Financial Aid
There are many potential sources of funding for students at the Harquail School of Earth Sciences, from 1st year to the PhD level. Our students have a track record of success in finding support from industry, associations, government, and non-profits to support their studies, as demonstrated in this article.
Here is a good summary of the sources of funding available - including internal and external awards.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply for as many scholarships, bursaries, and awards as possible and take advantage of the generous support that is available to the next generation of geoscientists!
General Scholarship Opportunities
YOUNG MINING PROFESSIONALS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The YMP Scholarship Fund was established in 2018 by the Young Mining Professionals group, IAMGOLD Corporation and Orefinder’s Resources. The Fund was designed to help students who have demonstrated superior leadership, determination and an entrepreneurial spirit toward the mining industry. Since its establishment, the Fund has increased its awards from $12,000 in 2018 to $120,000 in 2021, making it Canada’s largest mining-specific scholarship fund! Laurentian University and Harquail School of Earth Sciences students have been successful in winning many of these scholarships. The call for applications typically opens in the spring/summer.
http://www.ympscholarships.com/scholarships/xdsx
Graduate Student Financial Aid
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships/Fellowship
- Summer Fellowships
- Research Assistants
- Graduate Scholarships
- Graduate Bursaries
- Government Agencies
- OGSST-Tembec Entrance Scholarship
- The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
- Other External Scholarships
Undergraduate Financial Aid Offices
The Student Awards Office is responsible for the administration of all forms of financial assistance for undergraduate students. Email financialaid@laurentian.ca; Tel. 705-673-6578 ext. 3493; Web: laurentian.ca/scholarships-bursaries. The Laurentian University J.N. Desmarais Library also has a listing of additional financial assistance opportunities.
Undergraduate Scholarships
HARQUAIL BSc SCHOLARSHIPS
Students apply for these $5,000 scholarships before beginning their studies in our BSc program! These scholarships are generously offered by the Harquail Family to support high-calibre students who choose to study Earth Sciences at Laurentian University. View the latest eligibility and application details here: https://hes.laurentian.ca/hesbsc
Pan American Silver Corp. - Future Leaders in Mining Scholarship
Established by Pan American Silver Corp., the purpose of this award is to recognize a full-time upper year student, in any mining-related program at Laurentian University, who has expressed an interest in a career in mining following graduation. Recipient must demonstrate academic excellence. Preference will be given to a female candidate. Value is $5,000 each. Application is required.
F.G.T. PICKARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The purpose of the F.G.T. Pickard Scholarship Fund is to encourage and support the attainment of educational goals by individuals who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement, who have a need for financial assistance and who have made a positive contribution to their university or community through involvement in extra-curricular activities. Application forms can be obtained at the Student Awards Office. Applications must be sent directly to the F.G.T. Pickard Memorial Scholarship Fund, and must be received by the Fund on or before October 31.
THE DR. JANET SPRINGER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship, valued at $450 annually, was established by the friends and colleagues of Dr. Janet Springer, a senior scientist with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Dr. Springer was keenly interested in encouraging young women to pursue non-traditional careers; accordingly, the scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic standing and financial need to a female student entering second, third, or fourth year in a Science and Engineering program. Application is required.
THE J.P. BICKELL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS (3)
Three in the amount of $3,000 each are to be awarded to a student in Science or Engineering registered as a Geology major, or in Specialized Geology programs or in Chemical Engineering with the intention of specializing in an engineering field related to geology, mining, metallurgy, who has attained an average of at least 75% in the first year final examinations.The disbursement of this scholarship is entrusted to the Senate committee on scholarships.
THE SCOTIABANK AND SCOTIA CAPITAL MARKETS SCHOLARSHIP (Sponsored by CIM)
This scholarship, valued at $2,000 annually, was established as an effort to encourage young people to pursue careers in the minerals and related industries. Awarded to outstanding undergraduate students in the fields of mining engineering, exploration and geology across Canada. Applications must be submitted by April 15th, please visit the CIM Membership web page at http://www.cimfoundation.ca/en/scotiabank-scholarship for submission information. Scholarship winners will be announced in July and awarded in September of each year. Applicants will be judged for academic achievement and a commitment to a career in the mining, minerals or energy industries. Application is required (letter of referral from professor, essay, resume, transcript).
DE BEERS CANADA SCHOLARSHIP
Established by De Beers Canada Inc. the purpose of this award is to provide aid to four students registered at Laurentian University. De Beers Canada Inc. is offering scholarships to students attending Laurentian University who have a genuine interest in mining engineering or related disciplines. Selection will be based primarily on academic excellence. The recipient must be enrolled full-time in the Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering (Extractive Metallurgy stream), Geology, or Environmental Earth Sciences programs. This scholarship is available to returning students. Application is not required. As a recipient of this scholarship, you will have the opportunity to have conversations with De Beers Canada about potential summer employment opportunities or Co-op placements. Value: $2,000
CMIEF - JOHN STEERS SCHOLARSHIP BURSARY
The John Steers Bursary in the amount of $1,000 for one year is available for geology and geological engineering students with a particular interest in mineral exploration. The bursary may be used for attendance at university in accordance with the requirements of the scholarship programme of the CMIEF, or may be used to participate in a field school sponsored by the geology department at a Canadian university or by a recognized institution such as the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy or the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.
