Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2026–2027:
The Business Council of Manitoba Indigenous Education Awards provide a $3,000 annual award to eligible Indigenous students attending recognized Manitoba post-secondary institutions. Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are open online. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2026. Students may receive the award a maximum of three times.
The Business Council of Manitoba (BCM) Indigenous Education Awards (IEA) provide financial assistance to Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education at recognized Manitoba institutions. Established in 2001 in partnership with the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada, the program has awarded more than 3,000 awards totalling close to $8 million to date. Funding can be used however students need — tuition, books, living expenses, or other costs related to their studies.
The program is open to students in any discipline and at any recognized Manitoba institution. Students who are already receiving funding from other sources — including band funding or other government programs — may still apply to use IEA funding to cover additional costs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the IEA, you must meet all of the following:
- Be of Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).
- Be a Canadian citizen and permanent resident of Manitoba, having resided in the province for at least the last 12 consecutive months.
- Be attending or planning to attend one of the recognized Manitoba post-secondary institutions (see list below) in the upcoming academic year, in any discipline.
- Maintain full-time status — a minimum course load of 60%.
- Demonstrate financial need.
Masters and PhD students are not eligible for the IEA.
Eligible Institutions
- Assiniboine Community College
- Booth University College
- Brandon University
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology
- Providence University College and Theological Seminary
- Red River College Polytechnic
- Université de Saint-Boniface
- University College of the North
- University of Manitoba
- University of Winnipeg
New for 2025: SCO Health Care Partnership
Beginning in 2025, the BCM has partnered with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and the Province of Manitoba to offer up to 30 additional awards of $3,000 each annually for students from SCO member Nations who are pursuing careers in the health care field. Students from SCO member Nations interested in health care programs should check with the SCO directly for details on this stream.
How Much Can You Get?
Each recipient receives $3,000, regardless of the type of institution attended. The award can be applied to any education-related costs including tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses. Students may receive the IEA a maximum of three times total — they may reapply each year until this limit is reached.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the Business Council of Manitoba’s application portal. If you are unable to complete the online application, contact the BCM directly to request a fillable PDF version or assistance.
Your application will need to include your personal and contact information, details about your program and institution, income and financial information, a copy of your most recent transcript or academic history (or a letter of reference if you have been out of school), and a written essay of approximately one page. The essay should cover your personal background, a time you experienced hardship, your educational and career goals, and your community involvement.
Applications are assessed based on a combination of personal achievement, academic standing, financial need, community involvement, and market employment needs. Successful applicants are notified by email.
Important:
The deadline to apply for the 2026–2027 academic year is May 31, 2026. You may submit your application before your classes have started. If you have questions, contact the Business Council of Manitoba at 204-942-3637.
Other Financial Aid Options
The IEA can be combined with other sources of funding. Manitoba and federal programs you may also be eligible for include the Manitoba Student Loan, the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative, Canada Student Grants, Canada Student Loans, Federal Student Scholarships, and Federal Student Bursaries. Indigenous students may also want to explore federal bursary programs through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) and the Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy.
Ready to find a program? Explore eligible schools today.
