Scholarships, Bursaries & Programs

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Patrick McVarnock Memorial Bursary

The Patrick McVarnock Memorial Bursary supports Thunder Bay–area aviation students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to safety culture. This $500 bursary is intended for students enrolled in either a Thunder Bay Aviation Specialist High School Major (SHSM) program or at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School,
who are pursuing post-secondary aviation studies. It honours Patrick McVarnock's legacy by investing in the next generation of aviation professionals.

Eligibility:
  • Thunder Bay Aviation SHSM student or Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School student.
Requirements:
  • Accepted into Confederation College's Flight Management Program (FMP) or an accredited equivalent.

Mark Saad Memorial Bursary

The Mark Saad Memorial Bursary provides financial support to Indigenous students from Northern Ontario who are pursuing full-time post-secondary education at Confederation College.  Preference is given to students from North Star Air partner communities.  This $500 bursary recognizes the importance of education, community connection, and long-term opportunity in building strong futures for Indigenous learners.

Eligibility:
  • Open to Indigenous students from Northern Ontario, with preference given to applicants from NSA's community partners.
Requirements:
  • Must be enrolled in a full-time program at Confederation College
  • Proof of enrollment and confirmation of Indigenous heritage may be requested.

North Star Air Bursary for Matawa First Nations

The North Star Air Bursary for Matawa First Nations supports graduating Grade 12 students who are pursuing post-secondary education or training in aviation or an aviation-related field.  This $1000 bursary is designed to encourage Indigenous youth to explore aviation careers and recognizes students who demonstrate passion, leadership potential, and a strong connection to their community.

Eligibility:
  • Open to graduating Grade 12 students from Matawa First Nations pursuing post-secondary education or training in aviation or a related field.
Requirements:
  • Demonstrated interest in the aviation industry (e.g., piloting, maintenance, customer service, marketing).
  • Proof of Grade 12 graduation and post-secondary program acceptance.

North Star Air Bursary for Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education

This $1000 bursary supports graduating Grade 12 students from the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education who are pursuing post-secondary education or training in aviation or a related field.  The program recognizes students who show a clear interest in aviation, commitment to their education, and potential to contribute meaningfully to Northern Ontario communities.

Eligibility:
  • Open to graduating Grade 12 students from Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education pursuing post-secondary education or training in aviation or a related field.
Requirements:
  • Demonstrated interest in the aviation industry (e.g., piloting, maintenance, customer service, marketing).
  • Proof of Grade 12 graduation and post-secondary program acceptance.

Take Flight Aviation Scholarship

The Take Flight Aviation Scholarship is a flagship program designed to support Indigenous and Northern Ontario students pursuing professional aviation training, including pilot and aircraft maintenance programs.  The scholarship ($10,000/year for two years) provides significant financial assistance over two years and focuses on academic readiness, community connection, and long-term career potential.  Successful recipients may be considered for future employment opportunities with North Star Air.

Eligibility:
  • Open to students from Northern Ontario, with preference given to applicants from NSA's community partners.  Non-Indigenous applicants must have resided in Northern Ontario prior to enrollment or for a minimum of five consecutive years.
  • Conditional on acceptance into an approved, accredited program.
Requirements:
  • Must demonstrate academic readiness
  • Must be a Canadian citizen

Northern Flight Path Program

The Northern Flight Path Program supports commercial pilots from Northern Ontario by providing up to $19,063.00 in Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) training support to help them advance to airline-ready flight qualifications.  In return, participants commit to employment with North Star Air through the company's Ground to Flight Program. This program strengthens Northern aviation capacity by creating a clear pathway from training to long-term employment while supporting professional growth within the region.

Terms:

Promissory note required; prorated repayment applies if the recipient leaves NSA prior to the two-year term.

Eligibility:
  • Graduate of Confederation College FMP or a Northern Ontario resident holding a commercial pilot license.
  • Must have resided in Northern Ontario prior to enrollment, or for the past 5 years.
  • Must be a Canadian citizen.
Requirements:
  • Maintaining employment with NSA over a two-year period after obtaining the IFR rating.
Terms & Conditions for Northern Flight Path Program
  • Promissory note required; prorated repayment applies if the recipient leaves NSA prior to the two-year term.
  • Recipients or accredited institutions may be contacted for occasional check-ins regarding academic progress or post-graduation outcomes.  This helps NSA improve the program and share success stories (with consent).