Value: 1,000.
Deadline: March 31.
Those geology students with an interest in the John Steers Bursary should submit an application following the same procedures as for the CMIEF scholarships. https://www.cmief.ca/john-steers-scholarship
Undergraduate Bursaries
THE JAMES F. DAVIES MEMORIAL BURSARY
Established by Harquail School of Earth Sciences family and friends. James F. (Jim) Davies was the Harquail School of Earth Sciences’s first true economic geologist, a discipline he had an immense passion for. He joined Laurentian University in 1967, having come from the position of Chief Geologist at the Manitoba Department of Mines, and remained a full-time faculty member before retiring in 1990. Dr. Davies has been a passionate, dedicated, tireless researcher and teacher, supervising the training of a very large number of undergraduate and graduate students over the three decades he spent at Laurentian. This award commemorates the remarkable and never-to-be-forgotten efforts of Dr. James F. Davies towards education, conducting high-quality research, and building the Harquail School of Earth Sciences at Laurentian University. The bursary will be awarded to a student enrolled full time in the Geology program. The recipient will be selected on the basis of demonstrated financial need, and Ontario residency as defined by OSAP. Application is required. Value: $1,000
THE MARSH A. COOPER AWARD IN GEOLOGY
Valued at $1,500 and awarded annually to a full-time student entering the second year of the Specialized Geology program. Academic standing and financial need (in that order of priority) are the major criteria. The award will be made on the recommendation of the Harquail School of Earth Sciences. Application is required.
THE ELIZABETH BURTON AWARD
The Elizabeth Burton Award is awarded annually and has a total value of $600. Applications are received from students entering the second, third or fourth year of an undergraduate degree program in Science. The Elizabeth Burton Award is awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement and financial need and may be awarded to more than one student in the same year. The award(s) will be made on the recommendation of the Dean of Sciences and Engineering. Application is required.
THE CIBC WOOD GUNDY / FRANKLIN G.T. PICKARD MEMORIAL AWARDS
The purpose of the Franklin G.T. Pickard Scholarship Fund is to encourage and support the attainment of educational goals by individuals who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement, who have a need for financial assistance and who have made a positive contribution to their university or community through involvement in extra-curricular activities. Donated by CIBC Wood Gundy Securities Inc., Toronto, ON in memory of the late Franklin G.T. Pickard.
Value: The number and dollar amount of scholarships is determined annually by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
Eligibility: Full-time students enrolled in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th of a program in Biology, Chemistry or Mining Engineering that involves mining-related environmental rehabilitation. Recipients must submit a short personal profile. Based on academic standing, leadership and extra-curricular activities, Ontario residency and financial need, as defined by OSAP. Application required.
Application Forms: Application forms can be obtained at the Student Awards Office. Applications must be sent directly to the F.G.T. Pickard Memorial Scholarship Fund, and must be received by the Fund on or before October 31.
THE J.P. BICKELL FOUNDATION BURSARIES
Available to Science or Engineering students requesting financial aid, who are registered as Geology majors, or in the Specialized Geology programs, or in the School of Engineering with the intention of specializing in an engineering field related to geology, mining or metallurgy. Further details and application forms are available from the Student Awards Office, Room L222.
THE ROUSELL-McKECHNIE BURSARY
Established in recognition of the contribution of Donald C. McKechnie and Dr. Don H. Rousell in the founding of the Geology Department at Laurentian University. Awarded annually to students in the third or fourth year of the geology or environmental earth science programs and based on financial need and academic standing. A bursary application is required.
THE DOUGLAS WILLIAMSON BURSARY
Established in recognition of the contribution of Dr. Douglas Williamson in the founding of the Geology Department at Laurentian University. Awarded annually to students entering the first year of the geology program and based on financial need and academic standing. A bursary application is required.
THE RIO ALGOM LIMITED BURSARIES
Eight full-time students entering the 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of a Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Extractive Metallurgy or Mining Engineering program, and whose studies involve mining-related environmental rehabilitation; AND, two full-time students from the Serpent River First Nations, who are enrolled in any year of any program. Selection is based on financial need and Ontario residency as defined by OSAP. Application required. Value: $1,500/ea
THE SGA CAPITAL CAMPAIGN BURSARIES / THE ALAIN MAINVILLE EARTH SCIENCE AWARD
Students who are SGA members, Ontario residents as defined by OSAP, have financial need, are active in extracurricular activities and meet the other criteria specified below. Students must submit a short statement outlining how they meet criteria. Donated by the SGA to the University's Capital Fundraising Campaign (1997), the following bursaries are awarded annually. Application required. Value: variable
Graduate Financial Support
Various types of support are available from University, government or other sources. All are offered on a competitive basis, except bursaries and OSAP assistance, which are awarded on the basis of financial need. Tuition and accommodation costs are the students' responsibility.
