How to Apply

Account Setup & Email Verification

Before you can access the application form, you must create an account on the O’Brien Foundation portal and verify your email address. Use the Sign Up link on the home page and complete the registration form:

  • First and Last Name: Enter your legal names as they should appear on your application.
  • Email and Confirm Email: Provide a valid email address and re‑enter it to confirm. This address will be used for all correspondence.
  • Username: Choose a unique username you will use to log in.
  • Password and Confirm Password: Create a secure password, then re‑enter it to confirm.
  • CAPTCHA: Complete the “I’m not a robot” checkbox at the bottom of the sign‑up form to prove you are a real user.

After you click Submit, the system sends a verification email to the address you provided. Open the email and click the verification link to activate your account. Once verified, return to the portal and sign in with your username and password. You can now begin the multi‑step application form.

Step 1 – Applicant Details

This step collects your personal contact information. The form includes the following fields:

  • Given Name and Surname: These are pre‑filled from your account (e.g., “Vivian Nash”) but can be updated if necessary.
  • Street Address and Unit/Apt
  • City, Country and State/Province
  • Postal Code and Phone Number:
  • Email: This field is pre‑populated with the email associated with your account and cannot be changed.

At the bottom of the page you will see Save and Next buttons. You cannot proceed to the next step until all required fields are completed; if any are missing, the page will highlight them in red and display messages such as “Street is required”. Select Save to record your progress if you need to log out and return later. Choose Next to move to the next step.

Step 2 – University / Institution Details

This section asks for details about the post‑secondary institution where you are enrolled or intend to enroll. Fields include:

  • Course of study and degree sought
  • State name of University or Institution
  • Name of University/Institution
  • Advisor/Supervisor
  • Advisor/Supervisor Email
  • Start date of your graduate course study

After completing the information, click Save or Next to continue.

Step 3 – Research / Creative Details

  • Project Title
  • Project Description
  • Up to 5 publications and presentations
  • Up to 5 academic distinctions or awards, including grants, fellowships, and assistantships

Step 4 – Referee Details

In this step you supply contact information for referees who can support your application:

  • Referee Name
  • Referee Email
  • Optional Personal Message

Always ask your referees for permission before listing them, and follow up to ensure they submit their references before the deadline.

Step 5 – Educational Details

This section covers your academic history:

  • · List in chronological order your educational record beginning with undergraduate years. Include up to a maximum of five.
  • Official Transcript (PDF files only)

Gather your academic documents ahead of time to streamline this step.

Step 6 – Residential Details

The O’Brien Foundation Fellowships are made primarily to residents of New Brunswick. Confirm that you

have lived in NB for 5 years or more by providing the addresses

Step 7 – Career Details

The final step collects information about your career

  • Employment History
  • Future Plans
  • Relevance of your research to New Brunswick
  • Additional Information

Once you complete Step 7, you will have the opportunity to review all sections before submitting your application. Check for any errors or missing information, then click Save & Submit for Review. Submission will trigger an external side effect (officially submitting your scholarship application); you should only submit after you are satisfied all information is accurate and complete.

Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Use the Save Button Frequently: You can save your progress at any step and return later. This is especially helpful if you need to gather documents or confirm details with referees.
  • Prepare Documents in Advance: Have transcripts, CVs and reference details ready before you begin.
  • Follow Instructions Carefully: Required fields are marked; leaving them blank will prevent you from proceeding.
  • Contact Support if Needed: If you encounter technical issues (e.g., validation errors that don’t clear), use the View Application or support links in your account menu for assistance.