The Ocean Dream Award for Women and Indigenous People
Open to full-time students who will be enrolled in any year of study of Bridge Watch Rating, Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Engineering Management Technology, Marine Navigation Technology, or Ship’s Cook at the Strait Area Campus or Fishing Vessel Operations and Leadership at the Shelburne Campus.
Application assessment will consider
- Good academic standing
- Self-identification: Female and/or Mi’kmaw/Indigenous student with registered status recognized by the Government of Canada. The Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office of Nova Scotia (MEBO) will coordinate the review and confirmation of Indigenous applicants to ensure they meet all tuition bursary criteria
- Self-identification: Canadian citizen or permanent resident
About the award
This award program has been established to support those who are interested in and have a passion to explore a career in the marine industry. Recognizing the significant financial, social and cultural barriers that women and Indigenous People face when pursuing post-secondary education, this bursary will help offset educational costs, ultimately encouraging greater participation in marine training and careers.
Award value
The value of this award differs depending on program:
- $3,000 for Ship’s Cook
- $5,000 for Fishing Vessel Operations and Leadership, Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Engineering Management Technology and Marine Navigation Technology
- $10,000 for Bridge Watch Rating
Other details
Award funds will be issued in two instalments for fall program starts – 60% of the award issued in fall and 40% of the award issued in winter (should recipients remain in good academic standing in second semester). Please note that Bridge Watch Rating does not follow this payment structure and is paid in one installment.
For recipients in two and three-year programs, this award may be renewed for the second or third year of study provided the recipient is in good academic standing.
Indigenous students who receive this award are automatically considered for additional funds through the Ocean Living Award. This award assists with living expenses (up to $10,500) while enrolled in a nautical program. No application is required.
- Award
- Varies (between $3,000 - $10,000 depending on the program)
- Deadline
- 01/03/2025
- Supplemental Questions
- The Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office of Nova Scotia (MEBO) will coordinate the review and confirmation of Indigenous applicants to ensure they meet all tuition bursary criteria. Applicants who cannot provide registered status documentation may be asked to submit a letter of support from a recognized Indigenous organization or Band Council upon request by MEBO. To help facilitate this process, you are required to list the First Nations community you are affiliated with. Which First Nations community are you affiliated with?
- In order to be eligible for this tuition bursary, applicants must self-identify as female and/or be an Indigenous Person with registered status recognized by the Government of Canada. Applicants who cannot provide registered status documentation may be asked to submit a letter of support from a recognized Indigenous organization or Band Council upon request by MEBO.
- The Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office of Nova Scotia (MEBO) will coordinate the review and confirmation of Indigenous applicants to ensure they meet all tuition bursary criteria. Applicants who cannot provide registered status documentation may be asked to submit a letter of support from a recognized Indigenous organization or Band Council upon request by MEBO. To help facilitate this process, you are required to list the First Nations community you are affiliated with. Which First Nations community are you affiliated with?