Post-secondary education
Learn about Indigenous Services Canada's (ISC) distinctions-based strategies that support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education.
Between 2017 and 2019, ISC conducted a comprehensive and collaborative review of all current federal programs that support Indigenous students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. This included discussions with Indigenous students, academic leaders and institutions to obtain a wide range of reflections on current programs and possible improvements. ISC also engaged with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council, who each developed respective distinctions-based policy proposals for transforming Indigenous post-secondary education.
Informed by this review, Budget 2019 invested $814.9 million over 10 years and $61.8 million ongoing for distinctions-based Indigenous post-secondary education strategies. This funding renewed and expanded the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, established new Inuit and Métis Nation post-secondary education strategies and supported engagement with First Nations to develop regional post-secondary models.
Budget 2024 proposes to increase support for First Nations post-secondary students: $242.7 million over 3 years, starting in 2024 to 2025 to increase access to post-secondary education for First Nations students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.
Services and information
Post-Secondary Student Support Program
Financial assistance to First Nations students who are enrolled in eligible post-secondary education programs.
University and College Entrance Preparation Program
This program aims to enable First Nations students to attain the academic level required for entrance into degree and diploma credit programs, as prioritized and directed by First Nations.
Post-Secondary Partnerships Program
This program funds band councils of recognized First Nations bands, organizations designated by Band Councils and First Nations established post-secondary education institutions.
Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy
Financial assistance to support Inuit students pursuing post-secondary education.
Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy
Financial assistance to support Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education.
First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy
Initiatives that help First Nations and Inuit youth gain work experience, acquire essential employment skills and learn about job and career options.
Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool
Use this searchable list of hundreds of bursaries, scholarships and incentives available across Canada.