First Nations Adult Secondary Education Program
This program supports the implementation and expansion of secondary programming to adults on reserve.
On this page
About the program
The First Nation Adult Secondary Education (FNASE) program provides funding for the implementation and expansion of programming supporting adults ordinarily resident on reserve in accessing, preparing for, upgrading, completing, or obtaining equivalency to secondary education. This includes supporting community-based initiatives that encourage adult enrolment in secondary programming supported by the Elementary and Secondary Education Program (ESE).
FNASE is available to First Nations who have identified their preference to utilize a post-secondary mechanism to deliver Adult Education Investment Implementation and Expansion funding. An elementary and secondary mechanism is also available, under (ESE). In addition, recipients may combine the ESE and Post-Secondary Education (PSE)/FNASE mechanisms to deliver Implementation and Expansion funding.
The overall aim of the program is to support the above by:
- providing resources and services that contribute to student success
- supporting First Nations' diverse visions of culturally-appropriate lifelong learning
- closing the education attainment gap
Note that FNASE does not support activities that fall under the University and College Entrance Preparation Program.
Who can apply
Eligible recipients to receive funding include the following:
- organizations designated by First Nations, including but not limited to:
- band council of recognized First Nations bands
- bands or settlements
- tribal councils
- education organizations
- political or treaty organizations engaged by or on behalf of First Nations
- First Nations established post-secondary education institutions
Deadline
Contact your ISC regional office to confirm regional deadlines and procedures.
How to apply
FNASE funding is based on work plans, proposals, and other agreed-upon process and assessment criteria regionally determined with First Nations partners. There is no formal application process.
Approved funding amounts will be based on the available regional allocations. Regional offices will then determine recipient allocations to support eligible activities and expenditures.
To find out more, contact your regional office. Additional details are available in the current program guidelines: First Nations Adult Secondary Education Program: National Program Guidelines 2026 to 2027.
Previous guidelines
First Nations Adult Secondary Education Program: National Program Guidelines 2025 to 2026.
To find out more, contact Indigenous Services Canada by email at education-education@sac-isc.gc.ca.