Each award is intended to fund tuition and the associated mandatory fees for the fall and winter semester, and is renewable annually for up to three additional years. Eligibility is subject to meeting general admissions requirements, with a minimum of 70% final admission average (St. John’s/Grenfell campuses) or a minimum of 60% final admission average (Marine Institute), demonstration of critical financial need, dedication to education, and perseverance in the face of challenges. Renewal criteria to be met each year.
Eligibility requirements
The Joyce Foundation Bursary is available annually to students entering Memorial University who:
are in their final year of secondary school in Newfoundland and Labrador or,
have graduated from a NL secondary school within the last 12 months (previous school year),
are a new student, entering an undergraduate program on any campus of Memorial University,
can clearly demonstrate critical financial need, dedication to their education, and perseverance in the face of challenges,
are a citizen of Canada, or have their permanent resident status at the time of their application submission, and must meet at least one of the following three criteria:
The applicant has attended a Newfoundland and Labrador high school within the two years prior to the semester for which admission is sought. This includes those students who are deemed to have met Newfoundland and Labrador high school requirements through other equivalent means (e.g. homeschooling).
At the time of general application to the University, the permanent home address for the applicant is located in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants may be required to provide evidence of permanent home address. See note below.
The applicant has lived in the province for 12 consecutive months without undertaking full-time studies at a recognized post-secondary institution.
Note: Canadian applicants who have lived outside Newfoundland and Labrador for twelve consecutive months without undertaking fulltime studies at a recognized post-secondary institution will be considered a resident of the province where they resided at the time of application
As part of The Joyce Foundation Bursary, recipients will receive access to an Early Start Program, and on-campus employment opportunities at Memorial University.
Early start program
Recipients will be assigned to a dedicated Academic Advisor as soon as they are notified of the award. The advisor will meet with the recipients for a spring advising session to provide them with program advice, academic guidance, and support to prepare them for their transition to university life and will continue to offer support for the duration of the bursary program. The advisor will support each recipient by answering questions, assisting with the university application process, as needed, providing support with course planning and registration, referring recipients to relevant on-campus supports and services, and helping recipients understand what to expect for the first year of university. As part of the early start program recipients may have the opportunity to attend an early pre-semester orientation session.
On-campus employment opportunities
Following the completion of their first two semesters and pending their academic eligibility, bursary recipients may take part in career development opportunities. Students will meet with their dedicated advisor and with a career advisor to identify their strengths and interests, identify skills that they wish to gain or improve, and refine resume/cover-letter writing skills. They will then work with advisors to identify meaningful employment opportunities relevant to their intended programs or desired skills development. Following employment, the student will meet with their dedicated advisor to reflect on what they learned during their employment experience.
Peer mentoring
All bursary recipients will be encouraged to take part in peer mentoring opportunities as both mentors and mentees. Mentoring programs connect first year undergraduate students with Memorial student mentors in second year and beyond; mentors help by providing empathy, advice and support to help new students adjust to university life.
Application
The application period for the 2025-26 academic year is complete. Check back in October 2025 for the 2026-27 application.