Departmental Awards – Undergraduate
We have five awards available to students currently enrolled in programs in the department; Environmental Studies, Geography, and Geomatics. Some awards, you will automatically be considered for, and some you will need to apply for. All requirements, selection criteria, and application processes are listed under each award below. If you have any questions, please send a message to geography@carleton.ca.
Awards you are automatically considered for:
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Awarded annually to the outstanding student entering the final year of Honours Geography at Carleton University. Dr. Wreford Watson, then Chief Geographer of Canada, founded geography at Carleton in 1949. One year later he was joined by Mrs. Watson and together they lectured in geography at Carleton until 1954. Donors: Friends, faculty and alumni of the Department of Geography. Endowed 1980.
Open to students in:
all Bachelor of Arts programs in Geography
all Bachelor of Science programs in GeographyNumber of students awarded:
OneApplication Process:
No application. Students are automatically considered. Award distributed in mid-June. -
Awarded annually to the student who has attained the highest standing in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies second year methodology courses. Established in 1994 by members of the Department of Geography. Endowed 2000.
Open to students in:
all programs in the departmentNumber of students awarded:
OneApplication Process:
No application. Students are automatically considered. Award distributed in mid-June. -
Awarded annually, on the recommendation of the Chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, to an outstanding student proceeding from Third to Fourth year of the honours program in Environmental Studies. Eligible students must be Canadian citizens and keenly interested in the environment and possess outstanding environmental awareness. Endowed in 2006 by Carleton Alumnus.
Open to students in:
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Environmental StudiesNumber of students awarded:
ThreeApplication Process:
No application. Students are automatically considered. Awards are distributed in mid-June.
Awards you must apply for:
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Awarded annually on the recommendation of the Chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies to undergraduate students enrolled in human geography and environmental studies. The purpose of this bursary is to assist in defraying the costs of academically related travel. Established in 2017 by Charles Nixon.
Open to students in:
Bachelor of Arts programs in Environmental Studies
Bachelor of Arts programs in GeographyNumber of students awarded:
MultipleApplication Process:
Fill out and send a completed Nixon Travel Bursary Form to geography@carleton.ca. Applications are accepted for travel in fall, winter, and summer. Awards must be distributed in the term the travel occurs. The next term open for applications is Summer 2026. -
Awarded annually on the recommendation of the Chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, when merited, to a 3rd or 4th year student in geography or environmental studies program who is studying in the field of urban studies – particularly as it relates to the quality of urban life. Recipients will have demonstrated financial need, must be Canadian Citizens or permanent residents of Canada (landed immigrant or a protected person), and must meet OSAP’s Ontario Residency requirements. Endowed in 1997 by friends, colleagues and family of the late Douglas Fullerton, former Chairman of the National Capital Commission, in recognition of his visionary contributions to city life.
Eligible recipients must meet Ontario residency requirements as defined by OSAP, and must be in financial need. To determine financial need, the students must complete a Financial Need Application.
Open to students in:
all programs in the departmentNumber of students awarded:
MultipleApplication Process:
Fill out and send completed Fullerton Statement Form and Financial Need Application Form to geography@carleton.ca. Applications for 2025-26 are accepted until early January 2026. Deadline to be sent out in October.