Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Important Update for 2025–2026:
Federal student bursaries in Canada are dedicated funding programs for Indigenous post-secondary students — administered through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation organizations. Funding amounts and availability vary by organization and year. Contact your local Indigenous organization or band office for current application details.
Federal student bursaries are a form of non-repayable financial assistance targeted at specific groups of students with demonstrated need. At the federal level, Canada’s student bursary programs are dedicated to supporting Indigenous post-secondary students — including members of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.
These programs are administered through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and delivered in partnership with Indigenous organizations across the country. Unlike Canada Student Grants or Canada Student Loans, federal bursaries flow through community organizations first — meaning the application process is managed locally, not through a provincial student aid portal.
This page outlines the three main federal bursary programs, who they’re for, how much you can receive, and how to apply.
Bursaries, Grants, and Scholarships — What’s the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things in the context of federal student aid:
- Bursaries are non-repayable awards for students from specific communities or socio-economic circumstances — in the federal context, this means Indigenous students.
- Grants are non-repayable funding based on financial need, available to a broader range of Canadian students through the standard student aid application. See Canada Student Grants.
- Scholarships are non-repayable awards based primarily on academic merit. See Canada Student Scholarships.
All three are non-repayable — none of them need to be paid back.
Federal Bursary Programs at a Glance
There are three federal bursary programs, each serving one of Canada’s three Indigenous groups. All are funded through Indigenous Services Canada and distributed through designated Indigenous organizations.
Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP)
The main federal bursary for First Nations post-secondary students. Funding covers tuition, books, travel, and living costs. Distributed through First Nations-designated organizations, which set their own selection criteria and deadlines.
Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy
Provides funding to Inuit students enrolled in post-secondary programs, covering application fees, tuition, books, transportation, childcare, and living costs. Funding is received by Inuit organizations, which distribute 75% directly to eligible students.
Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy
Supports Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education by distributing federal funding through regional Métis organizations. Covers tuition, books, travel, childcare, and day-to-day living expenses. Additional funds support Métis education governance and community programs.
Important:
Federal bursary funding is limited and not guaranteed to every eligible applicant. Funds are first allocated to Indigenous organizations, which then distribute them to students based on their own selection criteria. Apply early and contact your local organization for current deadlines.
What Expenses Do These Bursaries Cover?
While each program has its own coverage details, federal Indigenous bursaries are designed to cover a broad range of education-related costs, including:
- Tuition fees and application fees
- Books, supplies, and course materials
- Certification and examination fees
- Transportation to and from school, and travel home
- Childcare and support for dependants
- Rent and day-to-day living expenses
- Education support services such as tutors, counsellors, and note-takers
The specific expenses covered — and the amounts provided — depend on the program and the organization distributing the funds. Contact your local organization for a complete list of eligible expenses.
How to Apply
Federal bursaries for Indigenous students are not applied for through a provincial student aid portal. Each program flows through Indigenous organizations, which manage their own application processes.
- First Nations students should contact their local band office or an ISC regional office to learn about application requirements and deadlines for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.
- Inuit students should reach out to their local Inuit land-claim organization or Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami for information on how to apply through the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy.
- Métis Nation students should contact their regional Métis Nation organization — such as the Métis Nation of Ontario, Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, Métis Nation British Columbia, or the Manitoba Métis Federation — for application details under the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy.
Funding from each of these programs is awarded on a per-year basis. Students who wish to continue receiving support must reapply each school year.
Pro Tip:
Federal bursaries are just one source of support. The Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool, available through the Government of Canada, lists over 490 additional bursaries offered by provinces, schools, and education foundations specifically for Indigenous post-secondary students. It’s worth searching there alongside your federal application.
Can I Access Other Federal Funding Too?
Yes. Being eligible for a federal Indigenous bursary does not exclude you from other federal student aid programs. Depending on your circumstances, 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 — interest-free federal loans to help cover education and living costs
- Canada Student Scholarships — merit-based federal awards available to eligible students
Ready to find a school and start your next chapter? Explore eligible programs today.