1. Ontario Government - Tembec Graduate Entrance Scholarship in the Earth Sciences
2. Graduate Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships
3. Laurentian University Summer Fellowships
4. Laurentian University Scholarships
5. Laurentian University Bursaries (criteria: merit and need)
6. The Ontario Student Assistance Program (O.S.A.P.)
7. Open Competition Awards - Government Agencies
8. Open Competition Awards - Non-government Agencies
9. Research Assistants
Government of Ontario
Scholarship in Science and Technology
Value: $12,900 per year
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) Program
Students in science and technology at the master’s and doctoral levels can apply for a merit-based scholarship through the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) Program.
QEII-GSST awards are based on the number of your consecutive terms of studies within an academic year:
$10,000 for 2 consecutive study terms
$15,000 for 3 consecutive study terms
Each award is issued for:
-
a minimum of 1 academic year (2 or 3 consecutive academic terms)
-
a maximum of 2 years (up to 6 consecutive academic terms)
How to apply: Use your school’s QEII-GSST application. They are normally available in October.
If you’re applying to more than one graduate program at different schools, submit a QEII-GSST for each school.
Contact the Graduate Studies Office at the school you’re planning to attend for details on their application process.
Details: https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/PRDR019236.html
Geological Society of America Student Research Grants
For further information see http://www.geosociety.org/grants/
Due: Feb 1
Society of Economic Geologists Student Research Grants
For further information see http://www.segweb.org/SEG/Students/Student_Research_Grants/SEG/_Students/Student_Research_Grants.aspx
Due: Feb 1
Internal Support
Graduate Teaching Assistantship/Fellowships Graduate Teaching Assistantships /Fellowships
(G.T.A. / G.F.'s) are available to qualified full-time students. The awards are designated partially as employment (54%) and partially as a Fellowship (46%). Students who initially register as part-time and then switch to full-time status may not receive the same G.T.A./G.F. entitlement as those students who begin as full-time students. If appointed, students are required to work up to ten hours a week in some form of teaching assistance. G.T.A./G.F.'s are only available to students registered in the first two years of studies in Laurentian's graduate program. Nominations are requested annually from coordinators of each program. No additional application is necessary.
The value of the G.T.A./G.F. is reviewed annually. For further information, contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research or the department concerned. The 2009-2010 value of the G.T.A./G.F. is $6,154 for M.Sc. students and $10,581 for Ph.D. students, and is subject to same review for the coming years.
Laurentian University Summer Fellowships
This program was introduced to provide a means for full-time students in thesis-track programs to work full-time on their research in the summer following their first year of studies. Students may hold other employment for a maximum of ten hours per week while receiving this Fellowship. Students sponsored by CIDA or CBIE and those receiving NSERC or OGS scholarships are not eligible to receive the Fellowship. The 2009-2010 value of the Summer Fellowships is $1,000 and is subject to review.
Research Assistants
Faculty holding research grants may provide support in appropriate cases.
Laurentian University Scholarships
Laurentian University has established a number of awards for graduate students that are designed to recognize both scholarship and the financial needs of good students.
Only full-time M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in the first two years and four years of graduate study, respectively, are normally eligible to receive Laurentian scholarships. Students applying for these awards must normally have been resident in Canada for 12 months and must be registered as full-time students prior to the date of application. Details of these awards may be changed at any time; the most current information, full details, and application forms may be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies and Research except where otherwise noted.
Last date for application: September 30
Scholarships:
(a) Laurentian University Graduate Scholarship
Number awarded: one; in lieu of full Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantship
Value: $5,000
Conditions: academic excellence ; first years of graduate study.
Application forms are available in the office of the School of Graduate Research.
(b) Joseph Errington Graduate Fund Scholarships
Number awarded: three
Value: one at $1,500 and two at $1,000
Conditions: academic excellence, may not be held concurrently with a major award (e.g. NSERC, OGS)
Application forms are available in the office of the School of Graduate Research.
(c) Alumni Association Entrance Scholarship
Number awarded: one
Value: varies
Conditions: academic excellence; first year of graduate study.
Application forms are available in the office of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
(d) Sudbury 1995: Mining and the Environment Graduate Award
Administered by the Centre in Mining and Mining Environment Research (CIMMR)
Number awarded: one
Value: $5,000 to the student and up to $2,000 as research support
Conditions: academic excellence; letters of reference; value of research topic to the broader mining community.
