Transforming lives through philanthropy at Canada's engaged university
Uplifting students in need
Surging costs of living are impacting the lives of countless people across Canada, and SFU students are no exception.
“The cost of housing in our city is unparalleled, food prices are still high, and paying for those essentials alongside tuition is really out of reach for so many deserving students,” says Tom Nault, SFU registrar and executive director of student enrolment.
According to Tom, more than 3,000 SFU students rely on bursaries for critical financial support throughout fall and spring semesters; demand is slightly less during summer semesters when enrollment is lower. Bursaries vary based upon students’ financial need, however all bursaries positively affect students in their ability to complete their term and work toward graduation.
Marie-Éloïse is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in health sciences and minoring in Indigenous studies. A sprinter on the SFU track team and the Paris 2024 Canadian Olympic team, she is also one of our many students for whom receiving a bursary has made a big difference.
Receiving a bursary is such a privilege,” Marie-Éloïse says. “I am very grateful for the tremendous impact of the bursary on my life as an SFU student. It provides me financial stability so that I can fully focus on my studies. I am profoundly grateful for [this] generous support.
This spring, through SFU’s annual giving campaign, generous alumni and donors like you are helping students like Marie-Éloïse.
Your support, as Tom explains, not only helps students afford basic necessities. It also removes some of the worry of financial constraints and gives students precious time to focus more on their studies and university experiences.
We are deeply grateful to all donors whose generosity ensures our students can access the support they need to succeed. Your contributions are an investment in the next generation of leaders and innovators who will drive progress, innovation, and positive change in our society.
Additional contributions toward SFU student bursaries will make a meaningful difference.
Fiscal Year 2024 Fall and year-end campaigns:
Thank you for thoughtfully contributing toward our fall and year-end campaigns last year. Your generosity means numerous SFU students and their varying needs are supported across our campuses.
- $72,668 during the fall campaign from 449 gifts
- $46,968 Student Welling Being and Active Health & Recreation funds
- $143,923 from our year-end campaign from 608 gifts
- $45,358 Food Security Program Fund *
- 13 new bursaries created for a combined $27,000
Total raised: $216,591
*Excluding matching funds
