If you have questions regarding scholarships please contact nsnu.office [at] nsnu.ca.

Scholarship Application Forms:

NSNU Annual Scholarship

NSNU Family Scholarship

NSNU Elizabeth & Brittany MacPherson Annual Scholarship

Scholarships, Bursaries & Grants

Shirley Farrel Memorial Solidarity & Wellness Grant

Shirley Farrel graduated with a diploma from St. Martha’s School of Nursing in 1985. Her dedication to nursing and her pursuit of justice for her colleagues led her to many positions within the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union where she served as shop steward and local president. Her career in nursing and her involvement in the NSNU brought her great joy; she formed many friendships and loved representing her members.

A fixture at NSNU gatherings and events, she was known for her outspoken demeanour and strongly held beliefs. Shirley will be remembered for her steadfast dedication to her family and her limitless generosity.

In Shirley's honour, NSNU has introduced the Shirley Farrell Memorial Solidarity and Wellness Grant, a sum of $2000 (all or part of), be awarded annually to a Local(s) for an event(s) that promote Union activism.

The grant will provide funding to NSNU local organizations in good standing to support projects, events or activities that encourage union growth, participation, and solidarity.

Application and further criteria are available here.

The deadline to submit is January 31st, annually.

Annual Union Scholarships

The NSNU offers several scholarships to NSNU Members on an annual fiscal year basis. The Education Committee selects the recipients, which are announced during the Annual General Meeting in April of each year.

Dolores Chase Scholarship - $2000

This scholarship is awarded to a Member enrolled in a Nursing degree program.

Nursing Degree/Diploma Scholarship - $2000

This scholarship is awarded to a Member enrolled in a Nursing degree or diploma program.

Continuing Education Scholarship - valued up to a maximum of $2000

This scholarship is awarded to a Member enrolled in an educational program. The value granted will be determined by the Education Committee and will depend upon the cost of the certificate program.

Elizabeth and Brittany MacPherson Scholarship - $1000

This scholarship has been established in memory of Elizabeth and her daughter Brittany MacPherson who tragically lost their lives to domestic violence. Elizabeth was a Registered Nurse with the Victorian Order of Nurses and was very proud of her daughter's accomplishments as a graduate of Saint Mary's University with a Bachelors degree of Psychology. Funding for this scholarship is provided by the NSNU VON Colchester-east Hants Local.

The scholarship is awarded to a resident of Colchester or East Hants enrolled in a nursing degree program. Preference will be given to single parents.

Annual Family Scholarship

Two $2000 Family Scholarships will be awarded to a family member of an NSNU Member who is enrolled in a Nursing program.

Criteria for Family Scholarships

Based on the following criteria, the Education Committee shall select the recipient of each $2000 scholarship:

One scholarship shall be granted to a family member of an NSNU member enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing Program.
One scholarship shall be granted to a family member of an NSNU member enrolled in a Nursing Degree Program.
For the purposes of the scholarship policy, family members include: son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, grandchild, step grandchild or spouse of a current member in good standing of NSNU.
The application form must be completed and received by the Education Committee by the deadline set by the Committee each year.
Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received a scholarship.

Criteria for Union Scholarships

The Education Committee shall make its selections based on the following criteria:

Must be a member in good standing at the time of application, a dues paying member or a member on an approved leave of absence.
Must be enrolled in a full-time or part-time Nursing Diploma, Degree Program, or other Continuing Education as approved by the Education Committee.
Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received a scholarship.
The application form must be completed and received by the Education Committee by the deadline set by the Committee each year.