Discover Funding Opportunities

Stan and Helen Buell Graduating Student Nursing Award

The Stan and Helen Buell Graduating Student Nursing Award is granted each year to a student who is graduating from the four year Nursing program or the Accelerated Nursing program at UPEI. The recipient must have attended their full secondary education at a Prince Edward Island High School and must have demonstrated an extraordinary sense of compassion and dedication to the profession of nursing. Academic achievement will not be a defining criterion. This award was established by Stanley Irwin Buell and Helen Elizabeth (Kent) Buell, who retired to Stratford, Prince Edward Island after many years of living and travelling around the world. Stan and Helen share a common love of all things artistic and cultural, and have a deep appreciation for the healthcare available on Prince Edward Island and the professionals who work diligently to ensure the health of the community. As a component of their intention to give back to Prince Edward Island, they have established awards at Holland College and planned gifts for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the PEI Community Foundation. In February 2022, Stan and Helen committed to establishing a third award for a returning nursing student and revised the criteria for their existing nursing award given during convocation week.

Stan & Helen Buell Returning Student Nursing Award

The Stan & Helen Buell Returning Student Nursing Award is granted each year to a student who is entering their third or fourth year of full time study in the four year Nursing program or the Accelerated Nursing program at UPEI. The recipient must have attended their full secondary education at a Prince Edward Island High School, and demonstrated an extraordinary sense of compassion and dedication to the profession of nursing. Academic achievement will not be a defining criterion. This award was established by Stanley Irwin Buell and Helen Elizabeth (Kent) Buell, who retired to Stratford, Prince Edward Island after many years of living and travelling around the world. The Buells have a deep appreciation for the healthcare available on Prince Edward Island, and the professionals who work diligently to ensure the health of the community. As a component of their intention to give back to Prince Edward Island, they have established awards at Holland College, and planned gifts for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the PEI Community Foundation. In February 2022, Stan and Helen committed to establishing a third award for a returning nursing student and revised the criteria for their existing nursing award given during convocation week.

Sister Rebecca Sark Memorial Award

The Sister Rebecca Sark Memorial Award is granted annually to a student in any year of study who self-identifies as an Indigenous student, is in full-time undergraduate studies, and is positively and actively involved with Indigenous students on campus and/or in the community. The recipient must have a good academic record that reflects perseverance in their studies and demonstrates leadership qualities. Established in November 2022, this award is in memory of Sister Rebecca Sark. From Lennox Island, PEI, she obtained her Nursing degree and went on to study courses in paediatrics, or techniques, and nursing education. She was a geriatric nurse at Sacred Heart Home and in the Sisters Health Care Unit at Mount St. Mary's. She passed away in January 2015.

Sister Noreen Hammill Award for Professionalism

The Sister Noreen Hammill Award for Professionalism is awarded to a graduating student who displays enthusiasm for the profession, exhibits empathy and concern for the patient, demonstrates warmth and confidence, and is professional in grooming, dress, and work ethic. The Sister Noreen Hammill award was created by PEI Association of Medical Radiation Technologists to honour Sister Noreen for her dedication to the Association and her promotion of professionalism. Sister Hammill was a founding member of the PEIAMRT and has served in various roles, both provincially and nationally. She was the co-chair in 1993 when PEI hosted its first National Conference in Charlottetown. Sister Hammill was the coordinator of the Charlottetown Hospital School of Radiography and left that position to become the first Manager of the QEH Diagnostic Department. In honour of Sister Noreen Hammill, the PEI Association of Medical Radiation Technologists created this scholarship to assist a student studying radiography at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Sister Mary Irene MacKinnon and Sister Mary Gabriel LeClair Memorial Award in Nursing

