Awards | Student Financial Services

Conestoga College's Student Financial Services administers over 400 awards, bursaries and scholarships, worth more than $4.6 million, including $1.6 million in donor-funded awards, each year.

Award application dates

Term	Opens at 9 a.m.	Closes at 4 p.m.
Fall 2024	August 19, 2024	September 27, 2024
Winter 2025	December 16, 2024	January 31, 2025
Spring 2025	April 22, 2025	May 30, 2025
Each term, you will receive an email when the application opens.

General Awards Application (login required)Giving to Student Awards Award Faq

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To be considered for an award, complete the following steps during the award application dates each term:

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Awards directory

The awards directory lists all of the awards available through Student Financial Services.

Awards: all programs

View awards available to all programs

#Educatetheworld President’s Honour Roll Award: This award has been established in honour of 2020 Alumni of Distinction Award recipients Massi Basiri and Meti Basiri. This award is a reflection of their commitment to make education available to all people, their leadership in the local community and around the world and is a testament to their personal journey as international students studying abroad and the many barriers that they have overcome along the way. The recipient of this award is a graduating student who has achieved the distinction of being on the President’s Honour List and has shown a positive attitude and perseverance in overcoming hardship and/or adversity in their life.
Value: $1000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

ApplyBoard International Student Premier’s Award Bursary: This award has been established in honour of the 2021 Premier’s Award - Business category recipients Massi Basiri and Meti Basiri. This award is a reflection of their outstanding contribution to the international student community and post-secondary education and was made possible by the Colleges Ontario Premier’s Award Bursary, provided to recipients of the annual Premier’s Awards. Meti and Massi have chosen to direct this generous bursary to support International Students at Conestoga.
Value: $1,000
Programs: All Programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Arnold Rose Academic Grant: The Arnold Rose Academic Grant is awarded to a student who is in their third year of a technology program at Conestoga and demonstrates academic excellence.
Value: $500
Programs: Any technology program
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Campus Living Centres Award: Campus Living Centres provide residential housing that enriches students' experiences. This award is given to a student who lives in residence, who is active in the college community, and is academically successful.
Value: $500
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Canadian Federation of University Women (Cambridge) Award: The Canadian Federation of University Women (Cambridge) has established this award to recognize mature women who have chosen to attend school in an effort to better themselves.
Value: $1,000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Canadian Federation of University Women (Guelph) Bursary: The Canadian Federation of University Women (Guelph Chapter) has made this bursary available in an effort to assist women in their educational pursuits. The recipient must demonstrate financial need, and preference will be given to women who reside in Wellington County.
Value: $500
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Carol Gregory Student Leadership Award: This annual award is given to a full-time student at Conestoga who has made a positive impact on the college community trough leadership and support for their peers. The recipient of this award is nominated by another member of the Conestoga community.
Value: $250
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Conestoga College Athletic Award: This award has been established to support Conestoga's varsity athletes who demonstrate academic success and commitment to their sport. Recipients of the award are selected by coaching staff.
Value: Varies
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Conestoga College International - English for Academic Studies to Post-Secondary Studies Scholarship: Eligible applicants will be ranked on highest academic average in Level 4 of Conestoga’s English for Academic Studies (EAS) program. Following the completion of the EAS program, students must be entering a degree, diploma or graduate certificate at Conestoga College and must be eligible to proceed.
Value: $1,500
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
School: All Schools

Conestoga College International - Entrance Excellence Scholarship: Scholarships are awarded each intake to students at the highest level of academic performance. Applicants will be ranked based on past academic performance (highest academic average) and awards will be distributed across all countries of origin.
Value: $1,500
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
School: All Schools

Conestoga College International - Regional Scholarship: This award is awarded to students beginning studies in the fall, winter or spring terms. Applicants will be ranked based on past academic performance (highest academic average) and awards will be distributed across all countries of origin.
Value: Varies
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
School: All Schools

Conestoga College International - Second Program Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who have previously graduated from a Conestoga diploma, degree or graduate certificate program (excludes certificate programs) and who apply to a second program within four months of completion. Students will be ranked on the highest academic average (GPA) from the previous program of study.
Value: $1,500
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
School: All Schools

