Scholarships and Bursaries for Indigenous Students

Indspire is a national Indigenous-led charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. The Building Brighter Futures program is its flagship bursary and scholarship fund, distributing over $20 million per year to Indigenous students.

• Building Brighter Futures: Awards from $1,000 to $10,000+ per year
• Open to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students at any Canadian post-secondary institution
• Annual application cycle — apply at indspire.ca
• Awards for undergrad, graduate, trades, and college programs

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) funds post-secondary education support through First Nations and Inuit communities.

• Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP): Funding distributed through First Nations bands and tribal councils
• Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy: Through Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
• Contact your First Nation band office or tribal council for PSSSP funding
• Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool at sac-isc.gc.ca lists hundreds of community-specific bursaries

Several major Canadian corporations and foundations offer dedicated Indigenous scholarships:

• TD Scholarships for Indigenous People: Up to $60,000 total (4-year program + $10,000/year)
• Canada Post Awards for Indigenous Students: Non-repayable bursaries for adults returning to education
• Scotiabank Scholarship for Indigenous Students: $5,000/year renewable for up to 4 years
• Métis Nation of Ontario Bursary Program: For MNO-registered Métis students
• First Nations University of Canada Entrance Bursary: For students at FNUniv