The Sister Mary Irene MacKinnon and Sister Mary Gabriel LeClair Memorial Award in Nursing is awarded to a Nursing student entering fourth year who displays strong leadership skills, particularly those of collaboration, compassion, and the empowerment of others; and maintains a satisfactory academic record. This award honors two remarkable nurses and leaders who made significant contributions to nursing education in Prince Edward Island. Sister Mary Irene MacKinnon was a dedicated bedside nurse, supervisor, and instructor who became the first Director of the Prince Edward Island School of Nursing in 1969. She served as Congregation Leader of the Sisters of St. Martha and received an honorary doctorate from UPEI in 1992. Sister Mary Gabriel LeClair was a graduate of the Charlottetown Hospital School of Nursing who specialized in Pediatrics and served as Director of the PEI School of Nursing from 1973 until her retirement in 1993. Both sisters were instrumental in establishing nursing education programs in the province and worked to ensure that the nursing program would be established as a faculty or school at UPEI. This award recognizes students who embody the leadership qualities, dedication, and compassion that characterized these two pioneering nursing educators.

Sister Mary Gabriel Memorial Scholarship

The Sister Mary Gabriel Memorial Scholarship is awarded to the third-year Nursing student from a Prince Edward Island high school with the highest academic standing in third year. The recipient must have completed all the first- and second-semester core Nursing courses within one academic year and must not already be on a scholarship of more than $1,000. This scholarship was created by the former PEI School of Nursing and Health and Social Services and was named after Sister Mary Gabriel, a well-respected nurse in PEI who held numerous positions in nursing education throughout the province. The award recognizes academic excellence and dedication to nursing education in honor of Sister Mary Gabriel's legacy in the nursing profession.

Sister Mary Gabriel Bursaries

The Sister Mary Gabriel Bursaries are awarded to Prince Edward Island students enrolled in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Prince Edward Island. The awards recognize academic performance and financial need. Sister Mary Gabriel LeClair (1924-1994) was a graduate of the Charlottetown Hospital School of Nursing who entered the Sisters of St. Martha of Prince Edward Island in 1948. After studying Pediatrics at Toronto Sick Children's Hospital, she became Supervisor of Pediatrics at the Charlottetown Hospital and later became clinical supervisor at the Charlottetown and PEI Schools of Nursing. In 1973, Sister Mary Gabriel was appointed Director of the PEI School of Nursing, continuing in this capacity until her retirement in 1993. She worked tirelessly during the years leading to the creation of the nursing degree program at UPEI, ensuring that the nursing program would be established as a faculty or school rather than as a program within the science department. Sister Mary Gabriel had a great love of children and had an excellent ability to relate to them. She loved to teach and is also remembered for her love of art and ability to express herself through painting. She is remembered as a dedicated nurse-administrator, a devoted Sister of St. Martha, and a friend to many who was dearly loved by her family and congregation.

Saint Dunstan's University Nurse Practitioners Renewable Awards

The Saint Dunstan's University Nurse Practitioners Renewable Awards are granted to UPEI students enrolled in the Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner Stream who are in financial need and intend to remain in Prince Edward Island for their nursing career. Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate that they have been the primary income earner in their family prior to entering the program. This renewable award supports students for up to two years, as recipients are eligible to receive this award for one additional year beyond their initial award. The award was established by the Board of Governors of St. Dunstan's University to foster Christian educational ideals and support nursing education at UPEI. The SDU Board of Governors has provided immeasurable support to UPEI through scholarships, awards, capital campaign contributions, and the Catholic Studies program since St. Dunstan's University closed its campus in 1969. In 2024, the board increased its support by establishing additional awards specifically for UPEI's nurse practitioner students.

Ruth Isobel Ross Award

The Ruth Isobel Ross Award is presented annually to a student demonstrating exceptional academic achievement in their second year of Nursing studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. This award recognizes students who maintain high academic standards while completing a full course load. Created through the Estate of Ruth Isobel Ross in March 1997, the award honors Ruth's legacy as a dedicated nurse and educator. Ruth graduated from the Royal Victoria Hospital of Nursing in Montreal in 1928 and went on to serve as a public health nurse across Prince Edward Island, working with the provincial Department of Health. During World War II, she served as Commandant of the Summerside detachment of the Canadian Red Cross Corps and was a public health lecturer. Ruth pursued specialized training throughout her career at institutions including the University of Toronto, University of Southern California, and the John Tracy Clinic in California. She was committed to lifelong learning and dedicated to helping those in need until her passing on February 2, 1996. The award reflects her commitment to excellence in nursing education and her passion for supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Ruth Isabelle (Bull) Elliott Nursing Scholarship

