You have only one week to submit your application to AUSU to make the May 1 deadline for a number of AUSU undergraduate scholarships and awards. Since AUSU hasn’t been promoting the upcoming deadline, applications are likely to be lower than usual, reducing the competition. This is your chance!
The AUSU Scholarship, Awards, and Bursaries Program has not been axed by council, but the way they’re going, you just never know. Currently, there are two award periods, May 1 and November 1, while bursary applications can be made year round.
The following scholarships and awards have a May 1 application deadline:
AUSU Academic Achievement Scholarship
Got a healthy GPA? This scholarship is awarded to the applicants with the highest GPA over the last thirty credits. Two scholarships of $1000 each are up for grabs on May 1. To qualify, you must be enrolled in an AU program, have completed 30 AU credits by May 1, and have not won this award previously.
To apply, complete the application form, and send it to the AUSU office by mail, fax, or e-mail. You’ll also need to provide a “preview” copy of your AU transcript, available from your myAU student account.
AUSU Student Service Award
Are you active in your community, or within AU/AUSU? This award rewards students who have made “outstanding contributions to their community.” Two scholarships of $1000 each are available May 1. You must have completed a minimum of 12 AU credits, have a minimum GPA of 2.00 over the last 12 credits, and have not won this award previously.
Applicants can self-nominate, or be nominated by a volunteer supervisor. Complete the application form and send to the AUSU office by mail, fax, or e-mail. Include a “preview” copy of your AU transcript and, if You’re self-nominating, you’ll need to include at least one letter of reference from a volunteer supervisor.
AUSU Returning Student Award
Did you return to education after a long period away? This award is for students who have returned to post-secondary education after being away from formal education for two or more years?the longer the better. Two scholarships of $1000 each are available May 1. You must have completed a minimum of 12 AU credits, have a minimum GPA of 2.00 over the last 12 credits, and have not won this award previously. Preference is given to applicants who are AU program students, and who have overcome significant hurdles to return to education.
To apply, complete the application form, and send to the AUSU office by mail, fax, or e-mail. This application requires an essay of under 500 words describing the challenges you overcame to return to school. Include a “preview” copy of your AU transcript.
AUSU Balanced Students Award
Are you juggling school with other commitments, such as work, volunteer commitments, or family? This award is for students who “balance multiple commitments.” Two scholarships of $1000 each are available May 1. You must have completed a minimum of 12 AU credits, have a minimum GPA of 2.00 over the last 12 credits, and have not won this award previously.
To apply, complete the application form, and send to the AUSU office by mail, fax, or e-mail. This application requires an essay of under 500 words describing how you balance your commitments, as well as two reference letters. Include a “preview” copy of your AU transcript.
Each application form contains instructions on how to obtain a pdf “preview” copy of your AU student transcript, as well as a checklist of items you’ll need to include with your information. Only AUSU members?in general, those enrolled in at least one AU undergraduate course?may apply.
As with all scholarships and awards, read the instructions on the application form(s) carefully and be sure to include all required information when you submit your application. A significant number of applications are disqualified each year due to missing or incomplete information.
For more information on these AUSU student scholarships and awards, or for information on AUSU bursaries visit the Student Awards page of the AUSU website. You can also find information in AUSU Policy 7.02 Scholarship, Awards, and Bursaries Program.
Barbara Lehtiniemi is a writer, photographer, and AU student. She lives on a windswept rural road in Eastern Ontario