Conestoga Co-op Student of the Year Award: Each year, the Co-operative Education department recognizes outstanding co-op students at an awards ceremony in March during National Co-op Week. Students are nominated by their co-op employer, and winners are selected by the Co-op Awards Selection Committee. Both the winning students and employers receive recognition.
Value: $400
Programs: Co-op programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) Academic Excellence Award: CSI created this award to recognize the 20 Conestoga students who have achieved the highest average (above 85%) in their area of study at the end of the fall term. Recipients must have completed the winter awards application. In the event of a tie, preference will be given to students with college involvement.
Value: $500
Programs: All Programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) Community Achievement Award: CSI created this award to recognize students who have demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following areas: community service, international engagement, intercultural understanding and promotion of diversity, intellectual pursuits, and artistic or athletic endeavours. Recipients are selected based on their academic performance, application essay, and reference letters.
Value: $2500
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) eSports Scholarships: CSI established these scholarships to recognize athletes and volunteers within the Conestoga eSports community who demonstrate a commitment to, and excellence in, their academic studies. Recipients are nominated by the coaches.
Value: $1000
Programs: All Programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Conestoga Students Inc. Athletic Scholarship: These awards have been established to recognize varsity athletes, or those that volunteer within the Conestoga varsity athletic community, who demonstrate a commitment to, and excellence in their academic studies. The recipients of these scholarships are nominated by the varsity coaches.
Value: $1,000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Conestoga Students Inc. Student Service Award: CSI has made this award available to recognize students who are actively involved and volunteer within the college community. Recipients must have a minimum grade average of 75%.
Value: $1,000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Dan and Joe McEdwards Skilled Trades Award: Dan and Joe McEdwards were skilled tradesmen who built strong families and comfortable retirements through their long, fulfilling careers in the trades.
Born in 1927, Dan worked for the department of highways, based in Puslinch, building many of the roads we travel throughout Waterloo, Wellington, and Guelph.
Born in 1934, Dan's brother Joe worked at a hardware store in Guelph, then attended trade school in Toronto to earn his carpentry license. He built houses in the Puslinch, Freelton, Hamilton and Guelph regions. In the 1960s, he took a "job for life" at Stelco Steel in Hamilton, working for more than 35 years on site projects in Stelco's carpenter shop.
Though times have surely changed, the McEdwards family wishes to support students who also seek a rewarding career in the skilled trades. This award is established in Dan and Joe's honour to assist students who are passionate about the trades and who recognize their fundamental value in today's fast-changing world.
The recipient of this award is a full-time student in their second term of a program in Conestoga's School of Trades who achieved a minimum average of 75% after the end of their first term and who demonstrates a passion and commitment to their field of study with respect to their career goals.
Value: $500
Programs: All
Terms offered: Winter
School: Trades & Apprenticeship

Dino and Hazel Tonin Memorial Award: This award has been established in memory of Dino and Hazel Tonin. Established by Debra Ann Tonin, in memory of her parents who were strong advocates for the value of education and the advantages it can bring. They believed that education frees an individual to change the course of their life and realize their dreams.
The recipient of this award is a mature student in their second or third year of study who demonstrates compassion, caring and kindness to others through community involvement/volunteerism above and beyond the 40 hours required to graduate high school.
Value: $1,000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Downtown Brantford BIA Academic Grant: The Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area Board of Management (DBBIA) is privileged to host Conestoga College in downtown Brantford, and this award is in recognition of our relationship, and in appreciation for the students who populate, and contribute to, our community. The recipient of this award is a second-year business student at the Brantford campus who has demonstrated academic success and community involvement.
Value: $500
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: Business

Equitable Life of Canada Community Venture Awards: The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada has established this award to recognize entrepreneurs for their passion, perseverance and dedication as they strive to successfully launch businesses that seek to strengthen our community and improve the quality of life for those living in Waterloo Region.
Value: $1500
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Family & Children's Services of Guelph and Wellington County Bursary: This award was created to support students who are, or were, in Extended Society Care with Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County. The recipient of this award demonstrates academic success and has financial need.
Value: $600
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

