Student Awards

Help us make a meaningful impact to last a lifetime

Nipissing University’s commitment to student support is at the heart of what we do. The University has a comprehensive scholarship and awards programs that recognize outstanding achievement at different levels of study. Nipissing University offers over 2,400 scholarships, bursaries, and awards totalling $4.5m for students each year. 


Students at Nipissing are talented, dedicated and determined, and helping them fully realize their potential is vital to their future and success. Thanks to the generous contributions of our donors and supporters, gifts made to scholarships, bursaries, and awards will not only encourage scholastic achievement, promote research, and illustrate leadership; it will leave a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of students and the communities we serve. 

“I am grateful to be acknowledged for the dedication and passion that I pour into my academics and artistic practice.”


- 2022 Recipient of the Dr. Paul Kelly Scholarship in Fine Arts

Establishing a Named Award

Awards may be named in honour of the donor or an organization. Creating a named award can also be a wonderful way to memorialize a family member or someone special and leave a lasting legacy at Nipissing University.

  • Establish an Annual Award

    You can choose to fund a named scholarship, bursary or award on a year-to-year basis with an annual gift.


    The minimum commitment required to establish a named annual award is $500 for 3 years. Following that, you may choose to continue your award on a year-to-year basis.  


    If you are interested in setting up an annual award, please contact Andrea Parolin at [email protected] or (705) 474-3450 ext. 4665 

  • Establish an Endowed Award

    An endowment is a visionary gift that supports Nipissing students in perpetuity. The university uses only the investment income generated by the capital to provide the award yearly. In this manner, the fund begins to build for the future, enabling the value of the award to increase over time. Endowment funds provide critical support and encouragement to a deserving student while also providing long term sustainable growth for the institution. 


    The minimum gift required to establish an endowment is $10,000. Nipissing endowments payout at 3%, therefore, a $10,000 investment would payout a $300 award. Please visit Nipissing’s Trust and Endowment Management Policy for more information.


    If you are interested in setting up an endowed award, please contact Andrea Parolin at [email protected] or (705) 474-3450 ext. 4665

Establishing a Named Award FAQs

  • What is the difference between a scholarship, bursary and an award?

    Nipissing defines scholarships, bursaries and awards as follows;


    Scholarships: Monetary support awarded on the basis of academic merit 


    Bursaries: Monetary support awarded on the basis of financial need 


    Awards: Awarded on a variety of criteria in addition to academic standing or financial need (for example, community service, leadership, athletics etc.)

  • Can I decide who will receive my award?

    You can choose the type of award they would like to set up and the eligibility criteria. The award types include entrance, in-course, and convocation. Eligibility may include area of study, minimum average, and community involvement. 


    Once you have decided on type of award and the eligibility, the Advancement Office will send an Award Agreement for your approval. 

  • Who selects the student recipients?

    The Nipissing University Student Financial Services Office will select the student recipient. Various selection committees have also been established for certain awards.

  • Will I find out who receives my award?

    Once the award is established, you will be kept informed annually about your student recipient and, whenever possible, you will also receive a personal message from the student you are supporting. Nipissing also hosts the annual Donor Social. This event provides an opportunity for you to meet the award recipient and is held to celebrate the outstanding achievements of students at Nipissing and to recognize the generous support of the University’s donors. 

  • Are donations for a named award eligible for a charitable tax receipt from the university?

    All donations from individuals in support of a named awards are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

  • Will my gift be recognized?

    Your gift will be recognized on the Nipissing University Donor Wall. The award name and associated criteria will also be featured on the Nipissing website. You will also receive an invitation to attend the annual Nipissing Donor Social, where the name of the award and the student recipient will be printed in the event program.

Student Awards Making an Impact Stories

If you’d like to contact a development officer to discuss how to make your donation,
please contact [email protected]