This annual scholarship is awarded to a full-time returning nursing student who is in good academic standing and has demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the mental health field. The recipient must be a resident of a maritime province, with preference given to a resident of New Brunswick. The scholarship was established by Victoria Ruth Isabelle Elliott to honour her beloved grandmother's dedication to and respect for the field of Nursing. Ruth Isabelle Elliott was a graduate of Victoria Public Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick in 1948, and practiced nursing in the United States and Canada during her early career. After residing in PEI since 1957, she continued to practice nursing part-time and volunteered with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Meals on Wheels, her church and local schools while raising her four children. The scholarship commemorates Ruth's lifelong commitment to nursing and the fond recollections of her nursing career that were shared in family stories throughout her life.

Russell S. Ramsay Memorial Trust Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating student from Westisle Composite High who is entering the first year of the Bachelor of Nursing program or the Bachelor of Business Administration program at UPEI. The recipient will be the student with the highest academic standing entering either of the above programs. The recipient should also show a concern and compassion for the welfare of others. Russell S. Ramsay was born and raised in Rosebank, PEI, where he operated the family farm and a trucking business. During W.W. II he became a Life Underwriter for the Canada Life Assurance Co. In his first year, he was recognized as the best salesman for the entire company (including Canada, U.S. and the British Isles). This annual scholarship was made possible through a gift in his memory by his widow, Cordelia Ramsay-Butler (deceased 1996).

Rolf C. Hagen Award

The Rolf C. Hagen Award is presented annually to the second-year student in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the University of Prince Edward Island who achieves the highest average in VPM 262 (Aquaculture and Fish Health). This award recognizes academic excellence in the specialized field of aquaculture and fish health, which is an important area of veterinary medicine. The award provides financial recognition of $500 to the top-performing student in this specific course, encouraging excellence in this specialized area of veterinary studies.

Rogers-Cairns Scholarship

The Rogers-Cairns Scholarship is awarded to a third- or fourth-year student at the University of Prince Edward Island who must be abstainers from tobacco, alcohol, and non-medicinal drugs. The scholarship selection is based on academic standing, integrity, and character. Application forms can be picked up at Scholarships & Awards in the Registrar's Office, and the selection of the scholarship is administered by the Board of Trustees of Trinity United Church. This award recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic performance and maintain healthy lifestyle choices while pursuing their undergraduate degree at UPEI.

Robertson Accessibility Award

The Robertson Accessibility Award is granted to a student in their second year of study in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering program who is registered with UPEI Accessibility Services (mental health support) and is in financial need. If there are no qualifying Engineering candidates, a student in one of UPEI's STEM programs will be selected. If there are two equally qualifying candidates, preference will be given to a woman student. This award will be renewable for the successful recipient's third and fourth year of study. The award was established in 1980 when Susan Claire (Robertson) Cameron, daughter of Mark and Betty Robertson, graduated as one of the first two women with a Diploma of Engineering. This program supported the studies needed for a further degree in Mechanical Engineering from UNB, a career in the Royal Canadian Air Force and then as a professional in Project and Change Management. This award is offered to a student who may need support to pursue their goals. Additionally, this award is offered in recognition of the support from Susan Claire's father, Mark Robertson, who encouraged her to enter what was at the time a non-traditional field for women.

Regis & Joan Duffy Future Prosperity for PEI MAIS Scholarships

Two scholarships will be awarded each year to graduate students entering UPEI's MAIS program who have demonstrated excellence and will have a directed thesis topic that will benefit the economic future of Prince Edward Island. Selection criteria will be as follows: academic record, professional contributions, and demonstrated ability in the area of study. These scholarships were established by Dr. J. Regis and Mrs. Joan Duffy to support the future prosperity of Prince Edward Island. Regis and Joan's roots run deep in the Island's soil. They were born and raised on PEI, and Regis, with Joan's daily support, established a major compound manufacturing company. The company under their leadership was listed as one of Canada's Top 100 employers, and they both have had a lifelong commitment to the well-being of their companies and staff as well as the health of the PEI economy. The Duffy's have supported UPEI in immeasurable ways. As the University's Master of Arts, Island Studies (MAIS) program continues to grow, these scholarships are critical to attracting graduate students who display immense promise and a drive for excellence and discovery in terms of research that will enhance the Prince Edward Island community and economy.

