Post-Secondary Student Support Program
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provides financial assistance to First Nations students who are enrolled in eligible post-secondary programs.
On this page
About the program
The program aims to improve the socio-economic outcomes for First Nations by supporting First Nations in providing eligible students with funding to access education opportunities at the post-secondary level. This is consistent with the principle of First Nations control of First Nations education.
To be eligible for funding, students must maintain a satisfactory academic standing within an eligible post-secondary institution. These include:
- educational institutions affiliated with, or those that deliver post-secondary programs by arrangement with a post-secondary institution
- First Nations-designated and directed institutions
Funding for this program is provided to First Nations or First Nations-designated organizations as part of core funding agreements with Indigenous governments and organizations.
First Nations are responsible for determining the selection criteria and funding allocations in accordance with the provisions of their funding agreement and national program guidelines.
Eligible costs covered by the program can include:
- tuition
- books
- travel support
- living allowances
The maximum amount payable per full time student cannot exceed $53,000 per year.
On an extraordinary and justified basis, the maximum amount payable per year for a student in an advanced or professional degree program or a masters or doctoral program, may exceed $53,000 up to a maximum of $90,000.
No student is automatically entitled to this amount.
Who can apply
Status First Nations post-secondary students who maintain satisfactory academic standing within an eligible post-secondary institution.
Funding is limited and not all students may be funded. Partial funding may be provided. Applications are valid for 1 school year only.
To learn more, contact your local band office or ISC regional office.
Inuit students who formerly received funding through PSSSP should apply through the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy.
Deadline
Contact your local band office or ISC regional office to find out when to apply for funding.
How to apply
First Nations students who want to pursue post-secondary studies and access available funding programs should contact their local band office or ISC regional office.
To learn more please consult the Post-Secondary Student Support Program and University and College Entrance Preparation Program: National Guidelines 2024 to 2025.
National program guidelines for previous year
Additional financial assistance for Indigenous students
The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program offers grants and loans to full-time and part-time students to help pay for their post-secondary education.
To apply with your province or territory, please visit: Canada Student Grants and Loans.
Other resources for financial assistance: