Financial Assistance
Scholarships, Grants and Bursaries
Students registered with the Fred Smithers Centre may be eligible for financial assistance. A number of entrance and returning awards are available each year.
Entrance Awards
To be considered, students must apply for services with supporting documentation no later than June 30.
- Fred Smithers Entrance Scholarship-$2,000
- Jim Pineo Scholarship-$2,700
- Nicola Schwind Memorial Scholarship-$5,600
Named Undergraduate Awards
These are available annually to returning Saint Mary’s University students. The criteria for these awards varies from academic achievement, financial need, specifically disability groups and between faculties. All students are encouraged to apply each year and should highlight their unique, individual qualities. Applications are made available through Financial Aid and Awards, and are due at the beginning of May each year.
- VII Pan Am Wheelchair Games Bursary-$200
- ‘88 Campaign Scholarship-$700
- Andrea Peer Memorial Scholarship-$700
- Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation Accessibility Scholarship-$1,300
- David Leitch Bursary-$2,000
- Dr. John Campbell Scholarship-$1,800
- Frank & Louise Donohoe Family Scholarship-$1,300
- Fred Smithers Undergraduate Scholarship-$2,000
- Heather Robertson Scholarship-$2,000
- The Joyce Family Foundation Opportunities Bursary -$2,000
- Kathleen Shaw Hearing Impaired Student Endowment-$1,400
- Kimberly-Clark Scholarship (Formerly Scott Maritimes)-$700
- Marguerite, Joseph and Charles Hinman Memorial Scholarship-$2,000
All amounts are approximate and may be subject to change.
Canada Student Assistance and Grants
Students with disabilities who are Canadian citizens may be eligible for grant funding through the Federal Student Assistance Program. We encourage students to apply for these grants, as they may be eligible to receive up to $2,800 per academic year. Additional grants are available that can provide funding for services such as tutoring, note-taking, and equipment like computers and assistive technology.
Students with disabilities may be eligible for the following grants:
Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities :
Students with disabilities may be eligible for a $2,800 grant each year if they show a financial need of $1 on their application.
Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities:
You may also be eligible for a grant of up to $20,000 for services and equipment, such as funding for tutors, note takers, computers, and assistive technology. To apply for this grant, you need to meet with the Accessibility Resource Assistant.
To be eligible, you must apply for a student loan through your home province.
To learn about the eligibility criteria for these grants, please contact your province or territory’s student financial assistance office.
Accessibility Travel Bursary
We are excited to announce the launch of a new Accessibility Travel Bursary open to all students registered with the Fred Smithers Centre!
This opportunity has been gifted to Saint Mary’s in support of accessible student travel for academic, co-curricular activities or research purposes. Students can receive between $500 - $2,500 to assist with the costs associated with travelling during your degree program. Awards will be distributed throughout the year.
Applications open once per academic year and will be communicated via email to all active students registered with the Fred Smithers Centre once open. Please note that you must be currently registered in courses at Saint Mary’s at time of travel (i.e. you must be registered for Fall courses if the trip takes place during the Summer months), and you must be a registered client of the Fred Smithers Centre to be eligible for this funding opportunity. Applications for pre-scheduled and yet-to-be scheduled travel will both be considered.