Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts:
The Early Childhood Education Bursary is available for both full-time and part-time students. Full-time: minimum 3 new students/year at $2,000 per term, up to 4 terms (max $8,000). Part-time: $500 per course, max 2 courses/year (max $1,000). One full-time spot is reserved for a student from a Yukon community outside Whitehorse. Apply to earlylearning@yukon.ca.
The Early Childhood Education Bursary supports people who live or have lived in Yukon to pursue studies in early childhood education. It is available for both full-time and part-time students at any recognized college or university ECE program. The bursary is funded through the Canada-Yukon Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and is administered by the Government of Yukon’s Early Learning and Child Care branch.
Bursary funds can be used however you choose — no receipts are required to account for how the money is spent. However, recipients must follow specific conditions throughout their studies to ensure funds are used to support completion of the program.
Award Amounts
| Study Type | Award per Period | Maximum Duration | Total Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | $2,000 per term | Up to 4 terms | $8,000 |
| Part-time | $500 per course | Up to 2 courses per year (April 1–March 1) | $1,000 per year |
Part-time bursaries are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Courses can be taken at the same time or in succession.
Community Reservation
Each year, one of the three full-time bursaries is reserved for a resident of a Yukon community outside of Whitehorse. If no applications from community residents are received in a given year, that reserved spot is made available to other applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Early Childhood Education Bursary, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who lives or has lived in Yukon.
- Have proof of Yukon residency for at least 3 consecutive years of the past 5 years.
- Be enrolled (or have a conditional letter of acceptance) in a college or university early childhood education program — at Yukon University or elsewhere.
- For full-time applicants: be enrolled in at least 5 ECE courses per term.
Important — Declare All Institutional Funding:
If you are taking courses at Yukon University, apply for university funding first, then apply for the ECE Bursary. You must declare any funding you receive from Yukon University on your bursary application. Failure to declare institutional funding will require repayment of any bursary received and will disqualify you from future program funding.
How to Apply
Gather the following documents before applying:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, maintained throughout the bursary period
- Proof of Yukon residency for 3 consecutive years of the past 5 years
- A letter from the Government of Yukon confirming receipt of the Yukon Grant (if applicable)
- A letter of acceptance or proof of enrolment in an ECE program, including tuition fees and contact information (or a conditional acceptance if final acceptance has not been received)
- A current résumé covering personal, employment, education, and volunteer experience, plus information about your community ties
- A personal statement
- Two reference documents — each reference reviews a standard request document and submits their own materials directly
Submit your completed application by email to earlylearning@yukon.ca, in person at 1000 Lewes Boulevard, Whitehorse (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), or by mail to: Government of Yukon, Early Learning and Child Care (E-23), PO Box 2703, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6.
All applicants are notified in writing of the committee’s decision. For full-time students, submit proof of enrolment in at least 5 ECE courses by the last workday of the month in which courses start. Notify the program in advance if you plan to change schools.
Other Financial Aid Options
The ECE Bursary can be combined with the Yukon Grant or Student Training Allowance, and with federal Canada Student Grants. Students in health care and social services fields may also be eligible for the Yukon Health Care and Social Services Bursary.
Ready to find an early childhood education program? Explore eligible schools today.