First Generation Bursary: The First Generation Bursary is awarded to domestic students who demonstrate financial need and whose parents have never attended post-secondary studies, inside or outside of Canada.
Value: Varies
Programs: All
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Francis Pegahmagabow Memorial Scholarship: Pegahmagabow (1891-1952) was a resident of the Wasauksing First Nation Reserve (Parry Island) near Parry Sound, Ontario. He was the First Nations soldier most highly decorated for bravery in Canadian military history and the most effective sniper of World War I. Three times awarded the Military Medal and seriously wounded, he was an expert marksman and scout, credited with killing 378 Germans and capturing 300 more. Later in life, he served as chief and councillor for the Wasauksing First Nation, and as an activist and leader in several First Nations organizations. This award was created to support a full-time Conestoga student of Indigenous descent who has demonstrated academic success.
Value: $1,000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

G. Al Logan Memorial Award: The Al Logan Memorial Award is given to a student who displays warmth and responsiveness in caring for and enriching the lives of a student or group of students. Al Logan displayed the qualities of warmth and caring both at Conestoga and in the community. It is a real honour to have these qualities recognized by friends and faculty. The recipient of this award is a student who exemplifies Mr. Logan's exceptional qualities and is nominated by a Conestoga community member.
Value: $250
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Gladys & Norman Raiter Bursary: The Estate of Norman Raiter provided this trust to support students with financial need at Conestoga.
Value: $100
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Graduating Class Endowed Award: This endowed fund has been established in honour of Conestoga’s graduating class. We are proud of our graduates and all they have and will continue to accomplish. This fund will allow the college to distribute annual awards to current students on behalf of the graduating class, thereby giving them an opportunity to support the success of the next generation of Conestoga graduates.
Value
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Indigenous Student Bursary: The Indigenous Student Bursary is awarded to domestic students who demonstrate financial need and self-identify as being an Indigenous Person. Recipients must be registered with Indigenous Services.
Value: Varies
Programs: All
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

J. David Stewart Memorial Award: This award has been established in memory of J. David Stewart, former director of Continuing Education. This award recognizes a part-time student who displays a pursuit and drive for knowledge, a commitment to lifelong learning and a sense of community.
Value: $500
Programs: Part-time diploma or certificate
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

James W. Church Award: This prestigious award was established in 1977 by the Board of Governors in honour of the late James W. Church who was the founding President of Conestoga College. The James W. Church Award recognizes a student who excels in the three areas deemed by Dr. Church to be important for a person to become all that they are capable of being.
Value: $1,000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Masonic Foundation of Ontario Endowed Bursary: The Masonic Foundation of Ontario Endowed Bursary was established to provide financial assistance to enable students to complete their post-secondary education when unforeseen financial difficulties might otherwise compel them to give up before graduation. This bursary is available to domestic students who do not qualify for emergency funding provided by Conestoga. In order to receive this bursary all other avenues of available funding must have been explored. A maximum of one award will be distributed to an individual per academic year.
Value: Varies
Programs: All
Terms offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
School: All Schools

Métis Nation of Ontario Student Bursary: The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Métis Student Bursary Program provides bursaries to registered students who are verified Métis citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Applicants will be required to consent to a citizenship verification check to confirm eligibility for these awards. Recipients of this bursary must be full-time students who demonstrate financial need.
The application is available August 7 - December 31, 2024.
If you have any questions, please email PSEsupport@metisnation.org.
Value: $500
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Narhari Sharma Memorial Award: Mr. Narhari Sharma was a symbol of love, wisdom, strength, vision, courage and selflessness. He was gentle soul who lived to help others. Education and equality were two of his key values. This award was established in his name to support a full-time international student at Conestoga who demonstrates academic success, and the qualities of wisdom, strength, vision, courage and selflessness. The recipient will have demonstrated leadership and have gone out of their way to help others achieve their goals. The recipient of this award is nominated by Conestoga staff and faculty.
Value: $1,000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Neil Aitchison Conestoga Students Inc. Scholarship: The Neil Aitchison Conestoga Students Inc. Scholarship was created to honour the first president of the Doon Students’ Association (1968), later renamed Conestoga Students Incorporated. Neil Aitchison is a strong community partner and has demonstrated exceptional leadership with his continued support of the Conestoga community. The recipients of this scholarship are students who demonstrate academic success, community service, the ability to motivate others and leadership through life's challenges.
Value: $3,000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

