Open
University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP)
Non-repayable support for First Nations students
Offered by
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 90,000
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Northwest Territories, Quebec, Yukon, Canada
Overview
Provides non-repayable financial support for First Nations students pursuing post-secondary studies or entrance preparation. It supports tuition, books, travel, and living costs for eligible programs at recognized institutions.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $90,000
- 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
- Northwest Territories, Quebec, Yukon
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Legal structures
- All legal structures
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
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations students registered under the Indian Act.
- Band councils of recognized First Nations.
- First Nations-designated organizations.
- Self-governing First Nations in Yukon.
Who is not eligible
- Students already eligible for Northwest Territories student support.
- Students covered by certain Cree, Kativik, or Central Québec School Board support programs, unless residency conditions are met.
Eligible expenses
- Tuition and other student fees.
- Books and supplies.
- Travel home support.
- Living expenses and child care.
- Tutorial, guidance, counseling, and administration costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Retroactive funding for previous fiscal or academic years.
- Moving expenses, including household effects removal.
Activities funded
- University and college entrance preparation programs.
- Post-secondary studies leading to recognized credentials.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact your local First Nation or regional office
- Ask about funding availability.
- Request the application process and due dates.
- Step 2: Follow local application instructions
- Submit your application through your First Nation, designated organization, or ISC regional office.
- Use the local program guidelines if they are available.
- Step 3: Wait for review and decision
- Your application will be reviewed under the program guidelines.
- You will be informed in writing of the outcome.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the local First Nation, designated organization, or ISC regional office.
- Selection and funding decisions follow local and national program guidelines.
- Applicants are notified in writing if approved, rejected, or deferred.
- An appeal process must be available and publicly accessible.
- Funding is subject to reporting and monitoring requirements.
Additional information
- Applications are valid for one school year only.
- Partial funding may be provided.
- Recipients may publish local program guidelines.
- Inuit students should apply through the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) Program
What is the University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP)?
Provides non-repayable financial support for First Nations students pursuing post-secondary studies or entrance preparation. It supports tuition, books, travel, and living costs for eligible programs at recognized institutions.
How much funding can be received?
University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) 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 University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) program?
To be eligible for the University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) program, you must:
First Nations students registered under the Indian Act.
Satisfactory academic standing.
Enrolled in an eligible post-secondary or preparation program.
What expenses are eligible under University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP)?
Tuition and other student fees.
Books and supplies.
Travel home support.
Living expenses and child care.
Tutorial, guidance, counseling, and administration costs.
Who can I contact for more information about the University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP)?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) by email at pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca.
Where is the University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) available?
The University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) program is available the province of Northwest Territories, Quebec, Yukon.