Scholarships and awards
A. David Crowe Graduate Scholarship
Dr. Crowe was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (BSc), McGill University (MSc), and Cornell University (PhD). He worked in Extension with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, and thereafter as the Head of Pomology at the Agriculture Canada Kentville Research Station. Dr. Crowe established this scholarship – valued at $25,000 per year – as a legacy to recognize the important role that advanced education plays in the agricultural industry, and to provide opportunities for agricultural students to further their education.
This award is intended to attract outstanding students into a program of studies leading to the PhD degree at the Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University; if there is no suitable PhD candidate, an MSc student will be eligible.
Students must have applied for, or intend to apply for, full-time admission to an eligible graduate program. Recipients of this scholarship must begin full-time PhD (or MSc) academic study at Dalhousie in the academic year for which it has been awarded.
Preference will be given to candidates intending to live and work in Atlantic Canada.
The scholarship will be renewable (subject to an annual progress review, first-class standing required) for a maximum of 2 years.
The award is valued at $25,000 for a twelve-month academic year.
Candidates who hold other scholarships of any kind, including scholarships internal and external to Dalhousie University, will receive the David Crowe Entrance Scholarship as a "top-up award" to their other scholarship, the total not exceeding $25,000 per academic year or $8,333 per term.
The award is tenable only at Dalhousie University.
Fees are not waived and must be paid out of the award.
Renewal request deadline: April 30, 2026
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Download the A. David Crowe Graduate Scholarship application form- [PDF - 457 kB]
BMO Financial Group Graduate Scholarship
BMO Financial Group created the BMO Financial Group Graduate Scholarship in Agriculture to support the attraction and retention of top graduate students to the Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University. This scholarship will be instrumental in the development of the next generation of researchers in agriculture.
This scholarship will provide one or more award(s) per year to a top student(s). The number of awards and the amount (up to $25,000) of each scholarship will be at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee.
This award is intended to attract outstanding students into a program of studies leading to a graduate degree (MSc or PhD) at the Faculty of Agriculture. The recipient will have shown academic and research excellence.
Students must have applied for, or intend to apply for, full-time admission to an eligible graduate program. Recipients of this scholarship must begin full-time graduate academic study at Dalhousie in the academic year for which it has been awarded.
The scholarship may be renewable at the discretion of Graduate Studies Committee.
Candidates who hold other scholarships of any kind, including scholarships internal and external to Dalhousie University, will receive the BMO Financial Group Graduate Scholarship as a "top-up award" to their other scholarship, the total not exceeding $25,000 per academic year or $8,333 per term.
The award is tenable only at Dalhousie University.
Fees are not waived and must be paid out of the award.
Renewal request deadline: April 30, 2026
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Apply for the BMO Financial Group Graduate Scholarship- [PDF - 693 kB]
Lucky Bean Foundation Graduate Scholarships
The Lucky Bean Foundation created this scholarship to support the attraction and retention of high achieving graduate students enrolled in MSc and PhD programs at the Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture. These scholarships are intended to help develop excellence in the next generation of agricultural researchers.
Recipients will demonstrate both academic and research excellence in sustainable agriculture and/or clean, sustainable, and profitable food systems, excluding animal husbandry.
MSc students receive $35,000 per year for up to two years, and PhD students receive $30,000 per year for up to three years.
Application and/or annual renewal documents must be submitted by June 30, 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Lucky Bean Foundation Graduate Scholarship Application [PDF - 419KB]
In-course scholarships
The Faculty of Agriculture is fortunate and grateful to be able to offer a wide variety of in-course scholarships to grad students every year thanks to our diverse group of donors.
All currently registered, full-time Faculty of Agriculture grad students are eligible to apply.
A list of scholarships available is provided below. Please note that the amounts listed in the descriptions are approximate and may change year-to-year based on earnings from the endowments.
The 2026-2027 In-course Scholarships and Bursaries Competition application dates will be announced in Spring 2026.
Over $200,000 was awarded to our students in 2025-2026
Allan A. Saunders, a graduate of NSAC, devoted his life to farmers, being Agricultural Representative and later Dairy Specialist with the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture. He set up an endowment fund to support research related to the dairy industry. Selection is made by an external dairy industry group consisting of representatives from NS, NB and PEI and one member of the Saunders family.
Criteria: academic performance, dairy farm background and/or demonstrated interest in the dairy industry, and financial need.
One or more awards of $3,000.
Andrew M. Wilson was born in Scotland on August 15, 1897. He made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I on his 20th birthday. His nephew, Albert Chatwood, established this scholarship so that his uncle, who died so young would be remembered.
One or more awards based on earnings.
With a nod to their own international student beginnings in Canada, Dal AC alumni Ernest (MSc and PhD in Plant Biology) and Anita (MSc Agricultural Economics) established this award to support incoming graduate students at the Faculty of Agriculture. During their studies, Ernest and Anita founded Asante Logistic Group Inc., transforming the logistics industry in Atlantic Canada and beyond.
Criteria: international student status; excellent academic standing; demonstrated financial need.
