Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts:
The Yukon Nursing Education Bursary supports Yukon residents enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program at any Canadian institution. Each year, 6 new students receive the bursary over up to 4 years — the top 2 applicants receive $5,000/year (max $20,000), and the remaining 4 receive $2,500/year (max $10,000). Application intake is in June, with decisions by September 30.
The Yukon Nursing Education Bursary is a multi-year bursary that supports Yukon residents attending a baccalaureate nursing degree program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. It is administered by a dedicated committee that includes representatives from the Yukon Registered Nurses Association, the Council of Yukon First Nations, Whitehorse General Hospital, and Community Nursing and Continuing Care.
The bursary is distinct from the Health Care and Social Services Bursary — it is specific to baccalaureate nursing and has its own selection process, committee, and contact. Students already partway through their nursing program can apply for the remaining period of their education.
Award Amounts
| Award Tier | Number of Students | Annual Amount | Lifetime Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 2 scored applicants | 2 per intake year | $5,000 per year | Up to $20,000 over 4 years |
| Remaining applicants | 4 per intake year | $2,500 per year | Up to $10,000 over 4 years |
The bursary is renewable annually, subject to continued eligibility. You can reapply in any subsequent year.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, 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 in a Canadian baccalaureate nursing program.
- Have previously received the Yukon Grant (or be a Yukon Grant recipient).
- Not be eligible for student financial assistance from a jurisdiction outside Yukon.
Yukon First Nations applicants must also provide verification of their citizenship from their First Nation, or a copy of their Certificate of Indian Status.
How to Apply
The annual intake runs from June 1 to 30, with decisions made by September 30. Applications consist of a cover letter and supporting documents, including:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency maintained throughout the bursary period
- Proof of Yukon residency for 3 consecutive years of the past 5
- A letter from the Government of Yukon confirming receipt of the Yukon Grant (if applicable)
- A letter of acceptance or proof of enrolment in a nursing program, including contact information
- A letter of conditional acceptance if final acceptance has not yet been received
- A résumé of personal, employment, education, and volunteer experience, with reference names and contact information
Submit your application by email to hssbursaries@yukon.ca, or by mail to: Health Bursaries Committee, Department of Health and Social Services, Human Resources, Box 2703 (H-1H), Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6.
Successful applicants are notified in writing and must provide their SIN to receive payment. A priority list of unsuccessful eligible candidates is maintained — if a successful candidate declines or becomes ineligible, the next candidate is offered the award. Priority lists are valid for the current academic year only.
Decisions are final. There is no appeal process.
Other Financial Aid Options
The Nursing Education Bursary can be combined with the Yukon Grant or the Student Training Allowance, as well as federal Canada Student Grants. Students in broader health care or social services fields (including medicine) should also see the Yukon Health Care and Social Services Bursary.
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