Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
The Métis Student Bursary Program provides bursaries to Métis students at 43 Ontario post-secondary institutions through the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Bursary Endowment Fund. Applications open each fall following registration at a partner institution, deadlines are school-specific, and bursary recipients are announced in the winter. Students may reapply each year.
The funding amount varies based on funds available each year. Questions about the program can be directed to the MNO at PSEsupport@metisnation.org.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MNO Métis Student Bursary Program, you must:
- Be a verified MNO citizen
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be an Ontario resident for at least 12 months before the start of your studies
- Be a current student enrolled at one of the 43 partner post-secondary institutions listed below
- Demonstrate financial need
Important — MNO Citizenship Required:
This bursary is open to verified MNO citizens only. You must hold MNO citizenship or have a letter of eligibility from the MNO Registry. For information on MNO citizenship policies and registration, visit metisnation.org/registry.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the partner institution where you are enrolled — contact the Financial Aid Office, Indigenous Student Liaison Centre, or Student Support Services at your school. Applications are also available through the MNO’s online portal at metisnation.smapply.io. Apply after registering for school in the fall; deadlines vary by institution. For questions, contact PSEsupport@metisnation.org.
Targeted Bursaries
In addition to the general MNO Métis Student Bursary available at all partner institutions, the following targeted bursaries are available at specific schools. Contact your institution or the MNO to confirm current availability.
Hydro One Métis Nation of Ontario Bursary for Energy Education
Institution: Northern College
Available to Métis students who demonstrate financial need, are Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Ontario, are at least 18 years of age, and are enrolled in the Electrical Engineering Technician Program or Technology Program at Northern College. A short essay may be required.
Métis Nation of Ontario and Detour Gold Bursary
Institutions: Northern College and Collège Boréal
Available to MNO citizens in Region 3 who are not registered as an “Indian” under the Indian Act or as an Inuk on an Inuit registry, and who are pursuing education and training that relates to or supports the mining sector in Ontario. A written component may be required.
Sault College MNO Powley Electrical Award
Institution: Sault College
Available to Métis students who demonstrate financial need, are Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Ontario, are at least 18 years of age, and are enrolled at Sault College pursuing studies in the electrical sector. A short essay may be required.
Cambrian College Métis Bursary
Institution: Cambrian College
Available to Métis students at Cambrian College who demonstrate financial need, are Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Ontario, demonstrate current involvement in extracurricular activities, and have a minimum B− average at Cambrian College. A short essay may be required.
Dr. Tony Belcourt Endowment Fund for Métis in the Arts
Institution: OCAD University
Available to Métis students at OCAD University who demonstrate financial need; are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons; are residents of Ontario; and are enrolled in full-time or part-time undergraduate studies. Students applying or pursuing research in the field of Aboriginal Visual Culture will receive priority.
Joseph Poitras Métis Bursary Fund
Established in recognition of Joseph Poitras’s strong advocacy for Métis educational opportunities, this bursary is for a Métis individual who has demonstrated both financial need and a desire to improve their life or employability through additional education or training programs. It is not restricted to high school students and has no upper age limit. Limited funds are also available for educational application fees. Preference is given to applicants with a connection to the Oshawa Durham Region Métis community, but this does not preclude consideration of others. Application deadline: October 15 of each year.
Partner Institutions
The MNO Métis Student Bursary is available at the following 43 Ontario post-secondary institutions. The targeted bursaries listed above are only available at the specific schools noted.
- Algoma University
- Algonquin College
- Brock University
- Cambrian College
- Canadore College
- Carleton University
- Collège Boréal
- Conestoga College
- Confederation College (campuses: Thunder Bay, Dryden, Fort Frances, Kenora, Geraldton, Marathon, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Wawa)
- Durham College
- Fanshawe College
- Fleming College
- George Brown College
- Georgian College
- Humber College
- Lakehead University
- Lambton College
- Laurentian University
- Loyalist College
- McMaster University
- Mohawk College
- Niagara College
- Nipissing University
- Northern College
- NOSM University
- OCAD University
- Ontario Tech University
- Queen’s University
- Sault College
- Seneca College
- Sheridan College
- St. Clair College
- St. Lawrence College
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- Trent University
- University of Guelph
- University of Ottawa
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- York University
Other Ontario Student Aid Options
MNO citizens may also be eligible for the MNO Post-Secondary Education Financial Assistance Program, the MNO PSE Travel Support Program, and Métis Regional and Community Council Bursaries. Explore the Ontario Funding overview for additional provincial student aid options.
Ready to find a program? Explore eligible schools today.
