Indigenous Student Funding
Take advantage of the various financial aid and award opportunities available to Indigenous students. Questions about your options? Red Deer Polytechnic's Indigenous Student Services and Student Connect Centre are here to help you.
Indigenous Services Canada (ICS)
The following ISC programs provide financial assistance to Indigenous students throughout their educational journey:
- Metis students may access funding through the Metis Nation Post-Secondary Education Strategy. Contact Rupertsland Institute to find out more.
- Inuit students may access funding through the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy. Contact Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami or the Freehorse Family Wellness Society to discuss this funding opportunity.
- Treaty/Status First Nations students may access and funding through the University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) for high school level upgrading courses and/or Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for college level courses. Discuss these opportunities with your local Band office, ISC regional office or the Freehorse Family Wellness Society.
Rupertsland Institute
4945 49 St, Red Deer | 403.342.6636 | rupertsland.org
Rupertsland Institute supports Metis learners in their pursuit of higher education and employment. Financial aid is available for the following training opportunities:
- Post-Secondary
- Apprenticeship
- Pre-Employment
- Self-Employment Improvement
- Barriers to Employment
- Summer Work Experience
- Disability Services
- EI or Income Support
In order to access these financial supports, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be of Metis ancestry
- Must currently reside in Alberta
- Must demonstrate a need for training or re-training
- Must be ready, willing and able to begin training
If you meet the eligibility listed above, contact Rupertsland Institute to begin the application process. Don't wait until the last minute! Applications must be submitted one month prior to your training start date.
Community Futures Treaty 7 (CFT7) Indigenous Career and Employment Services
Employment Placement and Support Services | 2830 Bremner Ave, Red Deer, AB T4R1M9
Ph: (403) 343-6249 | Toll Free: 1-877-643-6249 | Email: chitchcock [at] epssworks [dot] com (chitchcock[at]epssworks[dot]com) | t7edc.com
Community Futures Treaty 7 (CFT7) Indigenous Career and Employment Services provides financial assistance and employment counselling to urban (off-reserve) Indigenous students who are First Nations, Inuit and Non-Status who reside within Treaty 7. Programming is designed for both self-service clients and clients who require employment assistance. Clients can access services from our job search resource center or receive one-on-one Career Counselling Services. Financial aid is available for the following:
- Post-Secondary (final year of study)
- Apprenticeship
- Pre-Employment
- Self-Employment Improvement
- Barriers to Employment, Job Insecurity and Wage Subsidies
- Summer Work Experience
In order to access these financial supports, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must have a Certificate of Indian Status or proof of Non-Status or Inuit Status
- Must reside in Red Deer Innisfail, Penhold, Sylvan Lake and area within Treaty 7 and must not be living on-reserve
- Must demonstrate a need for training or retraining
- Must be ready, willing and able to begin training
If you meet the eligibility outlined above, contact CFT7 to begin the application process. Do not delay! It is recommended you begin the application process at least 6 weeks prior to your program start date.
Student Loans and Grants
If you are unable to obtain Indigenous funding for your studies, or you would like to maximize your funding potential, you may wish to apply for government student loans and/or grants. Click here for more information. Please note: it is imperative for applicants to disclose their intention to apply for government student loans/grants with their Indigenous funding source to ensure both can be received simultaneously.
Awards and Scholarships
Red Deer Polytechnic Awards & Scholarships: Click here to view Red Deer Polytechnic's current award and scholarship opportunities.
Aboriginal Business Leadership Award: Are you an indigenous student pursuing education in business and/or commerce? You may be eligible for an Aboriginal Business Leadership Award! Apply annually each fall. There are 17 awards available for the 2023-2024 academic year, each valued at $1,500. The deadline to apply is November 20, 2023.
AltaLink Indigenous Student Awards: Click here for more information.
ATCO Indigenous Education Awards Program: Click here for more information.
Belcourt Brosseau Metis Awards: Click here for more information.
First Nation, Metis and Inuit Northern Alberta Development Council Bursary: Receive bursary funds in exchange for post-education work in the north. Click here for more information.
Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool: Use this search tool to uncover many hidden scholarship, award, and bursary opportunities available to you!
Indigenous Careers Award: Available to apply for twice annually (Fall and Winter terms). Application dates vary by year. When available to apply for, the application is accessed here.
Indspire: Various award, scholarship and bursary opportunities - click here for more information.
National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund: First Nations and Metis citizens seeking pursuing education aimed at healing, reconciliation and knowledge building may apply for the NIB Trust Fund. Click here for more information.