OPSEU SEFPO Solidarity Award: This award was created by OPSEU SEFPO Local 237 & 238 to recognize a student who demonstrates a commitment to social activism on and off campus.
Value: $500
Programs: All Programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Petra Liverpool Memorial Award for Black Students: Petra Liverpool, a Trinidadian native, immigrated to the United Kingdom for a better life for herself and her family. She was not a woman of great means, but a woman of great compassion and empathy. She dedicated her life to the church and serving those in greatest need. She was an asset to her community and her generous and good-natured spirit is missed.

In memoriam, this award has been established to respond to the educational needs of the Black community. It recognizes excellence and community commitment, and supports access to post-secondary education for students of Caribbean and African heritage.
Value: $500
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

President's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership: The President's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership is presented to a graduate and recognizes the outstanding contributions made by a student who exemplifies excellence in leadership. They will have had a positive impact on their program, the college, and their community. They will have demonstrated support to students and the development of future student leaders. The depth and breadth of their contributions will have increased throughout the course of their studies, and beyond the requirements of a paid or appointed role. The recipient of the President's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership is recognized with a College Coat of Arms at Convocation.
Value: $1,000
Programs: All Programs
Terms offered: Fall, Spring
School: All Schools

Rick Casey Courage to Cope Award: Throughout his career at Conestoga, Rick was a strong advocate for people with disabilities. Upon his retirement in 2007 friends and colleagues donated funds to establish the annual Rick Casey Courage to Cope Award which is presented in recognition of Rick’s dedication and contribution to students with a disability, in particular those with mental health struggles as they continue in their efforts to challenge stigma, to attain personal success and to become full participants in their communities.
Value: $250
Programs: All programs - Registered with Disability Services
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Ricoh Canada Inc. Bursary: Ricoh's Founder, Kiyoshi Ichimura, built Ricoh on three founding principles – "The Spirit of Three Loves" – which includes "love your neighbour," "love your country" and "love your work." These are foundational drivers of Ricoh's corporate philosophy and the Ricoh Way, which guides the company’s decision-making and activities. Ricoh views business, society and the planet as interconnected. Ricoh focuses on the creation of new markets and value propositions by broadly looking at social issues and taking on the challenge to resolve them while simultaneously achieving social development and Ricoh’s business goals. Ricoh is aware of its responsibility as a corporate citizen and demonstrates this through charitable contributions throughout the year, such as the Conestoga College Bursary. The recipient of this bursary is a student who has successfully completed year one or two of their program and shows ambition and leadership skills.
Value: $5000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Rohingya Community Leadership Award: This award has been established in honour of Saifullah Muhammad, a graduate of Conestoga’s Journalism program and recipient of the Alumni of Distinction Award (2020). The recipient of this award is a second-year student who has demonstrated a dedication to their studies and a commitment to leadership and community involvement.
This award is to support a student entering their second year of a full-time program at Conestoga.
Value: $1000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Ross and Doris Dixon Charitable Foundation Students with Disabilities Award: The Ross and Doris Dixon Charitable Foundation Students with Disabilities Award was created to provide students registered with Accessibility Services the funds to purchase specialized equipment to assist with their studies (such as adaptive computer software or tape recorders) or to help pay tuition costs.
Value: Varies
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Scotiabank Global Citizenship Award: Each year, up to three students will be selected to receive Scotiabank Global Citizenship Awards to support international experience activities, including an approved study abroad or work experience. Recipients of this award must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and have been accepted to a study abroad term or overseas work experience.
Value: $3,000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
School: All Schools

The Rebellion 'Carve Your Path' Award: It takes tremendous bravery to lift oneself up and create a more inspired future. This award was created to help celebrate the courage it takes to carve your own path. This award is given to a student who is a single mother who has demonstrated academic success, positivity, kindness, and leadership.
Value: $2800
Programs: All Programs
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

