You Can Make a Difference in a Laurier Student's Life
Imagine having the talent, dedication and drive to go to university, and then using your degree to make the world a better place.
That’s what it means to be a Laurier student.
Now, imagine having to drop out or take a year off to earn more money, or coping with anxiety attacks because you don’t know how you’ll afford next term’s tuition – or maybe next week’s groceries.
Unfortunately, for many, that’s also what it means to be a Laurier student.
Bursaries, awards and scholarships provide much needed support for our students, recognize their efforts and commitment to their studies, and encourage them to work even harder. Let’s give all Laurier students the best university experience they can have.
“I am grateful to donors for their generosity and investment in my education. Donor support not only alleviates financial burdens but also serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for me to strive for excellence. Rest assured, I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and giving back to the community in the future.”
Aotian, Bachelor of Science, Year 4
You can help make a postsecondary education accessible to all of our students.
The cost of living and education is rising quickly for students; their financial resources can’t always keep up. To realize their dreams of graduating from Laurier, our students rely on part-time jobs, summer employment, student loans, lines of credit, help from their parents and provincial government support.
Often it’s not enough.
Laurier’s Student Awards Office often hears from students who can’t make their tuition payments, pay their rent, buy food or balance a part-time job with a competitive academic program. Our Annual Financial Wellness Survey (2019-23) found:
Financial stress can affect studies, as students may need to reduce course loads, take time off or manage stress-related mental health problems. The top three health factors that Laurier students identified as affecting their academic performance are all mental-health related. Stress (46.6%), anxiety (41.6%) and depression (28.5%) are all ranked higher than other medical concerns including colds and flu (NCHA survey, 2019).
Students who come from low-income backgrounds, mature students who are providing for their families and students living with disabilities face even more financial challenges.
Domestic: $23,773 – $39,926 per year
International: $51,690–$99,193 per year
All costs listed are estimates for two terms for the 2024/25 academic year. These fees are subject to change.
There are a number of areas where you can give to students at Laurier, from student awards to mental health initiatives to international experience awards.
Student Emergency Funds provide immediate financial relief to students facing exceptional circumstances, helping them meet basic needs like rent, groceries or medical expenses when they've exhausted all other options. These funds are made possible through donor support.
We can help you set up a scholarship, bursary or award in alignment with your interests and affiliations through your choice of an expendable or endowed gift. Check out our existing scholarships and awards to learn more about the variety of funding opportunities you can support.
Scholarships reward students for meaningful, effective work. They are competitive, and primarily recognize academic success, but may also be given for community impact, leadership, or other accomplishments.
Establishing a scholarship is a simple, practical way to help an individual student directly and recognize their high-performance, while inspiring them to continue setting lofty goals.
While the costs of postsecondary education affect most students, some struggle more than others to pay for tuition, books and living expenses. Bursaries provide financial assistance for those in need. For many students, a bursary directly affects their ability to attend and graduate.
Establishing a bursary sends a message to struggling students that you see their challenges and that you care, giving students the financial and moral support they need to succeed.
Awards are competitive like scholarships and can recognize academic, leadership, community impact or other accomplishments, but like bursaries they also require that students demonstrate financial need.
Establishing an award is a great way for you to help students in need, while also recognizing their achievements. Awards inspire students to continue to work hard while reassuring them that they have the financial support to do so.
You can create a student bursary, scholarship or award in your name or in honour of your family, friends, former professors or current company. Financially, your support can be set up in two ways.
You may choose to establish one of these opportunities now or through a gift in your will.
Legacy gifts reflect a future financial commitment to Laurier through your estate. You can associate your name with a future bursary, scholarship or award that will be appreciated by our students for years to come.
With endowed support, your initial donation remains untouched, but generates an investment income to fund your student gift in perpetuity. To establish a named, endowed scholarship, award or bursary, you can make a pledge or gift of a minimum of $25,000. An endowed scholarship at this minimum level can support one student each year, with the amount granted annually dependent upon market returns. Laurier’s endowment investment strategy strives to have a steady 3% return of the market value made available to the student.
With an expendable gift, funds are accessed annually to provide immediate support for students. To establish a named annual scholarship, award or bursary, you can make a gift or pledge of $5,000 or more, granted at $1,000 per year over five years at minimum.
“Donor support is helping to mould me into a leader who is prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow and contribute positively to society. I am inspired by donor commitment to supporting education and belief in the potential of Laurier students. Please know that I am committed to making the most of this opportunity. I am determined to excel academically, to contribute to our community and to uphold the values that my scholarship represents.”
Minhong, Master of Business Administration
Make a dream come. Support Laurier students by creating a bursary, scholarship or award today.
To discuss setting up your scholarship, bursary or award, contact us:
Advancement and External Relations
E: alumni@wlu.ca
T: 548-889-4810
