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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Post-Secondary Student Support Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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