The Rotary Club of Brantford - Sunrise Endowed Bursary: This award has been established in order to reduce the financial burden on students and enable them to complete their program so they may find meaningful employment in their field of study. Education is one of the main tenets of Rotary International whose philosophy is that education is a key component in its dedication to improve lives and create a better world to support its peace efforts. The recipient of this bursary is a mature student in their second or third year of study, who has returned to school to upgrade or change careers.
Value: $1000
Programs: All programs
Terms offered: Fall
School: All Schools

Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year Award: Each year the Work-Integrated Learning Support Services (WILSS) department recognizes outstanding WIL students at an awards ceremony in March during National Co-op & WIL Week. Students are nominated by their placement supervisor or WILSS staff member and winners are selected by the WIL Awards Selection Committee. The winning students receive financial awards and both students and employers receive recognition.
Value: $500
Programs: All
Terms offered: Winter
School: All Schools

Awards: program specific

Ainsworth Family Fund - Waterloo Region Community Foundation Personal Support Worker Post-Graduate Award: Palliative and end-of-life care hospices, such as Lisaard House and Innisfree House, both located locally, bridge the gap between institutional care facilities and home care, providing an alternative for the growing number of palliative patients in our community who do not wish to spend their final days in hospital, but require more support than can be provided at home.
Mrs. Ainsworth, Chair of Lisaard House’s board of directors, and her husband are dedicated to supporting living every day to the fullest with dignity and meaning. To this end, this award has been established to support qualified PSWs interested in working in palliative and end-of-life care.
Value: $975
Programs: Enhanced Personal Support Worker - Palliative/End-of-Life Care (Continuing Education Certificate)
Terms offered: Fall
School: Health & Life Sciences

Amy Stiles Memorial Award: Amy was a beautiful loving wife and mother of three boys. She was a registered nurse, educator and all-around exceptional human being who always advocated for her patients, students and peers. She was a confident initiator and mentor, and continuously looked for opportunities to increase her knowledge as demonstrated by Amy completing her Masters of Nursing in May 2016. Amy strongly believed in seeking to improve the living classroom model through her innovative thinking and leadership. Amy excelled in balancing all that she loved in her life including, first and foremost, her family, her personal and professional development, and her career. Amy was tragically killed in a car accident in November 2017. This award has been established by her colleagues in her memory. The recipient of this award is a student completing their firstyear of Practical Nursing at Riverside Glen or University Gates. The recipient demonstrates leadership amongst their peers, exudes a positive attitude and has a commitment to resident-centered care. The recipient is selected by program faculty.
Value: $500
Programs: Personal Support Worker (PSW); Practical Nursing
Terms offered: Winter
School: Health & Life Sciences

CIBC Community of Caring - Proficiency in Resident-Centred Care Award: The CIBC Community of Caring Awards are presented annually to students at the Schlegel Centre for Excellence In Innovation In Aging. This award is presented to students in the PSW and Practical Nursing programs who are nominated by faculty based on their performance on care practice in the labs.
Value: $500
Programs: Personal Support Worker (PSW); Practical Nursing
Terms offered: Winter, Spring
School: Health & Life Sciences

CIBC Community of Caring - PSW Entrance Award: The CIBC Community of Caring Awards are presented annually to students at the Schlegel Centre for Excellence In Innovation In Aging. This award is given to four students who demonstrate a passion for pursuing a career as a personal support worker.
Value: $500
Programs: Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Terms offered: Fall
School: Health & Life Sciences

CIBC Community of Caring - Leadership in Caring Award: The CIBC Community of Caring Awards are presented annually to students at the Schlegel Centre for Excellence In Innovation In Aging. This award is given at the end of the fall term to four Practical Nursing students who contributed to resident life or service to seniors with the adjacent Walker Library. It is also given at the end of the term to a PSW student who has demonstrated leadership in caring through volunteer engagement with residents.
Value: $500
Programs: Personal Support Worker (PSW); Practical Nursing
Terms offered: Fall, Winter
School: Health & Life Sciences

Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) Indigenous Career Bursary: Presented to an exceptional full-time student who has volunteered with, participated in, and contributed to the Indigenous Initiatives department and CSI Indigenous Circle. The recipient of the CSI Indigenous Career Bursary is a full-time student in good academic standing from eligible programs in the School of Community Services and School of Health & Life Sciences related to justice, education, child welfare, and healthcare. They have demonstrated an ability to motivate others and shown leadership in navigating life's challenges. The recipient has also completed an Indigenous Self-Identification form and responded to follow-up emails from Indigenous Initiatives as required.
Value: $500
Programs: Paramedic; Nursing - BScN (McMaster); Practical Nursing; Occupational & Physiotherapy Assistant; Biotechnology Technician; Personal Support Worker; Respiratory Therapy; Hearing Instrument Specialist; Diploma RPN to BScN ; Pre-Health Path Adv Diploma/Degre
Terms offered: Spring
School: Community Services, Health & Life Sciences

Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) Indigenous Healthcare Bursary: Presented to an exceptional full-time student who has volunteered with, participated in, and contributed to the Indigenous Initiatives department and CSI Indigenous Circle. The recipient of the CSI Indigenous Healthcare Bursary is in good academic standing from eligible programs in the School of Health & Life Sciences. They have demonstrated an ability to motivate others and shown leadership in navigating life's challenges. The recipient has also completed an Indigenous Self-Identification form and responded to follow-up emails from Indigenous Initiatives as required.
Value: $500
Programs: Paramedic; Nursing - BScN (McMaster); Practical Nursing; Occupational & Physiotherapy Assistant; Biotechnology Technician; Personal Support Worker; Respiratory Therapy; Hearing Instrument Specialist; Diploma RPN to BScN ; Pre-Health Path Adv Diploma/Degre
Terms offered: Spring
School: Health & Life Sciences

George and Dale Memorial Award for Proficiency in Pressure Ulcer Prevention: According to Health Quality Ontario, pressure ulcers exact a high cost to individuals and the province's health care system. For an individual, it can mean the beginning of a loss of independence and a serious deterioration in their quality of life. This award has been established to recognize a Doon PSW student who has demonstrated exemplary knowledge and skill in the care of their client, with a focus on demonstrating pressure ulcer prevention. The recipient of this award is nominated by program faculty.
Value: $250
Programs: Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Terms offered: Winter, Spring
School: Health & Life Sciences

Jim Sutton Memorial Endowed Award: Jim Sutton lived his life as a loving husband and father, and approached life with vibrancy and a sense of humour. He moved into Riverside Glen a few years after receiving a dementia diagnosis. Personal support staff encouraged Jim, even as he "helped" organize their daily tasks. The entire staff in the Nichol neighbourhood showed endless compassion, patience and care. Always. Their jobs, while not easy, made such a difference not just in Jim’s life, but in the lives of those who loved him. This award recognizes the impact that staff make in the lives of our most vulnerable. It celebrates their work, and the lives of those they care for. This award is a memorial of Jim’s life, but is also a legacy of the work his personal support staff did to make his life better every day. The recipient of this award is a student graduating from the Personal Support Worker program who demonstrates leadership, compassion and care. The recipient is selected by program faculty.
Value: $500
Programs: Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Terms offered: Spring
School: Health & Life Sciences

Mary Pickles Memorial Award: Mary Kathleen Pickles was born in Kitchener on April 11, 1983. Diagnosed with Edward’s Syndrome, she suffered multiple significant developmental and physical challenges. Mary lived at home until the age of 11 when she moved to the Sunbeam Residential Development Centre and later to its affiliated Zeller Group Home. Although Mary could not speak, her non-verbal communication skills were excellent and she charmed everyone with her smile and happy personality. During her years with Sunbeam, Mary was privileged to be cared for by outstanding staff, with primary care provided by personal support workers. Despite her limitations, she led an active and happy life supported with much care and love by her extended Sunbeam family. Mary died on September 23, 2011, at the age of 28. The Mary Pickles Memorial Award recognises a student who will become an outstanding caregiver in the field of personal support. The recipient of this award must demonstrate financial need and a commitment, understanding and passion for quality care in their practicum placement.
Value: $400
Programs: Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Terms offered: Winter
School: Health & Life Sciences

