Indigenous Student Funding & Scholarships

Funding Opportunities for Indigenous Declared Students

I am a Status First Nations student from Saskatchewan

As a status First Nations student, you may be eligible for funding through your local First Nation or Tribal Council. This funding may include your tuition, student fees and living expenses. Should you be denied funding, it’s important to get this in writing as it will allow you to apply for alternate forms of funding. Please contact your local First Nation or Tribal Council for more information.

Post-Secondary Student Support Program

This program is administered through First Nations Communities or a First Nations designate organization. Contact your local band office or community education representative for more information.

Saskatchewan Student Loans

Saskatchewan Student loans can lend you money to cover your tuition, books and living expenses while you are attend school. There are also some grants and bursaries available that you do not have to pay back.

Canada Student Loans

Canada Student loans can lend you money to cover your tuition, books and living expenses.
 

Congress for Aboriginal Peoples 

Student Lines of Credit 

Indspire

I am a Métis student from Saskatchewan

If you are a Métis student, you should contact your local Métis organization to inquire about available financial supports.

Gabriel Dumont Institute Funding

Metis individuals looking for funding should contact GDI Training and Employment to set up an appointment with an employment counselor at the location nearest them. GDI Training and Employment requires 60 days to review and approve funding requests. To qualify you must be 18 years of age and Metis.

Saskatchewan Student Loans

Saskatchewan Student loans can lend you money to cover your tuition, books and living expenses while you are attend school. There are also some grants and bursaries available that you do not have to pay back.

Canada Student Loans 

Canada Student loans can lend you money to cover your tuition, books and living expenses.

Student Lines of Credit 

Indspire

TEN WONDERFUL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS IN CANADA

Indspire Scholarships

Indspire is the largest scholarship fund available for Indigenous students in Canada! This unique platform allows you to complete one application to apply for all of the Indspire scholarships. They also have three deadlines throughout the year, meaning it’s never too late to apply. With over $115 million in scholarships awarded to more than 37,500 Indigenous students over the years, there’s bound to be a scholarship for you!

Horatio Alger Indigenous Achievement Scholarships

The Horatio Alger Association offers $50,000 in scholarships to Indigenous students! Each year, five lucky students starting a four-year post-secondary program can receive a $10,000 scholarship. This award is in partnership with Indspire, although a separate application is required!

Nelson Indigenous Student Scholarship

Each year, Nelson awards a $10,000 scholarship to one Indigenous student in Canada! They look for student leaders who have demonstrated academic success, personal strength, and a commitment to preserving Indigenous languages and culture. If this sounds like you, then be sure to apply by the end of June! 

Husky Energy Scholarships

Husky Energy offers five scholarships for Indigenous students each year! For students in a four-year degree program, you can receive $5,000 each school year for a total of $20,000 towards your degree! Students in college or technical institute programs can get $3,500 for two years, totalling $7,000 for your education. Preference is given to students with financial need, work experience, and community involvement. Apply before June each year for your chance!

RBC Scholarship for Aboriginals 

Another scholarship for Indigenous students that should be on your list is this one offered by RBC! This recurring scholarship is awarded to 10 students each year. This is a renewable scholarship, meaning recipients will receive $4,000 each academic year for two to four years! That’s a total of up to $16,000 towards your education! They also offer an internship and other professional development opportunities for Indigenous students. Check out their website for more details!

The RBC Future Launch Scholarship 

Exclusive for youth aged 15-29 who are not in school or only studying part time.  Can be used for learning opportunities including short term courses, workshops, online training.

The RBC Emerging Indigenous Filmmaker Award  

Provides financial support to a filmmaker and their current or future project.

Canada Post Awards for Indigenous Students

Canada Post offers $2,000 grants for Indigenous students annually! This unique scholarship provides funding to students who are renewing their educational learning. If you’ve been out of school for a year or have already completed a full year of schooling, this is the scholarship for you!

Taking Flight Indigenous Student Mining Program Scholarship

The Taking Flight Scholarship was established in 2009 to encourage Aboriginal high school and post-secondary students wishing to pursue a career in mining. Three $2,000 scholarships will be awarded annually to qualifying students from across Canada. Applications are accepted for the October 15th deadline. Successful candidates will be announced and scholarships will be awarded by December 31st. 

ADA Indigenous STEAM Bursary

The intention of this bursary is to improve access to technology education for Indigenous students in Canada. This bursary is intended to support Indigenous students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants can be full-time or part-time students attending any post-secondary STEM education program in Canada (this includes web development and coding boot camps) 

Check Your University or College!

Lastly, many individual universities and colleges offer scholarships for Indigenous students! These awards can tend to have a bigger dollar amount. Some may even nearly pay for your entire tuition! An example is the $30,000 Presidential Scholars Award from the University of British Columbia (UBC).