We are thrilled to launch the application for our Nursing Bursary Program—an initiative to support aspiring First Nations individuals in BC with the desire to pursue nursing! This program recognizes the vital role that First Nations nurses play in advancing culturally safe, community-based healthcare across BC.
About the Bursary
In its first year, the program will award three $5,000 bursaries to First Nations students in BC who are currently enrolled in (or accepted into) a nursing program. Recognizing that existing scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students often only cover tuition, this program will offer support beyond tuition to relieve a great amount of stress for students, particularly those who need to be away from home for school. It helps remove financial barriers so students can focus on becoming skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals. The bursary can be used to cover a range of eligible expenses including:
- Tuition and mandatory fees
- Books and supplies
- Living expenses while in school
- Travel for clinical placements or training
Who Should Apply
We’re looking for First Nations individuals who:
✔️ Have strong ties to a First Nations community in BC
✔️ Are pursuing a career in nursing
✔️ Intend to return to work in their home community or a similar First Nations community after graduation
Whether you’re just beginning your nursing journey or partway through your program, we encourage you to apply.
Apply Now
🗓️Applications are now open!
📅 Deadline: Friday, August 22, 2025
🔗 Apply online HERE
📄 Download the pdf application HERE
❓ Review our FAQs HERE
Why This Matters
Across BC, First Nations communities are experiencing a shortage of culturally safe, accessible healthcare. Nurses from communities—who understand the histories, values, and wellness priorities—are key to transforming care systems from within.
By supporting just three nursing students in this first year, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term impact. This is a scalable program—the more designated funding we receive, the more students we can support. Our vision is to grow this bursary year by year, creating a ripple effect of wellness and leadership. While this bursary is specifically for those interested in nursing, we envision an expanded bursary program with funding across all health professions in the future.
Our CEO Nathania Fung shares, “This bursary program 100% donor funded—a testament to the shared belief that wellness is strongest when led by community. First Nations nurses are essential to the future of care in First Nations across BC. They bring cultural understanding, lived experience, and a commitment to healing that uplifts us all.”
Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any questions about the bursary or the application process if you can’t find what you’re looking for in our FAQs.
Support the Program
Want to support the next generation of First Nations nurses? If you are interested in supporting this initiative or making a donation towards the FNHF’s funding priorities, please reach out to our Director of Development Andrew at [email protected].