Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries

In recognition of Dr. Surlin's interests in Aboriginal culture and values, a bursary fund has been established in his name to assist in-course Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident (includes those with Protected Persons status) students of Aboriginal ancestry residing in Ontario in completing their studies at the University of Windsor. Bursary awards in varying amounts will be awarded to Aboriginal students according to financial need. A minimum cumulative average of 65% is required.  Apply on-line.

Interest from this trust will be awarded to an Aboriginal Law student based on financial need, academic excellence and commitment to the Aboriginal community. Applicants must also submit "Letters of Support" documenting their involvement in the Aboriginal Community.  The scholarship was established in 2002. Apply on-line.

One award is offered annually by the Organization of Part-time University Students (OPUS). Eligible applicants must be registered as part-time undergraduate students, be in good academic standing and have demonstrated financial need. Recipients must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents (includes those with Protected Persons status) meeting OSAP Ontario residency requirements. Award is renewable through reapplication in subsequent years provided qualifying conditions are met.  Apply on-line.

One award granted annually to a full-time undergraduate Social Work student. Based on academic standing (minimum cumulative average of 70% required) and financial need. The bursary may be renewable in subsequent years provided the recipient continues to meet the eligibility criteria. Previous recipients must reapply for consideration. Candidates must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Indigenous ancestry (status, non-status, Metis, Bill C31, Innu and Inuit). The bursary was established through a generous gift from the Estate of Marie M. (Chauvin) Tizzard.  Mrs. Tizzard was a UWindsor Alumna and Social Worker who wanted to help Canadian Aboriginal students with financial need to pursue a university degree in Social Work. Apply on-line.

Candidates must be of Aboriginal ancestry (status, non-status, Metis, Bill C31, Innu and Inuit), maintain satisfactory academic standing and demonstrate financial need.  Apply on-line. 

The Government of Ontario has created a bursary fund to support students of Indigenous ancestry (Aboriginal person, that is, First Nations, Metis or Inuk (Inuit).  Eligible candidates must be able to demonstrate financial need and provide documented sources of support. Candidates must also be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents (includes those with Protected Persons status) and meet Ontario residency. Apply on-line.

Up to 4 scholarships available annually valued at $5,000, renewable over the 4 years provided that a minimum cumulative average of 75% is met to support indigenous students entering year 1 of any first-entry, undergraduate program directly from secondary school studies.  Students must be Canadian citizens and demonstrate financial need.  Apply on-line. Refer to the UWinAward application instructions for entering students.

One bursary will be presented to all Aboriginal students entering Law I upon the successful completion of the Pre Law Summer Program at the University of Windsor.  This bursary was established in 2007 to recognize the appointment of Justice LaForme to the Court of Appeal for Ontario.  Justice LaForme is the first Aboriginal Person appointed to an appellate court in Canada. Assigned. No application required.

One scholarship will be presented to each aboriginal student upon the completion of the Pre Law Summer Program at the University of Windsor. This scholarship is renewable for each year of study at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. This scholarship was established in 2014 by Windsor Law. Assigned. No application required.

One award granted annually to a full-time Indigenous Law student in any year of study.  Based on good academic standing (minimum cumulative average of 70% required). This award was established in memory of Joni Murphy, teacher of American Indian Narratives at Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kansas.  Assigned. Assigned.  No application required.