Closed
Source verified July 10, 2026
Post-Secondary Student Support Program
Non-repayable support for First Nations post-secondary studies
Offered by
Funding available
$ 90,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 90,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
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.
Official resources
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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 across Canada.
Is the Post-Secondary Student Support Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Post-Secondary Student Support Program is a Grant and Funding