Financial Support

As one of Canada's leading research institutions, Western places great importance on helping students finance their education. While at Western, students are encouraged to devote their full energy to the successful completion of their studies, and the university works to ensure the availability of stable funding.

Some funding is awarded upon entry into a program, some is based on recommendations from the program, and others must be applied for by the student, either to Western University or to an external funding agency.

Complete information regarding funding and financial support for graduate students is available through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Bursaries and Awards

To apply for awards listed below please submit a one-page letter outlining your eligibility to gradnurs@uwo.ca. Applications will be accepted up to one month prior to the deadline for each award, and reminders will be sent to current students.

Bud and Joanne Taylor Award

Awarded to full-time graduate students in Nursing who are participating in a clinical placement. Applicants must demonstrate that they have to pay for accommodation in a Canadian placement location outside of London, Ontario for the period of their clinical placement in addition to the cost incurred in maintaining their university-location housing. Preference will be given to students working in remote locations. The Nursing program will select the recipients and at least one member of the selection committee must hold membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. This award is made possible through a generous gift from Bud and Joanne Taylor.

Value: 6 at $3,000
Deadline: December 30

Berman Family Graduate Award

Awarded annually to a graduate student in the Nursing Doctoral degree program, based on academic achievement. Preference will be given to a doctoral student whose dissertation focuses on health equity in the areas of poverty and inequality; discrimination, violence and marginalization; working conditions/employment security; legacies of colonialism and contemporary realities; and/or health policy and services. The recipient will be selected by the Scholarship Committee in the School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, of which at least one representative is a member of the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The recipient of this award will be offered a 1-year voluntary residency with the Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion. This residency is optional and not a requirement to receive the award. The residency is unpaid and can be taken in conjunction with the recipient’s doctoral studies. This award was established through the generosity of Dr. Helene Berman and Mark Flink, in honour of Dr. Berman’s parents, Elaine and Eugene, and her sister Nancy.

Value: 1 at $1,000
Deadline: October 31

Caroline E. Stark Graduate Bursary

Awarded annually to a full-time graduate student in the School of Nursing, based on demonstrated financial need. The Graduate Scholarships and Awards Committee in the School of Nursing will select the recipient. At least one member of the committee must hold membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. This bursary was established through the Estate of Caroline E. Stark (BScN '58). Caroline enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a Nurse in Sarnia, Brockville and London, completing her career at Sarnia General Hospital. Caroline died in 2018 at the age of 88.

Value: 1 at $3,000
Deadline: October 31

Barbara Stolk Graduate Bursary

Awarded annually to a graduate student entering the Master of Nursing (MN) or the Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) who has demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to a student who has been working in the public health service field [Public Health Nursing, Victoria Order of Nurses (VON), or a Community Care Access Center (CCAC)].
This award is offered through the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) program, and recipients must meet Ontario residency requirements.
Barbara Stolk MScN'95 was an enthusiastic and tireless worker in a lifelong pursuit of a healthy population through education. Although she already accomplished much, she was just hitting her stride when her life was cut short by an automobile accident in October, 1996. The bursaries are intended to provide deserving candidates with support and knowledge that Barb is pulling for them to achieve their goals and the expectation that knowledge gained be used to help create a loving, caring community.

Value: 1 @ $1,000
Deadline: October 31

Helen Fasken Nursing Bursary

Awarded annually to full-time graduate Nursing students whose studies are focused on any aspect of long-term care of the elderly and who have demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to one student studying at the Master's level, and one at the Doctoral level. An application form outlining both financial need and involvement in studies related to the long-term care of the elderly must be completed. The Scholarships and Awards Committee in Nursing will select the recipients in consultation with at least one faculty member who holds membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. These bursaries were established by a bequest with Foundation Western by Helen Fasken (BSc'42, Nursing). In 1974, Helen was chosen by her colleagues (through the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario) as one of twelve nurses considered 'The Most Caring Nurse' in the Province. Many programs, including Well-Baby Clinics, Mental Health services, Immunization programs, Public Health Nursing visits and Home Care were developed in Wellington County with Helen's guidance.

Value: 3 at $3,200
Deadline: October 31

Irene E. Nordwich Foundation Graduate Student Awards

The Irene E. Nordwich Foundation provides awards to graduate students registered in the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing at Western University and also the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Manitoba. The awards are intended to:

  • Ease the financial burden of a university education
  • Encourage academic excellence

For more information, and to apply, visit the Irene E. Nordwich Foundation website.