The Dean Connor Sun Life Inclusion Scholarship and Internship combines a CAD $10,000 scholarship with a paid four-month internship from May to August 2027. It supports eligible Black or Indigenous students studying in Canada. Applications and supporting documents are due October 29, 2026, at 1 p.m., which Sun Life labels EST in its guidelines.
About the programme
Sun Life offers up to ten combined awards. The programme provides financial support, work experience and professional mentoring. Read the 2026 terms and guidelines and the official Summer 2027 vacancy together before applying.
| Scholarship | CAD $10,000 for one academic year |
|---|---|
| Work placement | Paid, May–August 2027 |
| Study levels | Eligible degree, diploma and graduate programmes |
| Application | Sun Life Workday |
| Deadline | October 29, 2026, 1 p.m.; provider labels EST |
Scholarship payment and work experience
The $10,000 covers one academic year rather than an automatic multi-year renewal. Scholarship payment is scheduled for August 2027, toward the end of the internship and subject to programme conditions. The placement can lead to further career opportunities, but a permanent job is not guaranteed.
Plan around the difference between an award decision and payment. If tuition is due earlier, ask your institution what payment arrangements are available; do not assume a future scholarship payment postpones its fee deadline. Keep the scholarship amount separate from internship earnings when preparing a budget.
Who can apply?
Applicants must belong to Black or Indigenous communities, including First Nations, Métis or Inuit peoples, and be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. They must be enrolled full time at a recognised Canadian post-secondary institution, return to full-time study in September 2027 and complete their studies no later than August 2028.
Good academic standing, legal eligibility to work in Canada and completion of required employment checks are necessary. There is no restriction on academic discipline. Preparatory programmes such as pre-university CEGEP are excluded, as are employees and certain family members specified in the terms.
Review your graduation plan carefully. Someone finishing before the required return to study may not satisfy the programme even if their grades and background otherwise match. If dates are uncertain, ask your academic department to confirm the expected schedule before applying.
What documents are required?
Prepare a current CV, unofficial academic transcripts and a personal statement. The guidelines describe a 500-word written response; one section also mentions a three-to-five-minute video option. Confirm any video alternative in the live application before relying on it.
For the written response, explain your background, what the award and placement would mean, and how the experience connects to your goals. Use concrete examples from study, employment or community involvement. Reviewers should be able to understand your contribution without guessing what an organisation or activity title means.
Keep the CV and statement consistent. Check dates, programme names and descriptions of responsibilities. Make sure every uploaded file opens correctly and that the transcript belongs to the programme identified in the application.
How to apply
- Open the official Workday posting through Sun Life’s guidelines.
- Confirm that the vacancy is the Dean Connor programme for Summer 2027.
- Complete the required profile and application fields.
- Upload the requested supporting documents.
- Submit everything before the deadline and keep confirmation.
Applications can be in English or French. Check the live form’s time-zone display and submit early because extensions are not offered. Contact [email protected] if a programme requirement remains unclear.
Selection and acceptance
Review considers academic performance, the statement and CV. Shortlisted applicants proceed through interviews. Successful applicants are expected to receive confirmation by February 2027 and must complete acceptance and enrolment verification requirements.
Before an interview, prepare examples that show how you learn, work with others and handle responsibility. Connect them to the placement without claiming you already know which team will host you.
Related Canadian scholarships
Explore Alexander Rutherford, the Loran Award and Schulich Leader Scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Is the internship paid?
Yes. It accompanies the scholarship.
Is a business degree required?
No. Eligible applicants from any discipline can apply.
Does the programme guarantee a permanent job?
No. It provides support to explore and apply for future opportunities.