the Tourism and Hospitality program.


Education Bursary
Initialy established by the estate of Mona Harnish who had been a teacher in Nova Scotia for many years, and greatly supported by the education faculty. Awarded Annually to a student who is either enrolled in the Bachelor of Education the Visual Arts Specialist Program.


Fay C. Spencer Memorial Endowed Bursary
Established by the family, friends and colleagues of Fay Spencer (BEd’69, MA’74, MEd’78) as a lasting tribute to Fay’s dedication to education. A devoted Teacher/Principal for 43 years. Fay believed education would open doors and provide opportunities for her students. This bursary is available to a female student in the education program who demonstrates a financial need. Applicants should include a résume outlining how the pursuit of their studies will fulfill specific career goals.

Required Supplementary Information: (female student in Bachelor of Education program) – attach resume outlining how the pursuit of studies will fulfill specific career goals


Frederick and Helen Kennedy Bursary
Awarded annually to a mature student who has completed at least 2.0 units with a good academic record. First preference will be given to women and to students who intend to pursue further studies in either mathematics or the sciences. Preference will also be given to applicants who have interrupted their education and have now returned to university study. This bursary was established by Frederick and Joyce Deveau Kennedy in honour of Frederick and Helen Kennedy who, because of economic necessity, were unable to pursue higher education but who recognized its worth. Students may apply for and hold this bursary more than once.


Grace Jollymore Joyce Bursary
Established by The Joyce Family Foundation in honour of Ronald V. Joyce’s mother, Grace Jollymore Joyce, to recognize her significant impact and influence on her family. This renewable bursary is awarded annually to full-time students from Nova Scotia entering any undergraduate program at Mount Saint Vincent University. Recipients must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and hold good academic standing as defined in the university calendar. New applicants must have completed high school within the last three years and have demonstrated an ability to overcome obstacles and adversity.

Applicants are required to submit a reference letter from an individual who is personally aware of the applicant’s unique circumstances. This reference must be able to speak to the potential and resiliency of the applicant and how this award will help them achieve their post-secondary endeavours.

Recipients will work with at least one mentor in an extracurricular activity throughout their program of study and file a report annually to re-qualify.


Gisela Westphalen Endowed Bursary
The Gisela Westphalen Endowed Bursary is an annual award for a liberal arts student, either part-time or full-time, in any term and in any year, registered at Mount Saint Vincent University, to assist with acquiring resources (such as books, Internet access, computers, etc. but with the first choice being books) for her/his studies while attending the Mount. The bursary is based on need and reasonable academic standing (with first preference to those taking a course in philosophy).


Helena Edna d’Entremont Memorial Endowed Bursary
Established by the Edwards Family Charitable Foundation, in memory of Helena Edna d’Entremont, BBA ’92. This bursary will be awarded annually to a mature student enrolled at Mount Saint Vincent University, who has demonstrated financial need, with preference to a single parent.


Hollinger Inc. Endowed Bursary in Public Relations
Established by Hollinger Inc. in recognition of the growing field of public relations. This bursary is awarded annually to a student with financial need pursuing a degree in public relations.


Hon. Flora MacDonald Endowed Bursary
Established by Canadian Hadassah Wizo to honour the outstanding leadership and career of the Honourable Flora MacDonald, who served for 16 years as Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, held Cabinet positions, and received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Mount Saint Vincent University. First preference will be given to those enrolled in the women’s studies or political and Canadian studies programs.


Isabel Hyland Memorial Endowed Bursary
Established by Janet Pottie Murray (BA ’56) as a lasting tribute to the educational dedication of her Aunt Isabel, who graduated from Mount Saint Vincent College in 1944. A devoted teacher for thirty-four years, Isabel Hyland will always be remembered by her students for her compassion and devotion. This bursary is available to students in the education program who have demonstrated a financial need. Applicants should include a résume outlining how the pursuit of their studies will fulfill specific career goals.

Required Supplementary Information: (student in Bachelor of Education program)- attach resume outlining how the pursuit of studies will fulfill specific career goals


Jane Hurshman-Corkum Endowed Bursary
This bursary was initiated by the Mount’s Women’s Studies Society in recognition of Jane Hurshman-Corkum (1949-1992). The bursary fund recognizes the obstacles to be surmounted by survivors of violence and the many supports needed to build new directions. The bursary will assist female students who are survivors of violence and in need of financial support.

In addition to submitting the usual bursary form, applicants must also submit a “supporter statement” which can be found online and reads as follows: “(Student’s name) is known by and has been supported by the undersigned in her quest to survive and surmount the violence she has experienced in her life.

“This “supporter statement” may be signed by anyone the applicant chooses to ask who has played a supporter role to the applicant and may include, but is not limited to, such people as a personal friend, relative, minister, doctor, transition house worker, crisis worker, lawyer, court worker, social worker, therapist.

