Awards & Bursaries

Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU) awards and bursaries are available to qualifying AUSU members* who submit completed applications with all required forms by the appropriate deadline. Application approval is at the discretion of the AUSU Awards Committee. See our list of awards and bursaries below, and click on the titles for details.

*You are an AUSU member if you are currently taking any AU undergraduate course. Your membership ends on the end date of your course, including extensions or when your final grade is posted.

Please note a maximum of one (1) cyclical award and one (1) year-round bursary can be granted to a single student per fiscal year (October 1 – September 30). This ensures maximum benefit for all AUSU members. For more information, review AUSU Policy 7.02. 

Click on any award and bursary title below to view the full details.

AUSU Annual Awards List

These awards and bursaries are open for applications in the Fall (October 1-31 annually) and Spring (April 1-30 annually) during our two (2) annual awards application periods.

2SLGBTQIA+ Award
$1000 each, 2 awards annually

The AUSU Awards and Bursaries Program strives to reflect the entire student population by offering financial aid that addresses the diversity of the AU community. The 2SLGBTQIA+ Award recognizes exceptional circumstances faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ students as they pursue any type of formal education. By submitting this award application, you confirm that you are 2SLGBTQIA+.

Applicants must have completed a minimum of six (6) AU undergraduate credits, be enrolled in any undergraduate faculty, and include a minimum 250-word personal statement on the following: Please describe your personal experience as a 2SLGBTQIA+ student. How could AU and AUSU best-serve the needs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at AU? How would this solve a problem that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community faces? Please also provide any additional information you feel is relevant about your AU experience and/or situation and how this award will impact your AU experience.

One (1) award of $1,000 is available per cycle. Applicants must be current AUSU members on the date of the application to be considered. Members may only be selected as recipients of a 2SLGBTQIA+ Award once.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

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Academic Achievement Scholarships
$1000 each, 6 awards annually

Academic Achievement Scholarships reward excellence in scholarship to AU students. Applicants are required to submit a copy of their transcript. A minimum GPA of 3.85 is required and the applicants with the highest GPA for the last 30 credits are selected as recipients.

Please note: the number of A+ grades will be used to break ties by tallying A+ grades in six (6) credit courses as two (2). The number of AU credits completed will be determined next, followed by the number of A grades, also tallying six (6) credit courses as two (2).

Three (3) scholarships of $1,000 each are available per cycle. Applicants must have completed at least 30 AU credits by the deadline to be considered. Members may only be selected as recipients of an Academic Achievement Scholarship once.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

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AUSU Bursaries
$1000 each, 10 awards annually

AUSU Bursaries aid members in financial need and/or with exceptional life circumstances. Applicants must demonstrate this need, have completed a minimum of six (6) AU undergraduate credits, and have a GPA of 2.00 (C grade) in the most recent six (6) of those credits.

Please note: additional circumstances such as disabilities, single parent/caregiver status, etc., may be taken into consideration.

Five bursaries of $1,000 each are available each cycle. Members may only be selected as recipients of an AUSU Bursary once per 12 month period.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

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Balanced Student Awards
$1000 each, 8 awards annually

Balanced Student Awards recognize and reward the scholastic effort of students who balance multiple commitments, including school, work, volunteerism, family, etc. Applicants must have completed a minimum of six (6) AU undergraduate credits, and have a GPA of 2.00 (C grade) in the most recent six (6) of those credits, though preference will be given to applicants with higher GPAs. Applicants must also write a short essay outlining how they balance their commitments and submit a minimum of two (2) reference letters, one of which may be a personal reference.

Four awards of $1000 each are available per cycle. Members may only be selected as recipients of a Balanced Student Award once.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

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#Igo2AU Award
$1000 each, 4 awards annually

The #Igo2AU Award embraces student diversity at AU and allows members to express their passion for knowledge. It celebrates open enrolment and flexibility of learning while reflecting the diverse student membership. Applicants are required to submit a video of up to two (2) minutes articulating a personal experience in one or a combination of the following areas: how has AU improved their lives, what is it about AU that fuels their passion for learning, why they chose AU, how does AU inspire them, and/or, what AU means to them. No minimum credits are required and the #Igo2AU Award is inclusive to all undergraduate students, part-time and full-time.

Two (2) awards of $1000 each are available per cycle. Members may only be selected as recipients of an #Igo2AU Award once.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

Apply Now

New Student Bursaries
$500 each, 8 bursaries annually

New Student Bursaries aid members who have just begun their learner journeys at AU and have taken less than six (6) credits. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be currently taking an undergraduate course, even if they have not yet completed any.