Research Institute for Aging (RIA) Entrance Scholarship: The Research Institute for Aging (RIA) created this award to support students enrolling in Conestoga’s Personal Support Worker program. These scholarships are available to students enrolled in the living classroom at University Gates in Waterloo or Riverside Glen in Guelph. The recipient of this award is a student who has demonstrated a sincere desire to work with and care for seniors through past work or volunteer experience. Students entering the PSW program in the fall term will be invited to apply in August. Students entering the PSW program in the winter term will be invited to apply in December.
Value: $1,000
Programs: Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Terms offered: Fall, Winter
School: Health & Life Sciences

Sahodra Premsukh Memorial Bursary: The Sahodra Premsukh Memorial Bursary was established to assist those returning to school to pursue a career as a personal support worker and to extend gratitude to Conestoga College. This bursary is in honour of Mrs. Premsukh. She was a proud graduate of the PSW program at Conestoga College. Mrs. Premsukh took great pride in her profession and executed her duties with the utmost care, compassion and professionalism. It is her family’s hope that the recipient of the award carries out their duties in a similar manner.
Value: $500
Programs: Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Terms offered: Fall
School: Health & Life Sciences

Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo Bursary: Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo (TAL-KW) is non-profit, independent organization operated by a voluntary board of directors. Members are generally retirees interested in post-secondary learning experiences. This bursary is awarded to a student in a full-time health related program who demonstrates an interest in working with and/or advocating for seniors and demonstrates academic success.
Value: $1,000
Programs: Practical Nursing; Nursing (BScN); Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Terms offered: Winter
School: Health & Life Sciences

Awards FAQ

What are awards, bursaries, and scholarships?

Awards are monetary supports which recognize outstanding achievement and contributions to the Conestoga community. Awards include grants, scholarships, and bursaries, and are given based on a combination of criteria including merit, community involvement, or financial need.

Bursaries are primarily based on financial need. Bursaries may include other criteria for selection such as a program of study, gender, or background.

Scholarships are generally given for exceptional academic performance and may include consideration of other forms of earned merit.

What awards are available through the General Awards Application (GAA)?

Each term, students who complete a GAA are automatically considered for all awards, scholarships, and bursaries for which they meet the eligibility criteria. For a complete list of available awards, please see the directory above.

Do I need to complete the application in one sitting?

No. The 'Save as Draft' button will create a link to your drafted GAA and will be sent to your Conestoga email. You may return to this draft to complete your application any time before the deadline.

Can I update my application after I have submitted it?

You may not update your General Awards Application (GAA) after it is submitted. However, you may complete a new GAA with updated information. As only your most recent application is considered, please ensure it is complete.

I missed the application deadline. Can I still submit my application?

No. To ensure equity and objectivity in recipient selection, Student Financial Services is unable to accept late applications.

I am a part-time student. Can I apply for awards?

No. Only students who are registered in a program full-time (or have a reduced courseload accommodation through Accessible Learning) may apply.

I am an international student. Can I apply for awards?

Yes. International students must complete a General Awards Application to be considered for awards, including awards given by the Office for International Students. International students are not eligible for bursaries or awards which require financial need (student visas require demonstration of sufficient funds to cover post-secondary expenses).

I am on co-op this term. Can I apply for awards?

No. Students in a co-op or Career Management in Canada (GCM) term are not eligible to submit a General Awards Application. Students are encouraged to apply when they return to classes.

Why can't I access the awards application?

For eligible students (those registered in a full-time program and not on a co-op/GCM term), the grey 'personal information' fields on the General Awards Application are filled automatically. Please contact awards@conestogac.on.ca for assistance if you have trouble accessing the General Awards Application and believe you are eligible.

When will I know if I am receiving an award?

Students selected to receive awards, scholarships, or bursaries are notified through their Conestoga email address. These announcements are communicated throughout the term and may follow the submission of end-of-term grades. Only students chosen to receive awards are contacted.

What does it mean if I am shortlisted for an award?

If you meet the basic criteria for an award (e.g. a minimum GPA, specific program, etc.), you may receive an invitation to complete a Supplementary Application. This provides additional information needed to choose an award's recipient, such as a statement on a specific topic, details related to community or campus involvement, and/or documents such as a resume or letter of reference. Being shortlisted does not guarantee you will receive an award.

I submitted the application. Why didn't I receive an award?

Completing the awards application does not guarantee you will receive an award. Each award has unique selection criteria, which you may not have met.