It is not necessary for applicants to supply any details whatsoever about the nature or extent of their experiences. The purpose of the “supporter statement” is solely to verify that the applicant has suffered and survived violence and is, therefore, eligible to be considered for this particular bursary award.

Required Supplementary Information: (female student who is a survivor of violence)- applicants must also submit a “supporter statement”


Janet (Pottie) Murray Endowed Bursary
Established by Dr. T.J. (Jock) Murray and children to honour his wife and their mother, Janet (Pottie) Murray. Janet was Chair of the Board of Governors from 1980 to 1983 and is a loyal Mount alumna. This bursary will provide financial assistance to a female student with demonstrated financial need studying at Mount Saint Vincent University.


Joan Jones Endowed Bursary
Established by friends and family in honour of Joan Jones who passed in April 2019. Ms. Jones was the catalyst for equality initiatives in many aspects of society through her civil rights activism and her advocacy in the interest of black women. This bursary recognizes Ms. Jones’ long-time commitment to the needs and interests of single parent women and her tireless efforts as a community leader.

The Joan Jones Endowed Bursary is awarded to an African-Nova Scotian student entering Mount Saint Vincent University from high school and who demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a student enrolled in a science program.


John and Bernice Aqui Science Bursary
Established by Shirley (Aqui) Forde, BSc ’57, BEd ’62, MAEd ’62, as a lasting tribute to her parents, John and Bernice Aqui. This bursary will be awarded annually to a female student enrolled in a science program. Preference will be given to students enrolled in physics or chemistry.


Judith H. Gold Endowed Bursary
Awarded annually to a student in good academic standing with documented financial need and who is a single parent with one or more dependent children. Established by Judith H. Gold, MD, FRCPC, FACPsych, FAPA, in 1987 upon conclusion of her term as a member of the Board of Governors and Chairperson of the Board, Mount Saint Vincent University.


Kathleen Crowley Child Care Endowed Bursary
Established by friends and family in memory of Kathleen Frances Crowley, Child Development Certificate graduate and Bachelor of Child Study graduate. In recognition of Kathleen’s outstanding involvement in university life and her concern for children, this award in the form of partial-time subsidy for child care at the Child Study Centre is available to a Mount student with established financial need.


Keltic Incorporated Endowed Bursary
This bursary is awarded to a student in the Bachelor of Business Administration program with first preference given to students with a concentration in finance. This bursary is based primarily on financial need, but scholastic achievement will also be considered.


Lily On-Ping Wong Chan Bursary
Established by Lily O.P. Wong Chan, BA ’61, this bursary is awarded annually to a female, full-time, third or fourth year, Indigenous, African Nova Scotian or other students who identify as Black or a person of colour in a Bachelor of Arts degree program (this may also include BA Child & Youth Study) who is planning to pursue a career in social work or teaching.


Louise Ardenne Endowed Bursary
Established by Louise Ardenne (BA ’89), to help a single mother or woman complete her term or courses who is the primary care-giver for a family or a friend, and who has encountered financial difficulties.


Mairi St. John Macdonald Endowed Bursary
Awarded annually to a female student over thirty years of age who has completed at least 1.0 unit at the University. The bursary is established by friends, students, and colleagues of Dr. Mairi St. John Macdonald, former Director of the Mount’s Centre for Continuing Education, whose long-time support and encouragement of mature students is well-known both locally and nationally.


Margaret Allison Pattillo Endowed Bursary Fund
Established in memory of Margaret Allison Pattillo, this bursary is awarded annually to a student in good academic standing with documented financial need and who is a single parent with one or more dependent children.


Mary Anne Yurkiw Bursary
Established by Mary Anne Yurkiw, ACAD ’69, BScHE ’77. This bursary is awarded annually to a student enrolled in any year of study towards a Bachelor or Masters of Applied Human Nutrition degree at MSVU. Preference is for recipients to be pursuing studies full-time.Marion Baker


Marion Baker Memorial Endowed Bursary
Established in memory of Marion Baker by her colleagues at Aliant ActiMedia. This bursary is awarded annually to a student in financial need, who is enrolled in either the undergraduate or graduate Child & Youth Study programs.


Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association Endowed Bursary
Established by the MSV Alumni Association. This bursary is available yearly for students registered in their final year at the University who have demonstrated satisfactory standing, financial need, and voluntary contributions to some aspect of student activity. There are now more than 28,000 alumni world-wide.


Mount Saint Vincent University Faculty Association Endowed Bursary
Established by the Mount Faculty Association. This bursary will be awarded annually to a student registered at Mount Saint Vincent University. All students who have demonstrated financial need will be eligible. This award exemplifies the Faculty’s commitment to our students.