Four (4) bursaries of $500 each are available per cycle. Members may only be selected as recipients of a New Student Bursary once per 12 month period.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

Apply Now

Returning Student Awards
$1000 each, 8 awards annually

Returning Student Awards recognize the challenges faced by students who return to university after two (2) or more years away from any type of formal education. Preference is given to students who have been away for longer periods of time, are AU program students, and who have faced or are facing significant hardships in pursuit of education, although preferably not financial as AUSU Bursaries address those needs. Applicants must have completed a minimum of six (6) AU undergraduate credits and have a GPA of 2.00 (C grade) in the most recent six (6) of those credits.

Four (4)  awards of $1000 each are available per cycle. Members may only be selected as recipients of a Returning Student Award once.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

Apply Now

Student Volunteer Awards
$1000 each, 6 awards annually

Student Volunteer Awards recognize members who have made outstanding contributions to their community. This includes members who volunteer their time to AUSU, AU, or to any other community or organization. Applicants must have completed a minimum of six (6) AU undergraduate credits and have a GPA of 2.00 (C grade) in the most recent six (6) of those credits. They must also submit a letter of reference.

Three (3) awards of $1,000 each are available per cycle. Members may only be selected as recipients of a Student Volunteer Award once.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

Apply Now

AUSU Year-Round Bursaries

Computer Bursaries
$750 maximum each, 16 awards annually – YEAR ROUND APPLICATIONS

Computer Bursaries are available to members who demonstrate financial need, to provide them with a laptop computer for their course work.

Computers will be purchased by AUSU and shipped directly to the recipient. Please note that AUSU assumes no liability for usage of the computer or computer maintenance once the equipment is received by the member.

Members may only receive this award once. Applications are accepted at any time of year.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

Apply Now

Emergency Bursaries
$500 maximum each, $4,000 total fund per year – YEAR ROUND APPLICATIONS

Emergency Bursaries help members pay for course extensions, supplemental exam fees, and late exam fees during times of urgent financial need. Applicants must demonstrate this need and explain the unforeseen circumstances leading to the need for an extension or exam rebooking. They must also have completed a minimum of six (6) AU undergraduate credits and have a GPA of 2.00 (C grade) in the most recent six (6) of those credits.

Members may apply for this bursary more than once per fiscal year, but may not be awarded assistance greater than $500 dollars. Fees will be paid directly to AU on the member’s behalf.

Please allow up to one (1) week for processing and remember course extensions must be purchased one (1) month before your course end date. AUSU cannot alter this deadline. Please inquire with the university first if you are seeking a late extension.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

Apply Now

Travel Bursaries
$1000 maximum each, $4,000 total fund per year, 4 awards annually – YEAR ROUND APPLICATIONS

Travel Bursaries aid undergraduate students in travelling to attend AU convocation, labs, practicums, on-site courses, or related conferences. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, have completed a minimum of six (6) AU undergraduate credits, and have a GPA of 2.00 (C grade) in the most recent six (6) of those credits. Applicants must also include one of the following pieces of information with their application form: 1) course or conference description and registration information, 2) lab or practicum confirmation, or 3) confirmation of graduation. A maximum of $1000 will be provided per recipient to pay for travel and/or accommodation.

Applications must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the date of travel. Recipients will be responsible for all travel bookings. Members may only be selected as recipients of a Travel Bursary once per 12 month period.

PLEASE NOTEAll information collected through the Awards and Bursaries Program is kept confidential, including the identity and personal information of applicants as well as successful recipients. We will not, in any circumstances, share your identity or personal information without your prior written consent.

Apply Now

Athabasca University Awards Program

The AUSU Indigenous Student Award is open annually for applications at Athabasca University (AU), December 1 – January 15! We are thrilled to partner with AU on another important initiative by sponsoring this annual award. AUSU Indigenous Student Awards encourage and support Indigenous students at AU as they pursue their academic studies.

Questions? Please contact the AU Student Awards Unit.

Click here to view AU’s many other scholarships, awards, and bursaries available to students.


Please send your valuable opinions, feedback, and suggestions regarding the AUSU Awards & Bursaries Program to ausu@ausu.org. We are committed to providing AU undergraduate students with diverse financial aid to support their student experience, and we look forward to hearing from you!