Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
The Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy provides non-repayable financial support to Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education. Funding flows through Métis Nation Governing Members — not through a provincial student aid portal. Each Governing Member sets its own application process, deadlines, and selection criteria. Contact your regional Métis Nation organization to find out how to apply.
The Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy is a distinctions-based federal funding program supporting Métis Nation citizens in pursuing and completing post-secondary education. Administered by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and delivered through Métis Nation Governing Members, the strategy provides direct financial support for students while also funding community programs, wraparound services, and governance capacity — all in the spirit of Métis Nation control of Métis Nation education.
The strategy was co-developed with the Métis Nation in 2019 as part of the Canada–Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Sub-Accord. Its goal is to close the post-secondary education attainment gap between Métis Nation students and non-Indigenous students in Canada.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Métis Nation citizens recognized by a Métis Nation Governing Member |
| Funding amount | Varies — determined by your regional Métis Nation organization |
| Repayable? | No — non-repayable bursary |
| Application valid for | One school year — must reapply annually |
| Who administers it | Métis Nation Governing Members (see list below) |
| How to apply | Contact your regional Métis Nation Governing Member |
| Guidelines in effect | Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy National Guidelines 2025–2026 (effective April 1, 2025) |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding under the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy, you must:
- Be a Métis Nation citizen recognized by one of the Métis Nation Governing Members (see list below).
- 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 Métis Nation Governing Member, which may include residency requirements, proof of Métis citizenship, academic standing, or a student action plan.
Each Governing Member determines its own mechanisms and criteria for distributing funding to eligible students. Meeting the national eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding — availability depends on the resources in your region and the number of applicants.
Important:
Funding decisions and appeals are handled entirely at the local level by your Métis Nation Governing Member. You cannot appeal a funding decision to ISC. If you have questions about eligibility or your application, contact your Governing Member directly.
Who Delivers the Funding
Federal funding is distributed through the Métis National Council and its five Governing Members — each representing Métis Nation citizens in a specific province. Contact the organization that represents your region:
| Governing Member | Province |
|---|---|
| Métis Nation British Columbia | British Columbia |
| Métis Nation of Alberta | Alberta |
| Métis Nation Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan |
| Manitoba Métis Federation | Manitoba |
| Métis Nation of Ontario | Ontario |
The Métis National Council also receives a small portion of annual funding to support national governance capacity, data collection, and partnership development on behalf of all Governing Members.
What Expenses Are Covered?
The strategy supports a broad range of direct student expenses. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to:
- Tuition fees and application fees
- Books and course materials
- Travel to and from school, and travel home
- Childcare and support for dependants
- Rent and day-to-day living expenses
- Daily transportation costs
- Education support services such as tutors, note-takers, and counsellors
- Technology and internet access to support distance or online learning from home communities
Beyond direct student support, the strategy also funds wraparound services including mentorship, Elder guidance, career counselling, cultural education, and life-skills development — helping Métis Nation students build the supports they need to succeed in and beyond their studies.
Note: Retroactive funding for studies in a previous fiscal or academic year is not permitted.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount you receive is determined by your regional Métis Nation Governing Member based on your individual needs, local funding availability, and the selection criteria in place. There is no single national maximum set for individual students — amounts vary by organization, region, and year.
Funding is limited. When demand exceeds available resources, Governing Members apply their own priority criteria. Applying early is strongly recommended. Some organizations operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Apply
This strategy is not applied for through a provincial student aid portal. You apply directly through the Métis Nation Governing Member that represents your province:
- Identify your Governing Member using the table above.
- Contact that organization to obtain application forms, find out the deadline, confirm what documentation is required, and learn about any local eligibility criteria.
- Submit your application before your organization’s deadline. Funding is awarded for one school year only — you must reapply each year you wish to continue receiving support.
Local guidelines and application details must be publicly available through each Governing Member’s website or office. If you are unsure which organization represents you, contact the Métis National Council for direction.
Pro Tip:
Requirements and timelines vary significantly between Governing Members. Contact your organization as early as possible — ideally before you finalize your school or program choice — so you understand what support may be available and can plan your finances accordingly. Some organizations require proof of Métis citizenship and a student action plan before your application can be processed.
Other Funding You May Be Eligible For
The Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy is one part of a broader set of supports available to Métis Nation 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.
