Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
The Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy provides non-repayable financial support to Inuit post-secondary students who are beneficiaries of an Inuit land-claims agreement, regardless of where they reside in Canada. Funding is distributed through your regional Inuit land-claim organization — not through a provincial student aid portal. Contact your local organization for current application deadlines and selection criteria.
The Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy is a distinctions-based federal funding program dedicated to helping Inuit students access and complete post-secondary education. Administered by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and delivered through regional Inuit land-claim organizations, it provides non-repayable financial support covering a wide range of academic and living costs — and goes beyond direct funding to offer wraparound supports and community programming designed to help Inuit students succeed.
The strategy’s goal is to close the post-secondary education attainment gap between Inuit students and non-Indigenous students in Canada through culturally grounded, regionally delivered support.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Inuit who are beneficiaries of an Inuit land-claims agreement, anywhere in Canada |
| Funding amount | Varies — determined by your regional Inuit organization |
| Repayable? | No — non-repayable bursary |
| Application valid for | One school year — must reapply annually |
| Who administers it | Regional Inuit land-claim organizations (see list below) |
| How to apply | Contact your regional Inuit land-claim organization |
| Guidelines in effect | Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy National Guidelines 2025–2026 (effective April 1, 2025) |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding under the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy, you must:
- Be an Inuit beneficiary of an Inuit land-claims agreement. You do not need to live in your home region — Inuit students living anywhere in Canada are eligible to apply through their respective land-claim organization.
- Be enrolled in a post-secondary program at an institution offering degrees, diplomas, or certificates recognized by a provincial or territorial body.
- Meet any additional criteria set locally by your regional Inuit organization, which may include academic standing requirements or priority selection criteria when demand exceeds available funding.
Important:
If you are an Inuit student who previously received funding through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), you should now apply through this strategy instead. The PSSSP is for First Nations students registered under the Indian Act and no longer serves Inuit students.
Who Delivers the Funding
Federal funding flows through four regional Inuit land-claim organizations, each representing Inuit in a specific region of Canada. A small portion also supports Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami as the national coordination body. Contact the organization that represents your region:
| Organization | Region Represented |
|---|---|
| Inuvialuit Regional Corporation | Inuvialuit Settlement Region (Northwest Territories) |
| Makivik Corporation | Inuit of Nunavik (Quebec) |
| Nunatsiavut Government | Nunatsiavut (Newfoundland and Labrador) |
| Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated | Inuit of Nunavut |
Each organization issues its own local guidelines, application deadlines, and selection criteria consistent with the national ISC guidelines. If you are unsure which organization represents you, reach out to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami for direction.
What Expenses Are Covered?
The strategy supports a broad range of direct student expenses, including:
- Tuition fees and application fees
- Books and course supplies
- Travel costs to and from school
- Childcare and support for dependants
- Living expenses
- Mentorship, counselling, and Elder guidance
- Technology and internet access to support distance or online learning from home communities
Beyond direct student support, the strategy also funds community-based activities such as academic readiness programs, career counselling, and awareness initiatives — helping more Inuit students prepare for and succeed in post-secondary education.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount you receive is determined by your regional Inuit land-claim organization based on your individual needs, the funding available in your region, and local selection criteria. There is no single national maximum amount set for individual students — funding levels vary by region and year.
Funding is limited, and not all eligible applicants may receive full support. When demand exceeds available funds, organizations apply their own priority criteria. Applying early is strongly recommended.
How to Apply
The Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy is not applied for through a provincial student aid portal. You apply directly through the Inuit land-claim organization that represents your region:
- Identify your regional organization using the table above.
- Contact that organization to obtain application forms, find out the deadline, and learn about any local eligibility requirements or documentation needed.
- Submit your application by your organization’s deadline. Funding is awarded for one school year only — you must reapply each year you wish to continue receiving support.
Appeals for funding decisions are handled at the local level by your regional organization. You cannot appeal directly to ISC.
Pro Tip:
Even if you live far from your home region, you are still eligible to apply through your Inuit land-claim organization. Contact them as early as possible — well before you finalize your school or program choice — so you can plan your finances with a clear picture of what support may be available.
Other Funding You May Be Eligible For
The Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy is one part of a broader set of supports available to Inuit 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.
