R. Elmer MacDonald Agricultural Scholarship
Beginning in the fall of 2025, the PEI Department of Agriculture will be funding the R. Elmer MacDonald Scholarship, which will provide financial assistance for PEI residents who are enrolled in eligible undergraduate agricultural programs at the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus (link is external) in Truro, Nova Scotia.
Named after R. Elmer MacDonald, an industry and community leader, and someone that had a strong dedication and keen interest in the agricultural industry on Prince Edward Island, this new scholarship will aim to encourage more Island students to pursue an education and career in agriculture.
How does the R. Elmer MacDonald Agricultural Scholarship work?
- If you are an eligible student, you will receive the scholarship each academic year while attending post-secondary studies in an eligible agriculture program up to a maximum of four (4) academic years. You can receive $1,500 annually with the maximum total grant payable up to $6,000.
- You will not be required to make an application, the academic institution will identify eligible recipients each year.
Who is eligible for the R. Elmer MacDonald Agricultural Scholarship?
To be eligible for the R. Elmer MacDonald Agricultural Scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be a PEI resident: The same definition of PEI resident is used in the Provincial Student Loan Program – You are considered a resident of PEI if you (as an independent or married/common-law student) or your family (as a dependent student) has most recently maintained a family home in PEI for at least twelve (12) consecutive months prior to beginning your post secondary education. (You can also establish residency in PEI based on your spouse’s employment while you were married and chose to remain here to study after the relationship ended).
- Must be a Canadian citizen, or a “permanent resident” [as defined by subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada)], or a “protected person” [as defined by subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada)], and have a valid social insurance number (SIN);
- Must be 18 years of age or older;
- Must be enrolled as a full time student (nine (9) semester hours or twenty (20) hours of instruction per week) for a period of at least twenty-four (24) continuous weeks;
- Must be enrolled in one of the following agriculture programs:
- Agriculture Business (BSc Agr)
- Agriculture Economics (BSc Agr)
- Animal Science (BSc Agr)
- Bioveterinary Science (BSc Agr)
- Bioveterinary Science (B Sc)
- Diploma in Technology (Business Management, Plant Science, Veterinary Technology, Landscape Horticulture)
- Environmental Sciences (BSc Agr)
- Integrated Environmental Management (BSc Agr)
- International Food Business (B Agr)
- Plant Science (BSc Agr)
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
- Small Business Management (B Tech)
How do I apply for the R. Elmer MacDonald Agricultural Scholarship?
You are not required to complete an application form. The Dalhousie Agricultural Campus (link is external) will identify eligible recipients and will deposit the scholarship directly to your student account.
Are there any limitations to the Scholarship?
This grant is not retroactive. Students are not eligible for funding for academic years already completed. The Scholarship will first be available for students in the fall of 2025.
When will I receive the R. Elmer MacDonald Agricultural Scholarship?
If your studies begin in the fall, you can expect to receive the Scholarship in January or February of that academic year. All funding will be credited to your student account at the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus. (link is external) It will not be sent to you directly.
If you begin your post-secondary studies outside the traditional September to April academic year, the receival date will be determined after being reviewed.
Check your student account to ensure you received the Scholarship. If you do not wish to use the funding toward your post-secondary educational costs and you have a credit balance on your student account, then you may request a refund from your school.
Who do I contact for information about the R. Elmer MacDonald Agricultural Scholarship?
Department of Agriculture
5th Floor, Jones Building
11 Kent Street,
P.O. Box 2000,
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7N8
Phone: 902-368-4880
Fax: 902-368-4857
Follow us on Facebook (link is external)
Agriculture Information Desk
1-866-PEI FARM (734-3276)