Scholarships & Bursaries

The ESST program is fortunate to be part of a prestigious entrance scholarship award, receive a number of continuing student awards and bursaries, offer another award specifically for experiential learning, and provide annual Student Society Awards as well.

The Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarships: For students wishing to study environmental issues through their education, the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarships at Acadia University are among the most prestigious awards in Canada, offering financial assistance, as well as mentorship and research project options. Scholarships are awarded to high school students at a value of $60,000 ($15,000 per year), and ESST is one of the qualifying degree program choices (as well as ENVS, ENGS, BIOL).

Annual Continuing Student Awards & Bursaries

  • The Royal Canadian Regiment Milton F. Gregg Vc Bursary: For one student studying environmental subjects or international affairs and with demonstrated financial need (nominations from ESST, POLS, and ENVS). This bursary is valued at $1,000.
  • The Class of 1962 Memorial Scholar-Bursary (2): For one first-year and one upper-year ESST student who have a minimum SGPA of 3.5 and financial need. Each recipient will have demonstrated an interest and commitment through activities/projects to sustain and protect the environment, and will be chosen by the ESST Faculty Council. This Scholar-Bursary amount changes annually, but is valued at approximately $3,000 for each award.
  • The Harry Thurston Award in Environmental and Sustainability Studies: Granted to a third-year student on a renewable basis, and can be split between two deserving students who demonstrate commitment to improving and advocating for environmental issues as evidenced in academic projects, outreach and/or community-based work. This Award amount changes annually, but is valued at approximately $1,800.
  • The Evans Environmental and Sustainability Studies Scholarship: Awarded to an upper-level ESST student who demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, and ideally has an interest in realistic and sustainable energy options for Canada. This Scholarship, which can be split between two deserving students, is valued at $5,000 annually.
  • The David and Faye Sobey Foundation Fund for ESST: Established in 2020 through a generous endowment by the Sobey Family, this annual fund supports top ESST students by awarding the available endowment disbursement in a combination of scholarships, research awards and field placement stipends, as determined by a sub-committee of the ESST Faculty Council. This disbursement changes annually, and can be split between up to four students.
  • The Edmunds Family Fund for ESST: Established in 2018 through a generous endowment by Sean Edmunds ('16) and Family, this annual fund supports community engagement projects, experiential learning, and international exchanges. All ESST students are eligible to submit one-page proposals for support from this annual disbursement, which are reviewed by Faculty Council.