Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Post-Secondary Student Support Program

University

Alberta Bible College, Alberta College of Art and Design, Ambrose College, Athabasca University, Bow Valley College, Canadian University College, City University, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Concordia University College of Alberta, DeVry Institute of Technology, Grande Prairie Regional College, Grant MacEwan University, International Biblical Online Leadership Training, Keyano College, Lakeland College, Lethbridge College, Loma Linda University, Medicine Hat College, Mount Royal University, Newman Theological College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Northern Lakes College, Olds College, Portage College, Red Deer College, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, St. Mary's University College, Taylor University College and Seminary, The King's University College, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge

Amount

Varies

Major

Commerce, Public or Business Administration, Economics, Applied and Physical Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Forestry, Engineering

Find out more

About the program

The program aims to improve the employability of First Nation and eligible Inuit students by providing them with funding to access education and skills development opportunities at the post-secondary level.

Eligible post-secondary levels include:

community college and CEGEP diploma or certificate programs
undergraduate programs
advanced or professional degree programs

The program is administered by the First Nation or the First Nation or Inuit designated organization that determines the funding and selection criteria in accordance with national guidelines. INAC provides funding for this program as part of core funding agreements with Indigenous governments and organizations.

Eligible costs covered by the program may include tuition, books, travel support and living allowances.

The maximum amount payable per full-time student cannot exceed $35,000 per year.

On an extraordinary and justified basis, the maximum amount payable per year for a student in an advanced or professional degree program or a Masters or Doctoral program may exceed $35,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. No student is entitled to this amount.

In 2013-2014, INAC invested more than $322 million in the PSSSP and the University College Entrance Preparation Program for First Nation and Inuit students. This funding supported over 22,000 students.

Who can apply?

Treaty/Status First Nation post-secondary students who have resided in Canada for 12 consecutive months before the date of their application, and Inuit post-secondary students who have resided in Canada for 12 consecutive months before the date of their application, but who reside outside their territory and are no longer eligible to be funded by their territory.

Funding is limited and not all students may be funded. Partial funding may be provided. Applications are valid for one school year only.

Deadline

Please contact your local band office or the Inuit designated organization for information on deadlines to apply for funding.

How to apply?

First Nation students who want to pursue post-secondary studies and access available funding programs should contact their local band office, Inuit designated organization or INAC regional office.