(e) CFUW-Sudbury: Grace Hartman Memorial Graduate Studies Bursary
Number awarded: one
Value: $1,000
Conditions: academic excellence; female; financial need.
Application forms are available in the office of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
(f) Graduate Students' Association Fellowship
Number awarded: one
Value: $500
Conditions: for candidates with financial need who have completed five or more terms of study, have completed all course requirements, and are registered full-time in the final stages of preparation of the Master's thesis. Candidates may not hold any other major award.
Deadline: May 1.
Application should be made at the Student Awards Office.
Laurentian University Graduate Bursaries
Bursaries are awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Applications should be made at the Student awards Office. Deadlines vary per bursary.
(a) Keith Farrell Memorial Graduate Bursary
Number awarded: one
Value: varies
Conditions: Established by family and friends, the Keith Farrell Memorial Graduate Bursary is awarded to a full-time student enrolled in the master of science in geology, with demonstrated financial need. Canadian residency is required.
Application should be made at the Student Awards Office.
External Support
All interested scholarship candidates should contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research in September of each academic year. The School has detailed information on scholarships, including the current value and deadline dates for the coming year. As deadline dates and application procedures can vary considerably from one year to the next, candidates are encouraged to contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research as early as possible for up-to-date information before applying for any external support.
Please note that some major scholarships have special "by nomination only" categories; students do not apply for these special scholarships, but are nominated by Laurentian University on the advice of the School of Graduate Studies and Research and the students' departments.
Government Agencies
OGSST-Tembec Entrance Scholarship
OGSST-Tembec entrance scholarships provide $13,000 for one year and are not renewable. They require 10 hours per week of GTA or GRA work during the academic term. Applicants must have an A (80%) average over the last two years of full-time study, must be Canadian Citizens or Landed Immigrants, and must be Ontario Residents at the time of application. Two awards will be available in 1999-2000 and one award will be available in successive years.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
Canadian citizens or permanent residents from Ontario may apply for financial assistance (student loans) under this program. OSAP funds are provided on the basis of established financial need and are intended to supplement (but not replace) the student's own financial resources or those of a spouse.
For additional information or application forms, contact the Student Awards Office, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6.
Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)
To encourage excellence in graduate studies, the Ministry of Education and Training has established the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded annually:
Open scholarships (OGS) Number awarded: 1,300 (approximately)
Value: $5,000 per term
Conditions: High academic achievement (minimum A-, or the equivalent, during each of your last two final years of study at the post secondary level); Canadian or permanent resident. (NB. 60 scholarships are reserved for visa students. Foreign students must be registered at a Canadian university on a student visa at the time of application.)
Tenable: Any Ontario university. Application forms: School of Graduate Studies and Research.
Deadline: Normally mid-October of every year.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Scholarships
Fields: Agriculture, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, experimental psychology, forestry, geology, mathematics, operations research, physical education (some areas), physical geography, physics.
Value: $17,300-19,l00 per annum
Conditions: Academic excellence; Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Tenable: Normally at a Canadian university
Application forms: School of Graduate Studies and Research.
Deadline: Normally mid-November each year.
Other External Scholarships
The following list of scholarships is a sample from the files in the School of Graduate Studies and research. Contact those offices for complete information on values, deadline dates, and special conditions.
Commonwealth Scholarships - http://www.scholarships-bourses.gc.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/opportunities-opportunites.aspx
MacKenzie King Scholarships - http://www.mkingscholarships.ca/index-e.html
Non-Government Agencies
Canadian Federation of University Women - http://www.cfuw.org/
G. Allan Roeher Institute
Society of Economic Geologists Foundation, Inc. - http://www.segweb.org/SEG/Students/Student_Research_Grants/SEG/_Students/Student_Research_Grants.aspx
Soroptimist Foundation of Canada Scholarships - http://www.soroptimistfoundation.ca/index.html
2011 Research Grants for Graduate Geology Students, SEG Inc.
Number awarded: unknown
Value: $1,000 - $5,000
Conditions: The SEG Foundation and the SEG Canada Foundation will provide Student Research Grants for the year 2011. Individual grants are for one year. These grants support graduate student research projects leading to Master's or Doctoral degrees, and exceptional BS Honors or "BS Titulo" projects.
Deadline: Feb 14 (grants will be awarded in late April)
Details: Detailed information and an application form (download here) are on the SEG web site
http://www.segweb.org/SEG/Students/Student_Research_Grants/SEG/_Students/Student_Research_Grants.aspx
TSOP - SPACKMAN AWARD
Graduate Student Research Grants
The Spackman Award supports qualified graduate students from around the world who are actively seeking advanced degrees. Applicants who have previously been granted a Spackman Award are not eligible to apply for a second grant under the scheme. https://www.tsop.org/Spackman_award_apply.html
Deadline: May 31, 2022
