Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Contact us
Open

Post-Secondary Student Support Program

Non-repayable support for First Nations post-secondary studies

Offered by
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

Record updated

Funding available
$ 90,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Yukon, Canada
Who can apply
First Nations students registered under the Indian Act.
See full eligibility

Overview

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program and University and College Entrance Preparation Program provide non-repayable financial support for First Nations students registered under the Indian Act in Canada and abroad. Eligible studies include post-secondary programs at eligible institutions and university or college entrance preparation programs, with support for tuition, books, and travel support.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$90,000
Financing goals
  • Develop a new program or service
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Strengthen organizational capacity

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Yukon
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
Legal structures
Public or Parapublic institution

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

PAENP guidelines updated for 2025-2026

The program page now points to the 2025-2026 national guidelines and reflects updated wording about program structure and administration.

See more

The PAENP page has been refreshed to reference the 2025-2026 national guidelines and updated introductory wording. The program description also reflects revised language about the program structure, regional delivery, and administration by First Nations and their designated organizations. The core funding purpose remains the same, but the page now presents the program alongside the related postsecondary pathways in a slightly different framing.

May 10, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • First Nations students registered under the Indian Act.
  • First Nations students enrolled in recognized university and college entrance preparation programs.

Who is not eligible

  • Students eligible for NWT support cannot receive funding from PSSSP or UCEPP unless they provide a statement from the Government of Northwest Territories that they are not eligible because they have not met the residency requirement.
  • Students eligible under The Cree School Board, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq School Board or the Central Québec School Board programs resourced by ISC, consistent with the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and the Northeastern Quebec Agreements, cannot apply unless they have been outside their territory for more than 10 years.
  • Program recipients must not accept applications from people whose band or community is in Northern Quebec unless the student can provide a statement from the Cree or Kativik or the Central Québec School Boards that the student is not eligible because the student has not met their residency requirement.

Eligible expenses

  • Tuition
  • Books
  • Travel support
  • Living allowances

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Retroactive funding for previous academic or fiscal years
  • Moving expenses, including household removal costs
  • Funding requests beyond the annual per-student maximum, unless exceptionally approved

Activities funded

  • Programs of study at CÉGEP, community colleges, eligible colleges and universities in Canada and abroad, and First Nations designated and directed institutions.
  • Undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate and advanced professional programs of study.
  • Recognized university and college entrance preparation programs.

How to apply

  • Contact your First Nation, First Nations-designated organization or ISC regional office for information on funding availability, the application process and associated due dates.

Documents Needed

  • Relevant accreditation documentation for post-secondary institutions outside Canada.
  • Statement from the Government of Northwest Territories that the student is not eligible for this support because the student has not met the residency requirement.
  • Statement from the Cree School Board, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq School Board, or the Central Québec School Board that the student is not eligible for this support because the student has not met the residency requirement.

Processing and Agreement

  • First Nations or First Nations-designated organizations administer the student application and review process and determine funding allocations for students in accordance with their funding agreements and the national program guidelines.
  • When no such agreement exists, the regional office in the province or territory where the student is residing reviews and assesses the student applications for funding.

Additional information

  • Funding is administered by First Nations or First Nations-designated organizations.
  • Applications are valid for one school year only.
  • Partial funding may be provided.
  • Local guidelines may include additional application details and due dates.
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Post-Secondary Student Support Program Program

What is the Post-Secondary Student Support Program?

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program and University and College Entrance Preparation Program provide non-repayable financial support for First Nations students registered under the Indian Act in Canada and abroad. Eligible studies include post-secondary programs at eligible institutions and university or college entrance preparation programs, with support for tuition, books, and travel support.

How much funding can be received?

Post-Secondary Student Support Program Funds up to $90,000 of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program program?

To be eligible for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program program, you must: Status First Nations students registered under the Indian Act Satisfactory academic standing Full-time or part-time enrolment at an eligible post-secondary institution

What expenses are eligible under Post-Secondary Student Support Program?

Tuition Books Travel support Living allowances

Who can I contact for more information about the Post-Secondary Student Support Program?

You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

Where is the Post-Secondary Student Support Program available?

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program program is available the province of Yukon.