Education is a treaty right. The specifics are complex — and the funding has never matched the promise — but the principle is clear: the Crown committed to supporting Indigenous education as part of the treaty relationship.
What follows is a practical guide to the funding that exists, how to access it, and what to do when the system falls short.
PSSSP: the main federal program
The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) is the primary federal funding source for First Nations and Inuit post-secondary students. It's funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) but administered by your band or tribal council.
That last point matters: you apply through your band, not through the federal government. Each community sets its own selection criteria and priorities within the federal guidelines.
What PSSSP can cover
- Tuition and fees — at recognized Canadian post-secondary institutions
- Books and supplies — required course materials
- Living allowance — monthly support for rent, food, and basic living costs (amounts vary by region and family size)
- Travel — costs to get to and from school if you need to relocate, typically one return trip per year
- Child care supplement — additional support if you have dependants (not available everywhere)
Unlike provincial student loans, PSSSP funding does not need to be repaid. It's a grant. If you're eligible and funded, you won't graduate with that particular debt hanging over you.
Basic eligibility: You must be a registered Status Indian or Inuk, accepted into (or enrolled in) a post-secondary program at a recognized institution in Canada. The program must be at least one academic year in length for full funding, though shorter programs may qualify in some communities.
How to apply: Contact your band's education department or coordinator. Each community has its own application form, deadline, and process. Some communities have online portals; others use paper applications. Start early — many bands have application deadlines in spring for the following academic year (often March to June).
What to include: Typically you'll need proof of Status, a letter of acceptance from your school, transcripts (if continuing), a personal statement or education plan, and sometimes a budget or financial needs assessment.
Selection criteria: When demand exceeds funding (which is almost always), bands use priority systems. Common priorities include: students returning to complete a program, students entering their final year, first-time applicants, and students in fields relevant to community needs.
The underfunding reality
Here's what the official program descriptions won't tell you: PSSSP has been chronically underfunded for decades. From 1996 to 2016, the federal government imposed a 2% annual funding cap on increases to Indigenous post-secondary education spending — during a period when non-Indigenous post-secondary costs rose by more than 6% annually.
The result: thousands of eligible students are waitlisted or denied every year. Estimates suggest that 10,000 or more First Nations students are turned away annually — not because they aren't qualified, but because the money isn't there.
The 2% cap was lifted in Budget 2019, and funding has increased since then, but the gap built up over two decades hasn't been closed. If your band tells you there's a waitlist, that's likely the reason.
If you're denied or waitlisted for PSSSP, it almost certainly has nothing to do with your qualifications or potential. It's a funding shortfall, not a judgement. Keep reading for other options.
Other funding sources
Indspire
Indspire is an Indigenous-led charity that provides scholarships and bursaries to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis students across Canada. They distribute millions of dollars annually through the Building Brighter Futures program.
- Awards range from $2,000 to $40,000+
- Open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
- Applications typically open in spring and fall
- Apply at indspire.ca
Indspire — Building Brighter Futures
The largest Indigenous scholarship program in Canada. Indspire distributes millions annually to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis students across every field of study. Awards range from $2,000 to $40,000+. Applications typically open in spring and fall. This should be on every Indigenous student's list — apply at indspire.ca.
NACCA Scholarships
The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association offers scholarships for Indigenous students in business, finance, and economic development programs. If you're studying anything related to business or community economics, check nacca.ca for current offerings.
University-specific Indigenous awards
Almost every Canadian university and college has Indigenous-specific scholarships, bursaries, and emergency funds. These are often undersubscribed because students don't know they exist. Contact your school's Indigenous student services office early — they know about funding that isn't widely advertised and can help you navigate applications.
Provincial government Indigenous student grants
Most provinces offer Indigenous-specific student grants and bursaries. In BC, the Irving K. Barber BC Scholarship Society and BC Achievement Foundation offer Indigenous awards. Alberta has the Belcourt Brosseau Metis Awards. Ontario has the Ontario Indigenous Travel Grant. Check your province's student aid website — search "[your province] Indigenous student grants."
