The RioCan and BlackNorth Initiative Bursary is a financial aid program created to support Black Canadian students who want to build careers in the commercial real estate sector. It is funded through a partnership between RioCan and the BlackNorth Initiative, an organisation focused on opening doors for the Black community.
This award is aimed squarely at self-identifying Black students, Afro-Caribbean, African Canadian, and/or racialised who are heading into or already studying in real estate-related fields at a Canadian university, college, or trades school. Beyond cash, recipients gain mentorship and concrete internship access, which makes it more than just a one-time payment.
For students of African heritage living and studying in Canada, this is a chance to ease the financial pressure of post-secondary education while plugging into a professional network that can shape a long-term career. Eligible fields are broad 28 disciplines in all, including architecture, construction, real estate development, property management, law, engineering, environmental studies, human resources, market research, economic development, and commercial insurance.
Scholarship benefits
- $5,300 bursary for university education
- $2,650 bursary for trades education
- Mentorship through the BlackNorth Connect Program
- RioCan Summer 2027 internship opportunities
- Additional internship placement support through BlackNorth’s corporate network
Eligibility checklist
✔ You identify as Black (Afro-Caribbean, African Canadian, and/or racialised).
✔ You are enrolling or already enrolled at a Canadian university, college, or trades school.
✔ You are in your final year of high school or are currently enrolled in university.
✔ You can demonstrate financial need.
✔ You are enrolled in a qualified field tied to commercial real estate (check the bursary details for the full list of 28 eligible disciplines).
Application tips for African students
- Confirm early that your chosen program sits within one of the 28 qualifying disciplines. If you’re unsure, contact the bursary team before the deadline rather than guessing.
- Prepare clear evidence of financial need: gather documents that show your household’s situation, since this is an explicit selection criterion.
- Have your enrolment or admission proof ready, whether you’re finishing high school or already in a Canadian post-secondary program.
- Write a focused personal statement that connects your background, your financial situation, and a genuine interest in commercial real estate. Be specific about why the field matters to you.
- Line up referees who know your work or character early, and give them enough time to write a strong, detailed letter.
- Look at the mentorship and internship components as part of your pitch to show that you want to grow within the BlackNorth and RioCan network, not just receive funds.
- Submit well before the July 3, 2026 deadline to avoid last-minute technical problems.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the official bursary page. Review the full eligibility and field requirements, gather your enrolment and financial-need documents, and complete the application before the deadline. You can find full details and the application portal on the official website: https://blacknorth.ca/riocan-blacknorth-bursary.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this bursary?
The bursary is open to students who identify as Black (Afro-Caribbean, African Canadian, and/or racialized) and who are enrolling or already enrolled at a Canadian university, college, or trades school in a real estate-related field.
How much is the award worth?
Recipients receive $5,300 for university education or $2,650 for trades education, plus mentorship through the BlackNorth Connect Program and internship opportunities with RioCan and the BlackNorth corporate network.
What fields of study qualify?
Eligible studies span 28 disciplines connected to commercial real estate, including architecture, construction, real estate development, property management, law, engineering, environmental studies, human resources, market research, economic development, and commercial insurance. Check the official bursary details for the complete list.
Do I need to demonstrate financial need?
Yes. Demonstrating financial need is one of the stated eligibility requirements, so you should be prepared to provide supporting documentation.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on July 3, 2026.