Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
The Indigenous Student Bursary provides financial assistance to self-identified Indigenous students with financial need who are attending a publicly assisted college or university, or a recognized Indigenous Institute in Ontario. It is distributed by each institution’s financial aid office and does not require a separate OSAP application to access.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible if you meet all of the following:
- You self-identify as an Indigenous person in Canada — that is, First Nations, Métis, or Inuk (Inuit).
- You are attending a publicly assisted college or university in Ontario, or a recognized Indigenous Institute in Ontario.
- Your program is an approved post-secondary academic program (such as a degree or diploma) or a training program (such as an apprenticeship).
- You meet citizenship and Ontario residency requirements as outlined in the OSAP Application for Full-Time Students.
- You meet the financial need criteria set by your institution.
- You meet any additional eligibility requirements set by your school — contact your financial aid office for details.
Important — OSAP Applicants Must Apply Separately:
You do not need to apply for OSAP to be considered for the Indigenous Student Bursary. However, if you have applied for OSAP for Full-Time or Part-Time Students, you must still submit a separate Indigenous Student Bursary application through your school — it is not automatically assessed as part of your OSAP application.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount varies and is determined by your school. Typically, bursary values range from $1,000 to $3,500, though institutions have discretion to set individual award amounts. Contact your school’s financial aid office for the specific amounts available at your institution.
How to Apply
Apply using your school’s own Indigenous Student Bursary application form — not through OSAP directly. Your school’s application will specify which supporting documents are required. Deadlines, documentation requirements, and the review process vary by institution, so contact your financial aid office early in the academic year to confirm the details.
How the Bursary Is Issued
Each institution determines how the bursary is issued and paid to students. Contact your school’s financial aid office or Registrar for information on how and when you would receive your funding if approved.
Other Ontario Student Aid Options
Indigenous students may also be eligible for the Métis Student Bursary Program (for verified MNO citizens), the Ontario Indigenous Travel Grant (for First Nations students in remote communities), and federal Canada Student Grants. Explore the full Ontario Funding overview for all available programs.
Ready to find a program? Explore eligible schools today.
