Closed
Post-Secondary Student Support Program
Non-repayable support for First Nations post-secondary studies
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 90,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
Provides non-repayable financial support for First Nations students pursuing post-secondary studies. Supports tuition, books, travel, living allowances, and related education costs, with maximum funding of $53,000 per year per full-time student.
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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 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
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
- Post-secondary education leading to a recognized credential
- University and college entrance preparation programs
- Undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and advanced professional studies
- Delivery in class, online, distance, or virtual formats
Documents Needed
- Proof of registration under the Indian Act
- Evidence of satisfactory academic standing
- Tuition, registration, and mandatory fee documents
- Accreditation documents for institutions outside Canada, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations students registered under the Indian Act
- First Nations-designated organizations
- Band councils of recognized First Nations bands
- First Nations organizations in Yukon under the program rules
Who is not eligible
- Inuit students seeking support through this program
- Students already eligible for NWT support
- Students eligible under Cree, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, or Central Québec School Board support, unless residency conditions are met
Eligible expenses
- Tuition and mandatory student fees
- Books, supplies, and certification or exam fees
- Living expenses, childcare, and travel home
- Tutoring, guidance, counseling, scholarships, and incentives
- Administration costs directly tied to program delivery
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
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Eligible institutions outside Canada
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the program’s education goals.
- Satisfactory academic standing.
- Local selection priorities established by the recipient.
- Appeal process and priority rules must be publicly available.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact your local First Nation or ISC regional office
- Ask about funding availability and local application procedures.
- Confirm the due dates that apply to your community.
- Step 2: Review local guidelines
- Check the local program rules, if available.
- Understand the selection priorities and application process.
- Step 3: Submit your application
- Apply through your First Nation, First Nations-designated organization, or ISC regional office.
- Provide the information requested for review.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the First Nation, First Nations-designated organization, or regional ISC office.
- Selection priorities and funding allocations are determined locally.
- Applicants are notified in writing if approved, rejected, or deferred.
- An appeal process must be available and publicly accessible.
- Funding must follow the signed funding agreement and program guidelines.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Post-Secondary Student Support Program Program
What is the Post-Secondary Student Support Program?
Provides non-repayable financial support for First Nations students pursuing post-secondary studies. Supports tuition, books, travel, living allowances, and related education costs, with maximum funding of $53,000 per year per full-time student.
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 student
Good academic standing
Eligible post-secondary institution
What expenses are eligible under Post-Secondary Student Support Program?
Post-secondary education leading to a recognized credential
University and college entrance preparation programs
Undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and advanced professional studies
Delivery in class, online, distance, or virtual formats
Who can I contact for more information about the Post-Secondary Student Support Program?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) by email at pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca.
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