Nancy M Gilbert Bursary
Established by Nancy Gilbert BScHEc ‘77, BEd ‘83, in memory of and appreciation for her parents Margaret and Reginald Gilbert. This bursary is awarded annually to an undergraduate student from the Maritime provinces with good academic standing. Preference to a student enrolled in the Applied Human Nutrition degree program.


Paul N. Edwards Memorial Endowed Bursary
The Paul N. Edwards Memorial Bursary fund has been made available through the generosity of Edwards Fine Food Limited and the Edwards Family Charitable Trust to commemorate Paul Edwards’ commitment to the field of hospitality. The fund provides annual bursary assistance to students in the tourism and hospitality management program who demonstrate financial need according to the University’s bursary administration program, and who are in good academic standing.


Robert S. Cochran Bursary
Established by Hilda Cochran to commemorate Robert S. Cochran’s distinguished teaching and business education consulting career. It is awarded annually to a student planning to specialize in business education.


School Sisters of Notre Dame Bursary
Annual bursaries established by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Canadian Province, to assist students with financial need. Qualified students pursuing courses in the field of religious studies will be given first preference. The School Sisters serve in missions in many countries around the world.


Scott McCain and Leslie McLean – L’nu Student Success Bursary
Established by Scott McCain and Leslie McLean to provide renewable bursaries, awarded annually, to full-time Indigenous students, from Canada, with demonstrated financial need entering any undergraduate certificate, diploma or degree program at MSVU.

Required Supplementary Information:(Renewable bursary awarded to a full time Indigenous student from Canada entering any undergraduate certificate, diploma or degree program) – attach a paragraph outlining your recent involvement with your First Nations, Metis or Inuit community.


SNC Lavalin, Rideau Construction and John Dobbs Bursary
Established by a partnership of SNC Lavalin Inc., Rideau Construction Inc. and John K. Dobbs & Associates Inc. to bring about the realization of a new residence on campus. This bursary is to be awarded annually to a full-time student entering any program of study at Mount Saint Vincent University.


Suellen Murray Bursary in Science Communication
Established by family and friends in loving memory of Suellen Murray BPR ’86. This bursary is awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree of Bachelor of Science (Science Communication).


Syrian Student Bursary
Established by Mount faculty and staff in response to the war in Syria, the Syrian Student Bursary will be awarded to a student of Syrian citizenship, demonstrating financial need.


TD Aboriginal Bursary
Established by the TD Bank Financial Group to provide the opportunity for Aboriginal learners to pursue post-secondary studies, the TD Aboriginal Student Bursaries are awarded annually to Aboriginal students with demonstrated financial need enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at Mount Saint Vincent University.

Required Supplementary Information: (established by the TD Bank Financial Group to provide the opportunity for Aboriginal learners to pursue post-secondary studies) – attach a paragraph outlining your recent First Nations, Metis or Inuit community involvement.


Theriault Financial Family Endowed Bursary
Established by the Theriault Family in recognition of Lynne Theriault, DipSec ’69, BABusEc ’71, who retired as the University’s Registrar in 2006, and all family members whose ties with the Mount include attending and volunteering at the University. Awarded annually, preference will be given to a student from Nova Scotia in financial need who is enrolled in business administration.


Toronto Chapter Golden Jubilee Bursary
Established by the Toronto Alumnae on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Chapter’s formation (1953-2003). This bursary will be awarded annually to a female student who graduated from a high school in Nova Scotia. Preference will be given to a student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts, pursuing a combined major in Family Studies or Gerontology.


Transcontinental Printing Endowed Bursary
Awarded annually to a student with financial need enrolled in the public relations degree program. First preference will be given to students from Nova Scotia. This bursary was established by Transcontinental Printing, formerly known as McCurdy Printing and Typesetting, in recognition of the growing field of public relations and in support of the University’s Learning and Leading capital campaign.


Walker Wood Foundation Bursary
The Walker Wood Foundation Bursary is awarded to full-time female students entering any program at Mount Saint Vincent University. Applicants must be a Canadian citizen and maintain good academic standing. Preference will be given to students who are the first generation in their family to attend university. This bursary is renewable for an additional three years provided the student maintains good academic standing and demonstrates financial need.


Wilfred F. Young Memorial Bursary
The award is based primarily on financial need and is made available each year. The amount and number of awards will be determined by the Committee on Admissions and Scholarships. This bursary, established by Mary M. Young, commemorates the long and dedicated association of Wilfred F. Young with the Sisters of Charity.


 

FSL Bursary Program in French

MSVU’s Modern Languages Department has 12 $3,000 bursaries to award for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Eligible students are those who are taking 5 out of 10 courses in French at MSVU from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025.  French must not already be your first language. For more information, please click here.