Two awards of $5,000 each.
The Atlantic Dairy and Forage Institute was a private, not-for-profit research organization located on a 150-acre working dairy farm in New Brunswick. After it closed its operations in 2015, it chose to create this endowment with residual funding in order to continue to support research.
Criteria: research excellence in ruminant animal or forage subject matters.
One or more awards based on earnings.
The biannual Atlantic Agricultural Farm Show has been loyally supported by the agricultural community since 1975. The Chairman and Board of Directors established this scholarship to support Atlantic Canadians interested in pursuing a career in mechanization.
Criteria: area related to agricultural mechanization, including precision agriculture academic excellence; interest in a career in agricultural mechanization in Atlantic Canada.
One award based on earnings.
Established by Dr. Douglas M. Byers to support students with an interest in macroeconomics and policy development and implementation within the
agriculture sector. This award provides motivation, encouragement, and recognition to MSc and PhD students committed to addressing some of agriculture's greatest challenges.
Criteria: primary advisor in BSS; research that directly relates to macroeconomics or policy development/implementation; demonstrated excellence in the above research area.
One award of $8,000.
Established by Dr. & Mrs. Eaves to provide a scholarship for students of Kings County focusing on environmental studies related to agricultural practices with particular reference to dyke land preservation and the general conservation of soil and water reserves.
Criteria: academic performance, demonstrated interest in the environment, and career plans.
One or more awards based on earnings.
Providing students with a high-quality food service isn’t the only commitment Chartwells has made, they also offer multiple scholarships for both graduate and undergraduate programs.
Criteria: high academic performance; have not received other significant awards.
One award of $5,500.
Members of the Class of ’56 began fundraising for this scholarship fund at the time of their 50th reunion. The class wishes to support graduate students conducting research in the areas of rural water supply and watershed management.
Criteria: conducting research into rural water supply and rural watershed issues related to agricultural economics and policy, social sciences, engineering, and environmental sciences.
One award of $7,000.
In recognition of their 50th reunion, the Class of 1958 established this award with the intent of providing financial support to graduate students.
Criteria: demonstrated financial need; strong academic performance.
One or more award of $1,000.
Dalhousie Agricultural Association of Graduate Students bursary.
Criteria: demonstrated financial need.
Four bursaries of $500 each.
This award was established by the John and Judy Bragg Foundation to honour John's brother, Doug Bragg, a 1949 graduate of NSAC and former president of Douglas Bragg Enterprises Limited. In the years since, the award has been expanded in memory of Doug’s son Carl Bragg and his considerable contributions to the success of Doug Bragg Enterprises.
Criteria: research in agricultural engineering, with preference for an individual interested in precision, mechanical, or digital agriculture that supports the wild blueberry industry; strong research background and academic excellence.
One or two scholarships based on earnings.
Established by former graduate students of Dr. Claude Caldwell (PFES), to honour the tremendous contributions made by Dr. Caldwell to international collaboration programs and agriculture at the Faculty of Agriculture.
Criteria: international student status; demonstrated financial need; strong academic standing.
One award of $1,000.
Dr. Patricia Harney, NSAC Diploma Class of '48 and OAC Professor in Horticultural Science has, through her estate, made generous provisions to support Faculty of Agriculture students who wish to pursue graduate studies.
One or more awards based on earnings.
Established in memory of Edward Brown, NSAC Class of 1954.
Criteria: outstanding graduate of an undergraduate degree from the Faculty of Agriculture, studying in the second year of the MSc program.
One or more awards of $1,000.
The 2013 and 2014 Annual Appeals for the Faculty of Agriculture focused on raising sufficient funds for an endowment to create a graduate scholarship to assist with the financial cost of pursuing graduate level studies.
Criteria: demonstrated financial need; strong academic standing.
One or more awards based on earnings.
Created as a means of honouring Gordon B. Kinsman’s (NSAC graduate) contributions to Nova Scotia's agricultural industry, this fund provides awards to graduate students conducting research related to the blueberry industry. Gordon had a keen interest in both the industry and in helping young people get a start in the field through education.
Criteria: conducting research related to the blueberry industry.
Two or more awards based on earnings.
Hossain Farid was taught hundreds of students in the Faculty of Agriculture (previously NSAC) from 1990 to 2017 and was a world-renowned researcher in Aleutian mink disease. Hossain was dedicated not only to his research but that of his students, and his family wishes to honour his memory through a commemorative scholarship.
Criteria: must have successfully completed their first year of a graduate program with research in either animal genetics or animal physiology, or similar area of research; demonstrated excellence in the above research area.
One award based on earnings.
Established to recognize and support excellence in engineering research at the graduate level. It is supported by Jack (Jing) Xu, whose wife, Sophia He, is currently practicing and teaching chemical engineering at Dalhousie University. Sophia is passionate about encouraging and supporting her students to succeed. Inspired by her example, Jack hopes to motivate female graduate students to explore and fall in love with engineering.
Criteria: primary advisor in the Department of Engineering; demonstrated research excellence in the field of engineering; self-identify as a woman.
