Alumni Bursary

Since 2011, NYA has offered over 70 bursaries to Alumni to support them financially as they pursue their education.

Alumni Bursary Now Open

Please read the instructions carefully then apply online. You should have all your pieces ready to go when you apply.

Apply Now

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for the NYA Alumni Bursary you must:

  • Be a member of the NYA (or NYAP) Alumni having completed at least one of NYA’s core programs (Canadian, Next, or International).
  • Be enrolled in a program at an accredited Canadian institution that is at minimum one year in length. Accredited institution is a school recognized by either the Association of Universities and Colleges Canada or the Association of Community Colleges, including programs offered by Nunavut Arctic College and Aurora College.
  • Be a full-time student.
  • Be able to provide proof of acceptance/enrolment.
  • Agree to be featured in NYA promotional materials etc.

How to Apply?

  • Read the steps to apply carefully. Depending on if you have received a bursary from NYA before, you may have different requirements.
  • There are a limited number of bursaries available. Applications are open now and the first batch of applications received will be assessed and given equal consideration on October 7th.
  • Beyond that date, applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first served basis. 
  • Successful applicants will be eligible to receive $250 in each of October 2026, November 2026, January 2027, and March 2027 if they remain enrolled and complete a check in with an NYA staff member (up to $1,000 total for the school year).
  • Check-ins are to ensure that our investment in student success includes wrap-around supports. We want to know how your school year is going, and how else we can support you.
  • Each student only needs to complete this application form once.

Steps to Apply

If you have not received an NYA bursary before:

You will need to complete the online form, submit current proof of enrolment, and submit a current photo of yourself.

You will also need to answer the following questions, which can be pasted into the online form or emailed to nya@nya.ca. Please write full paragraph answers, using as many examples as you can.

  1. Tell us about one specific experience, or moment from your NYA program or other experience that has stuck with you and shaped the path you’re on now. What made it stick?
  2. What are you currently studying (or about to start), and what led you to choose this specific program? (If you’re returning and now in a different program than before, tell us what changed your direction.) How does it connect to what you want to do next, personally or in your career?
  3. Since finishing your NYA program, how have you stayed connected to or given something back to your home community?
  4. What’s one challenge you’re currently working through in school or life right now, and how are you handling it?
  5. Looking ahead, what do you hope for your home community or territory, and what part do you want to play in getting there?

If you have received an NYA bursary before, but for a different program:

You will need to complete the online form, submit current proof of enrolment, and submit a current photo of yourself.

You will also need to submit a short essay (at least 500 words) about why you have switched programs and what you are up to now, which can be pasted into the online form or emailed to nya@nya.ca.

If you have received an NYA bursary for the same program:

You will need to complete the online form, submit current proof of enrolment, and submit a current photo of yourself.

After Applying

Once we receive your application we will confirm with you that we have it, and if it is complete. If it is not complete you will need to re-submit it once it is complete.

We will let you know if you have been approved for a bursary, and will send you a link to schedule your check in with staff. If you do not schedule a check in, or if you miss your scheduled time, you will forfeit that month’s bursary. After you complete your check in, you will be eligible for payment. We will request your direct deposit info/void cheque from you.

Approved applicants agree to: 

  • Participate in the required activities to the best of their ability, 
  • Inform NYA if there is a change in their status as a student (ie withdrawing from program, dropping courses, etc), 
  • Ask for help and provide feedback on their experience in the program, 
  • Schedule their check in meetings with staff using a link provided to them, within the timeframe sent to them.
  • Fill out an end-of-year survey sent by NYA.