Rathlyn Renewable Scholarships at AVC

Beginning in the fall of 2015, the Rathlyn Scholarships at AVC Fund supports DVM students at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC). This renewable scholarship program is designed to assist students pursuing their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Recipients are selected based on a combination of financial need, strong academic performance, and well-rounded interests and activities across various areas. Students who receive this scholarship may continue to benefit from the renewable portion if they maintain good academic standing throughout their program.

Rathlyn Foundation Entrance Scholarships for Medical Students

Beginning in the fall 2025, the scholarships will be granted to every student in their first year of study in the Doctor of Medicine at the Memorial Regional Campus located at the University of Prince Edward Island. The Rathlyn Foundation is known for its support to medical education and research; for the advancement of veterinary science and education; for support of students in all levels of study; and post-secondary areas of study requiring current medical technology. Since 2008, the Rathlyn Foundation has generously supported the unique Chinook Project, substantial renewable scholarships for DVM students enrolled at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), and new MRI technology and equipment. In May of 2024, the Rathlyn Foundation decided to provide another leadership gift to support scholarships for students entering the Doctor of Medicine at the Memorial regional campus located at the University of Prince Edward Island.

R.G. Thomson Academic Achievement Medal

The R.G. Thomson Academic Achievement Medal is awarded to a graduating student in Veterinary Medicine at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island. This prestigious award recognizes academic excellence in veterinary medicine education. The medal is presented to the student who has achieved the highest cumulative grade average for all courses taken during the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. This award celebrates outstanding academic performance and dedication throughout the rigorous veterinary medicine curriculum at one of Canada's leading veterinary colleges.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary Prize - Florence MacKenzie Roper Memorial Prize

Presented annually to a Nursing student entering fourth year of the four year Bachelor of Science Nursing degree who demonstrates an outstanding bedside manner, knowledge and skill in clinical practice, and not already receiving another donor funded scholarship of more than $1,000. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary is an organization of citizens interested in supporting the goals and vision of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by providing service to its patients and staff. The Auxiliary works in conjunction with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation to fundraise and promote community awareness of the hospital, its function, and its needs. In 1995, the Auxiliary created this award to recognize longtime auxiliary member, Florence MacKenzie Roper, RN. Mrs. Roper had dedicated over 60 years of service to PEI and PEI hospital auxiliaries. In addition to her incredible contributions to the QEH Auxiliary, Florence (nee Platts) was an active member of Trinity United Church as a member of the choir and a participant in the United Church Women's group. In 2017, the QEH Auxiliary decided to provide a one-time gift to fully endow this award. It will now live on in perpetuity.

Purity Dairy Award

The Purity Dairy Award is presented to a third-year student in Veterinary Medicine with an interest in dairy medicine and surgery. This award was established by Mr. Tom Cullen, BBA '76, who is the owner of Purity Dairy Limited and a strong supporter of the University of Prince Edward Island. The award recognizes students pursuing veterinary medicine with a focus on dairy animal health and surgical care.

Psychology Department Award

The Psychology Department Award is a merit-based scholarship offered by the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) to recognize academic excellence in psychology studies. This award is presented to the student entering their fourth year of study who has achieved the highest average across all completed Psychology courses. The selection process is managed by the University's Scholarships and Awards Committee, ensuring a fair and rigorous evaluation of eligible candidates. With a maximum value of $200, this award acknowledges outstanding academic performance and provides financial support to students pursuing advanced studies in psychology at UPEI.

Psychological Association of Prince Edward Island Award

The Psychological Association of Prince Edward Island Award is presented to an outstanding graduating psychology major who demonstrates both academic success and a positive contribution to the Department of Psychology. This award recognizes students in their final year of study who have made meaningful contributions to the department through their academic performance and engagement with the psychology community. The award provides $500 to the selected recipient and is determined through a recommendation process by the Department of Psychology faculty.

