NEADS National Student Awards Program-Fall 2026

Financial support for Canadian post-secondary students with disabilities

The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) Financial Assistance Program helps reduce the financial barriers faced by students with disabilities pursuing post-secondary education in Canada.

The program combines the former NEADS National Student Awards Program and Accessibility Resilience Program into one streamlined application process.

Applications are now open for Fall 2026.

Application Timeline

Applications Open: Tuesday September 8, 2026

Application Close: Friday, October 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Apply for the Fall 2026 Financial Assistance Program

Who can apply?

The NEADS Financial Assistance Program is open to students with disabilities who are pursuing post-secondary education in Canada.

Applicants must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Have a permanent disability.
  • Be currently registered in and returning to an eligible post-secondary program at an accredited Canadian college, CÉGEP, or university.
  • Meet the eligibility requirements of the specific scholarship or award for which they are applying.
  • Provide proof of registration as required by NEADS.

Eligible programs may include:

  • Undergraduate degree programs
  • Graduate degree programs
  • Professional degree programs
  • Certified diploma programs at Canadian colleges or CÉGEPs

For the purposes of the program, a permanent disability is a permanent functional limitation that affects a student’s ability to participate fully in post-secondary education.

Who is encouraged to apply?

NEADS recognizes that students with disabilities may face additional financial, social, and accessibility barriers to post-secondary education.

Particular consideration will be given to students with disabilities who belong to one or more systemically disadvantaged groups, including, but not limited to:

  • Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit
  • Black Canadians
  • Racialized communities
  • Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities
  • Women and gender-diverse people pursuing STEM studies
  • First- or second-generation Canadians

Applicants from these groups are encouraged to apply.

For more information on applications view frequently asked questions information on before, durning and after the application process can be found.

Scholarships and awards available in Fall 2026

Several scholarships and awards are available through the Fall 2026 Financial Assistance Program.

AMI Robert Pearson Memorial Scholarship

2 scholarships — $5,000 each

One scholarship is available to a Francophone student and one to an Anglophone student.

Now in its 16th year, the AMI Sir Robert Pearson Memorial Scholarship honours Robert Pearson, Accessible Media Inc.’s former Accessibility Officer and a long-time advocate for accessibility in Canada and around the world.

Connor Clark & Lunn Financial Group Scholarship

1 scholarship — $5,000

This scholarship is available to a student with a disability studying:

  • Business
  • Economics
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics (STEM)

Holly Bartlett Memorial Award

1 award of $1,000

Funded by NEADS in memory of its former Nova Scotia director, Holly Bartlett, this award recognizes a student with a disability who demonstrates strong academic commitment, self-advocacy, community involvement, and potential to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

Additional Awards Offered in Other Application Periods

The following awards are not offered during the Fall 2026 application period, but may be available during other NEADS Financial Assistance Program application periods:

Canada Post Award

$10,000

The Canada Post Award is one of NEADS’ additional financial assistance opportunities and may be offered during a future application period.

Christine Nieder Memorial Award

$1,000

Established in 2015 in memory of former NEADS Board member Christine Nieder, this award recognizes a graduate student with a disability for their commitment to addressing barriers to participation in graduate programs of study.

Please note: Availability of individual awards may vary by application period. Students should consult the current NEADS Financial Assistance Program information to confirm which scholarships and awards are available when they apply.

For any other inquiries pertaining to the application process please contact the financial assistance programs team at: etes@neads.ca.

Last Updated: 2026-09-08