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 | 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, you may wish to apply for government student loans and/or grants. Click here for more information.

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. 

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.  

Student Connect Centre
Room 1102 | Red Deer Polytechnic
Box 5005 - 100 College Blvd, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H5
t: 403.342.3254 | f: 403.342.3262 | e: studentconnect [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca
Click here to book an appointment with the Student Connect Centre