Prince County Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop Volunteers Award

The Prince County Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop Volunteers Award is a $500 award designed to support nursing students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to volunteerism. This award recognizes students who are actively engaged in giving back to their communities through volunteer work. Awarded annually to a full-time student in their second or third year of study in either the BSc. in Nursing or Accelerated BSc. Nursing program at the University of Prince Edward Island. Preference is given to students from Prince County, PEI, reflecting the award's connection to the local community and the Prince County Hospital Auxiliary's mission to support healthcare education and community service.

President's Scholarship for Graduate Student (Nursing)

The President's Scholarship for Graduate Student (Nursing) is an annual award granted to the graduate student in Nursing who achieves the highest standing at the time of graduation. This scholarship is presented at Convocation and recognizes exceptional academic achievement in the graduate Nursing program at the University of Prince Edward Island. The award amount is $500 and recipients are recommended by the Faculty of Nursing based on their academic performance throughout their graduate studies.

President's Scholarship for Entering Nursing Student

The President's Scholarship for Entering Nursing Student is an entrance award provided by the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). This scholarship is awarded to a student who is entering the four year degree program in the Faculty of Nursing at UPEI. The award recognizes academic achievement and provides financial support to help students begin their nursing education. With a maximum amount of $500, this scholarship assists incoming nursing students as they embark on their undergraduate studies in nursing at one of Canada's leading universities.

Phibro Animal Health Award in Aquaculture

The Phibro Animal Health Award in Aquaculture is awarded to a graduating student in Veterinary Medicine at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) who demonstrates aptitude and enthusiasm in aquaculture. This award recognizes students who show exceptional interest and capability in the field of aquatic animal health and veterinary medicine related to aquaculture practices. The award is designed to support and encourage students pursuing careers in aquaculture veterinary medicine.

PEI School of Nursing Trust: Sister Mary Gabriel Master of Nursing Awards

Awarded to two students in the UPEI Master of Nursing Program who have demonstrated need for financial assistance in order to pursue their degree. Preference will be given to entrance students. These awards were established through an amendment to the agreement between the PEI School of Nursing upon its discontinuation of operation, the Hospital and Health Services Commission, the Prince County Hospital, and the University of Prince Edward Island. That agreement was made based on the desire to provide lasting recognition to the contribution of the PEI School of Nursing to the development of the profession in Prince Edward Island and to promote educational opportunity for Island students at the UPEI School of Nursing. In March, 2011, the Trustees of the PEI School of Nursing Trust Fund approved changes to the dissemination of the fund to include a fund specifically in support of Master of Nursing awards at UPEI.

Cave Johnson Memorial Entrepreneurship Award

In honor of Aperture Science's visionary founder, this award recognizes entrepreneurs who embody Cave Johnson's spirit: bold, uncompromising, and willing to make life take the lemons back. "I'm gonna get my engineers to invent a combustible lemon that burns your house down!" — This is the energy we're looking for in applicants. Not literally, of course. The award supports entrepreneurs at any stage who demonstrate exceptional vision and a healthy disregard for the impossible.

Stipend for Children without Glasses

The Stipend for Children without Glasses (SCWG) is a charitable foundation established in 2012 dedicated to supporting youth who have maintained natural visual acuity throughout their developmental years. Founded by optometrist Dr. Helena Brightwell, the organization awards annual grants of $500–$2,000 to children ages 8–17 who demonstrate both exceptional uncorrected vision and academic achievement. The foundation's somewhat tongue-in-cheek mission arose from Dr. Brightwell's observation that while numerous programs exist to provide corrective eyewear to those in need, no recognition existed for children whose genetic fortune and eye-care habits preserved their natural sight. Recipients must submit proof of 20/20 vision or better from a licensed eye care professional, along with a short essay on eye health awareness. The SCWG distributes approximately $150,000 annually across 200 grants and has funded vision health education programs in over 40 schools nationwide.