One award of $3,000.
In celebration of their 60th year, the NSFA Senate Club established this award to support graduate student research relevant to agriculture in Nova Scotia. The NSFA Senate Club was founded in 1959 as a social group composed of past Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture presidents and honorary members.
Criteria: conducting research relevant to agriculture in Nova Scotia; demonstrated ability to build relationships with the agricultural sector in the province.
One award of $1,000.
Awarded to full-time residents of Nova Scotia entering the MSc program.
Criteria: entrance award; academic performance (cumulative GPA from undergraduate degree).
Two or more scholarships of $6,500 based on earnings.
At 208 and 194 years of age respectively, Dalhousie University and Scotiabank have been around for a good long time. Both were founded in Halifax, both are older than Canada and the two venerable institutions have had a longstanding relationship that continues to this day.
Criteria: preference for supporting students working on technology or data-based research for any agriculture, agri-food or agri-business related industry
One or more based on earnings.
The Second Century Endowment Campaign was part of NSAC’s milestone celebrations in 2005 and its goal was to help students with increasing educational expenses. Graduate students contribute significantly to the research capacity and academic reputation of the institution. Financial awards help to attract and retain the best students, and it is essential to provide financial support to students to be competitive with other post-secondary institutions.
Criteria: exemplifies research excellence through a range of scholarly contributions and activities; strong academic performance.
One or more awards based on earnings.
Stuart Allaby attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and went on to graduate from MacDonald College of McGill University in 1951. Throughout his career Mr. Allaby promoted efficient poultry production and marketing and encouraged the development of supply management programs. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Atlantic Poultry Research Institute.
Criteria: MSc student concentrating on animal research; not receiving other significant awards.
One or more scholarship of $1,000
Awarded to an MSC student conducting research pertaining to sustainable agriculture. For the purposes of this award, “sustainable agriculture” will be described as a balance between social, environmental and economic priorities. Project areas eligible for support will focus on environmental quality and resource management, land management, integrated pest management, introduction of new technologies, economic viability and rural community sustainability
Criteria: MSc student; academic performance and research goals consistent with sustainable agriculture.
One or more scholarships of $1,000
In recognition of Walter Termeer’s commitment to sustainability, compost, and soils, this award was established to support graduate students with similar scholarly interests. Walter was a 1985 and 1989 graduate of NSAC. His colleagues, friends, and family wished to honour his contributions to agriculture by creating an award that would support the next generation of soil and compost scientists.
Criteria: high academic achievement; conducting research relevant to soil health and/or composting.
One award of $1,000.
WBPANS is a grower organization with approximately 1,000 members from around the province. It constantly strives to keep growers informed of the newest technology available for both growing and harvesting. Award recipient selection will take into consideration the significance of the research and its potential impact on the Nova Scotia wild blueberry industry. Request that students share their research or study outcomes with WBPANS.
Criteria: demonstrated financial need; academic excellence as demonstrated by GPA; research project that directly relates to the wild blueberry industry and the WBPANS research priorities.
Two awards of $5,000.
Travel Scholarships & Grants
Grad students in the Faculty of Agriculture are eligible to apply for the following travel supports.
Paul C. Harris Travel Scholarship
The Paul C. Harris Travel Scholarship can be awarded to full-time graduate students in a Master’s or Doctoral program in the Faculty of Agriculture only. In order to be eligible, students must present a poster or paper based on the results of their graduate thesis research at a national or international scholarly meeting or conference. A student is eligible for one travel scholarship per degree, and the student must be registered in the term when applying and the term that the conference occurs. Supervisor approval must be signified by signature on the application. The maximum amount awarded is $250; this amount is subject to change.
Paul C. Harris Travel Scholarship application form - [PDF - 178 kB]
FGS Travel Grant
Conference travel grants can be awarded to full-time graduate students in a master’s or doctoral thesis program. In order to be eligible, students must present a poster or paper based on the results of their graduate thesis research at a national or international scholarly meeting or conference.
You are eligible for one FGS travel grant per degree, and you must be registered in the term when applying and the term that the conference occurs. Supervisor approval must be signified by signature on the application. The maximum amount awarded is $500; this amount is subject to change.
Visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies Travel Grant page for further information including the application process.
Scholarships available to Graduates
Outstanding Thesis Award
The Faculty of Agriculture Outstanding Thesis Award recognizes MSc and PhD students whose thesis research represents original works that have made substantial contributions to their discipline. A maximum of one award will be presented annually in each of the MSc and PhD categories:
MSc Thesis Award: This award recognizes a MSc in Agriculture student who has written an outstanding MSc thesis and whose thesis has made, or is expected to make, a significant contribution to their field. The recipient will receive a monetary award and recognition certificate.
PhD Thesis Award: This award recognizes a PhD in Agricultural Sciences student who has written an outstanding PhD thesis that represents a highly significant contribution to their field of research. The recipient will receive a monetary award and a recognition certificate.
Application deadline: April 30 each year
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application form - [PDF - 203 kB]