Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts:
The John J. Sark Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 each to Indigenous students enrolled full-time at UPEI (3 scholarships) or Holland College (2 scholarships). Applicants must be of Indigenous descent living in PEI and must demonstrate community involvement and a commitment to their field of study. Apply directly through UPEI or Holland College.
The John J. Sark Memorial Scholarship was established by the Government of Prince Edward Island, through the Indigenous Relations Secretariat, in honour of John James Sark of Lennox Island — a distinguished Mi’kmaw Islander who became the Island’s first Mi’kmaw teacher after earning a post-secondary degree from St. Dunstan’s University. The scholarship program recognizes his legacy by supporting the next generation of Indigenous post-secondary students from PEI.
Three scholarships have been available at UPEI since 2012. In 2022, two additional scholarships were added at Holland College, expanding the program’s reach to include college-level studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the John J. Sark Memorial Scholarship, you must:
- Be of Indigenous descent (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis).
- Be living in Prince Edward Island.
- Be enrolled in a full-time program at UPEI or Holland College.
- Have demonstrated contribution to your First Nations, Inuit, or Métis community.
- Show a commitment to your field of study.
Award Details
Each scholarship is valued at $1,000. The scholarships are available as follows:
- University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) — 3 scholarships of $1,000 each. Available to Indigenous students at any year of study.
- Holland College — 2 scholarships of $1,000 each: one entrance scholarship for first-year students, and one for students in their second, third, or fourth year of study.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted directly through the institutions — not through the provincial government. Contact the financial aid or awards office at your institution for current application forms, deadlines, and requirements. Successful applicants are typically announced in late November or early December.
For UPEI, apply through the UPEI website. For Holland College, apply through the Holland College website.
About John James Sark:
John James Sark of Lennox Island earned a post-secondary degree from St. Dunstan’s University and became the Island’s first Mi’kmaw teacher. He was also recognized by the Mi’kmaq Grand Council of Canada. This scholarship honours his legacy and the importance of education as a pathway for Indigenous students.
Other Financial Aid Options
In addition to the John J. Sark Memorial Scholarship, Indigenous PEI students may also be eligible for the PEI Student Loan and PEI Provincial Grant. Federal supports for Indigenous students include the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) and the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy, as well as the Canada Student Grants program.
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