Private foundations
Several private foundations fund Indigenous post-secondary students:
- Ted Rogers Scholarship Fund — for business, technology, or communications students. Includes mentorship.
- Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) — scholarships in economic development and business. Smaller amounts but less competitive.
- RBC Royal Eagle — scholarships for Indigenous students in various disciplines
- TD Chicken Chicken Award — for community-focused Indigenous students
New programs are created regularly. A quick search for "Indigenous scholarships Canada" will surface current opportunities.
Your nation's own programs
Some First Nations with own-source revenue (from treaties, land claims settlements, or business income) run their own education funding programs separate from PSSSP. These may have different (sometimes more generous) terms. Ask your band's education department.
Many Indigenous scholarships go unclaimed every year because not enough people apply. Cast a wide net. Personalize each application — a generic letter won't stand out, but a specific one that connects your story to the award criteria will. Apply to PSSSP, Indspire, provincial programs, university awards, and every private scholarship you qualify for. Overlap is allowed and expected.
Provincial student aid
You can apply for provincial student loans and grants even if you receive PSSSP. In fact, if PSSSP doesn't cover your full costs, provincial aid can fill the gap. Be aware that provincial loans are repayable debt — but the grant portions are not.
Also note: if your income is tax-exempt under Section 87, this affects your assessed income on student aid applications. You may qualify for more aid than you expect.
Tips for applying successfully
- Start early. PSSSP deadlines are often 6-12 months before the school year. Missing the deadline can mean waiting an entire year.
- Talk to your band's education coordinator. They know the local process, the priorities, and the timeline. Build that relationship before you need the money.
- Apply to everything. Don't rely on one source. Apply to PSSSP, Indspire, provincial aid, and every scholarship you qualify for. Overlap is allowed and expected.
- Keep your grades up. Many programs prioritize students in good academic standing. If you're struggling, ask for support before it affects your funding.
- Document everything. Keep copies of every application, every decision letter, every email. If you need to appeal, you'll want a paper trail.
- Write a strong personal statement. Explain what you're studying, why it matters to you and your community, and what you plan to do with your education. Be specific.
If you or your family can set money aside, a TFSA is an excellent vehicle for education savings — especially if your income is tax-exempt (making RESPs less advantageous). Even small amounts saved consistently can cover the gaps that PSSSP doesn't reach.
When funding is denied or delayed
This happens too often. Here's what you can do:
1. Get the reason in writing. Ask your band's education department for a written explanation of why you were denied or waitlisted. You have the right to know.
2. Ask about the appeal process. Most bands have an appeal or review mechanism. If they don't have a formal one, request a meeting with the education committee or Chief and Council.
3. Contact ISC directly. If you believe your band isn't following PSSSP guidelines, you can raise the issue with Indigenous Services Canada's regional office. This is a last resort and should be handled respectfully — but it's your right.
4. Talk to your school. Universities and colleges often have emergency bursaries, deferred payment arrangements, and Indigenous student support staff who can help bridge the gap while funding is sorted out.
5. Don't withdraw silently. If you're going to miss a semester because of funding, tell your school's registrar and Indigenous student services. They may be able to defer your enrollment without academic penalty.
6. Apply for interim funding. Indspire has an emergency assistance category. Some provincial programs also have mid-year application windows. Your school's financial aid office may know about other emergency options.
Some PSSSP administrators reduce your funding if you receive other scholarships. Others don't. Ask your band's education coordinator how outside awards interact with your PSSSP funding before you accept. In most cases, the policy should allow stacking — but confirm first.
Education as sovereignty
The right to education funding isn't charity. It flows from the treaty relationship and from the Crown's fiduciary obligation to First Nations peoples. Every time a student is turned away because of funding shortfalls, the Crown is falling short of its commitments.
Knowing how the system works — and knowing what you're entitled to — is how you make the system work for you. Your education benefits your community, your family, and the next generation. The funding exists to support that. Go get it.
Start with your band's education coordinator. For Indspire applications, visit indspire.ca. For provincial student aid, search "[your province] student financial assistance." For university-specific help, contact your school's Indigenous student services centre.
Last updated: March 2026