The AQEIPS Bursary Program: 25th Anniversary Special Edition 🎉
What is the AQEIPS bursary program ?
The Québec Association for Equity and Inclusion in Post-Secondary Education (AQEIPS) is proud to launch the 25th edition of its bursary program for post-secondary students with disabilities (SWD). The goal of the program is to support SWD who often face increased costs and barriers when pursuing their post-secondary education. The program also serves to encourage students to persevere on their path to a higher education. Our bursary program is made possible by the generous donations of donors, partners, and members.
Did you know ?
● 15.8% of people living with a disability have a cegep diploma compared to 18.2% of people without a disability;
● 18.2% of people living with a disability have a university diploma compared to 25% for people without a disability;
● Among people ages 15 to 64 living with a disability, approximately 54.7% are employed compared to 75.3% of people without a disability.
(Source: OPHQ)
Deadline for the bursary program : March 15, 2024 at 11:59pm.
In order to be eligible for the bursary program, you must :
- Be registered in at least one class in a post-secondary institution located in the province of Québec between September 2023 and April 2024;
- Be a member of AQEIPS; (link to our membership form)
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Québec, or have refugee status;
- Have a permanent disability*.
* A permanent disability is a permanent functional limitation which affects the ability of the student to participate fully in post-secondary education. (NEADS, 2023)
Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee made up of AQEIPS employees, members of the board of directors, as well as collaborating partners. Winners will be announced at our Annual General Meeting in April 2024.
In order for your application to be evaluated, you must submit all the required documents :
- Be a member of AQEIPS
- Proof of registration in a post-secondary institution or an academic transcript
- Bursary application form
- Curriculum vitae (CV) :
- Shows an overall view of work and/or educational experiences.
- Lists volunteer experience if applicable.
- Cover letter of 600 words maximum detailing :
- How your disability has affected your ability to pursue a post-secondary education.
- Career goals and/or plans.
- A clear demonstration of perseverance in the face of the obstacles related to your disability.
- A short description of how receiving a bursary would help you continue to pursue a higher education.
- Involvement in the community through volunteering or activism is considered an asset.
This year we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our bursary program with the addition of new bursary categories! Our goal is to offer as many SWD as possible encouragement and financial support for their studies this year.
* Please note that the number of bursaries awarded is determined by the number of applications and donations received.
Level of studies :
These bursaries will be given to SWD pursuing their studies in the following educational categories :
- Diploma of Vocational Studies or an Attestation of Collegial Studies (DVS, ACS)
- Pre-University CEGEP Program (DCS)
- Technical CEGEP Program (career program) (DCS)
- University Undergraduate Program (bachelor’s degree or certificate)
- University Graduate Program (masters, AGD, doctorate)
Other categories :
- *New* – 25th anniversary special bursary : This bursary is for students who have demonstrated perseverance in pursuing their post-secondary education as well as exceptional involvement helping their community.
- Community activist bursary: This bursary is for a SWD who has demonstrated exceptional involvement in their community, helping to support and empower people with disabilities.
- NAME OF DONOR bursary: This bursary is for a SWD pursuing a post-secondary education. It will be given in the name of a company or organization that makes a generous donation to our bursary program.
- NAME OF POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTION bursary: This bursary is for a SWD pursuing a post-secondary education at an educational establishment that makes a generous donation to our bursary program.
- NAME OF UNION bursary: This bursary is for a SWD pursuing a post-secondary education. It will be given in the name of a union that makes a generous donation to our bursary program.
- Starting out bursary: This bursary is for a secondary 5 student with a disability who is pursuing a post-secondary education.
* Proof of acceptance into a post-secondary study program required.
- Regional bursary: This bursary is for a SWD who is studying at a post-secondary institution located outside of the Montréal or Québec City areas.
* Please note that the number of bursaries awarded is determined by the number of applications and donations received.
The number of bursaries given this year will be determined by the amount received from our generous donors as well as the number of SWD who apply.
This year, we are hoping to give out 25 bursaries to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the program !
The value of our bursaries each year is determined by the amount of money received from our generous donors.
This year, we plan on offering at least $500 per bursary.
Yes, all SWD are encouraged to apply. If you have won a bursary in previous years, you will be eligible for a different category this year.
Due to long waiting lists for evaluations for students with invisible disabilities (ASD, ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.) students who are self-diagnosed are eligible to apply. Please clearly explain your situation in your cover letter.
Unfortunately, no. All applications must be submitted by the due date of March 15, 2024 at 11:59pm.
Yes, the eligibility period covers the full 2023 – 2024 academic year (September to April).
The winners of each bursary category will be announced at an event for our bursary winners in May 2024. Please follow us on social media and check your inbox to find out the specific date for the event.
