Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
The PSSSP provides non-repayable financial support to First Nations students registered under the Indian Act who are pursuing post-secondary education. The maximum payable is $53,000 per year for most programs, and up to $90,000 per year for advanced or professional degree programs on an extraordinary and justified basis. No student is automatically entitled to the maximum — funding is limited and distributed through your local First Nations organization.
The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) is the main federal bursary for First Nations post-secondary students. Administered by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and delivered through First Nations-designated organizations, it provides non-repayable financial support to help First Nations students access and complete post-secondary education — from certificates and diplomas to undergraduate and advanced degree programs.
This program is grounded in the principle of First Nations control of First Nations education. That means funding flows to First Nations organizations first, and those organizations determine their own selection criteria, priorities, and deadlines within the national guidelines set by ISC.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who it’s for | First Nations students registered under the Indian Act |
| Maximum per year | $53,000 (most programs); up to $90,000 for advanced/professional programs |
| Repayable? | No — non-repayable bursary |
| Application valid for | One school year — must reapply annually |
| Who administers it | First Nations-designated organizations (band offices, tribal councils, education organizations) |
| How to apply | Contact your local band office or ISC regional office |
| Guidelines in effect | PSSSP National Guidelines 2025–2026 (effective April 1, 2025) |
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for PSSSP funding, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a First Nations student registered under the Indian Act.
- Be enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program at a designated institution — this includes certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, graduate and professional programs, and university/college entrance preparation programs.
- Maintain satisfactory academic standing as determined by the First Nations organization administering the funding.
- Be attending an eligible institution recognized by a Canadian province or territory, a First Nations-designated and directed institution, or — in some cases — an accredited institution outside Canada.
Additional eligibility factors are set locally by each First Nations organization. Some communities may apply their own priority criteria when demand exceeds available funding.
Important:
Students whose band or community is located in the Northwest Territories are generally not eligible for PSSSP, as the NWT government provides its own grants and bursaries for residents. Students previously funded through PSSSP who identify as Inuit should now apply through the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy instead.
Eligible Programs
PSSSP funding can be provided for a wide range of post-secondary programs, including:
- University and college entrance preparation programs
- Certificate and diploma programs at colleges and community colleges
- Undergraduate degree programs
- Graduate, post-graduate, and advanced professional programs
- Programs offered at First Nations-designated and directed institutions
- Programs at eligible institutions outside Canada (subject to regional ISC approval and accreditation documentation)
What Expenses Are Covered?
PSSSP funding can cover a broad range of education-related costs. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
| Education Costs | Living & Support Costs |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Living allowance (rates set locally) |
| Application fees | Travel to and from school |
| Books and course materials | Childcare and dependent support |
| Student fees and supplies | Accommodation costs |
| Tutoring and counselling services | Transportation (daily) |
| Note-takers and academic support | Other education-related living expenses |
Note: Retroactive funding for studies in a previous fiscal or academic year is not permitted. Travel support does not include moving expenses such as the removal of household effects.
How Much Can You Receive?
The national guidelines set the following maximums — but the actual amount you receive depends on your individual circumstances, the funding available through your local organization, and any local priority criteria in place:
- Up to $53,000 per year for most full-time post-secondary students.
- Up to $90,000 per year on an extraordinary and justified basis for students in advanced or professional degree programs, or master’s and doctoral programs.
These are maximum allowable amounts — no student is automatically entitled to either figure. Funding is limited, and not all eligible students may receive full funding. Partial funding may be provided where demand exceeds available resources.
How to Apply
PSSSP funding is not applied for through a provincial student aid portal. The application process is managed locally by your First Nations organization. To apply:
- Contact your local band office or ISC regional office to find out the application process, deadlines, and any local selection criteria that apply to your community.
- Gather required documentation — typically proof of Indian Act registration, proof of enrolment, and academic transcripts.
- Submit your application by your community’s deadline. Applications are valid for one school year only — you must reapply every year you wish to continue receiving support.
Pro Tip:
Deadlines and selection criteria vary significantly between communities. Contact your band office as early as possible — ideally before you finalize your school or program choice — so you understand what funding may be available and can plan accordingly. Some communities prioritize students based on program type, academic standing, or community need.
Other Funding You May Be Eligible For
PSSSP is just one source of support available to First Nations post-secondary students. You may also qualify for:
- Canada Student Grants — non-repayable federal funding for low- and middle-income students, assessed through your provincial application
- Canada Student Loans — permanently interest-free federal loans to help cover education and living costs
- Provincial and territorial Indigenous-specific funding programs — visit your provincial funding overview to see what’s available where you live
- The Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool (available through the Government of Canada) lists over 490 additional bursaries from provinces, schools, and education foundations specifically for Indigenous post-secondary students
Ready to find a program? Explore eligible schools today.
