Financial Support Information

Most universities offer scholarships. Unlike having to pay back a loan, you do not need to pay back a scholarship. Universities award scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, extracurricular activities and other distinctions.

You can apply for some scholarships and may be automatically considered for others.

A renewable scholarship is awarded for more than 1 year. Each year, you must meet the university's stated criteria to continue receiving the scholarship.

A non-renewable scholarship is awarded for 1 year only. In some cases, you can re-apply for subsequent years; in other cases, you cannot. Contact the university directly for more information.

OUInfo categorizes scholarships according to how much money they provide per year. To calculate the total value of a scholarship, multiply its per-year value by the number of years it can be renewed.

For example, a scholarship that appears in the "Under $1,500" category may look small, but if it is renewable for 4 years, it could have a total 4-year value of up to $6,000.

In comparison, a scholarship that appears in the "$3,000–$4,999" category looks larger, but if it is non-renewable (i.e., available for only 1 year), it could have a lower total value than the renewable scholarship.

Many organizations offer scholarships, awards and prizes that are often based on competition. You must actively seek out and apply for these. Do your research and remember to apply early.

Look into scholarships offered by organizations that you or your family belong to. Community groups often have scholarships available only to members and their families.

Also, many companies provide scholarships to employees and their families. Ask your parents and family about any financial support programs that may be offered through their workplace. 

OSAP is a financial aid program that can help you with the cost of college or university. Funding is available for both full- and part-time postsecondary students and is based on several factors, including family income.

The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant provides funding for students studying in priority programs in underserved and growing communities in Ontario. 

If you have enough financial resources, including other forms of government aid, to cover your expenses allowed by OSAP, OSAP may not cover all your university costs. In this case, you may want to check out personal bank loans or lines of credit. Unlike OSAP, bank loans charge interest immediately. Most banks provide specialized student loans. Contact a few local banks to compare products.

How do I find out if I am eligible for financial support?

The financial support available to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students through their communities varies.

Status First Nations Students

If you are a Status First Nation student, you can access funding through your community band council’s education department and the Post-Secondary Student Support Program. You must complete an application. Check with your community’s education officer to make sure you have the correct application, as it may vary by community.

Depending on your community’s size and priorities, not all eligible students may receive funding. If you do receive funding, the amount may not cover all university costs. Be prepared to apply for additional scholarships, bursaries and other financial aid as detailed on this page.

Inuit Students

Inuit students who have been or are residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT) or Nunavut for more than 12 months can apply for funding through:

• NWT Student Financial Assistance (NWTSFA)
• Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS)

If you live in Ontario, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation offers financial assistance and support on behalf of the Inuit community in Ontario.

Métis Students

If you are a Métis student, you may be eligible for Métis Nation of Ontario scholarships and bursaries. Métis students are not eligible for First Nations community-based funding. 

Post-Secondary Education for Métis students

When should I apply for funding?

Sooner is always better, but the application deadlines for funding may vary among communities.

A common deadline with many First Nations’ band councils for applications for fall admission is March to June.

Contact your community’s education officer to make sure you know the deadlines.

What are the most important questions I should ask my education officer before I begin university?

• What is the minimum number of courses or credits I need to keep my funding?
• Is there funding available to help cover the costs of moving to another city to go to university?
• What is the minimum grade point average I must maintain to continue to receive funding?
• What happens if I fail or withdraw from a class?
• Do you fund for the spring or summer terms?
• How and when will I receive my living allowance?
• Do I need to apply for funding each semester or just once each academic year?
• Do you make course load exceptions for students with disabilities?
• Is there any funding available that will help cover the costs to travel home for holidays or family emergencies?
• Can I receive additional funding for adaptive technology, a computer or travel-abroad opportunities?

​Do I need to have lived or be living on my reserve to be eligible for band funding?

• It depends on the rules set out by the band council. Ask the postsecondary funding coordinator if you are eligible to receive funding.
• If you have not lived on a reserve, it is important to explain or establish your connection to your community in your application to the band council.

​I have priority funding. What does that mean?

Depending on your community funding, there may be a priority arrangement in place to determine who will receive funding first. Generally, priority is given in this order:

• Continuing students – students who are coming directly from high school or are currently enrolled in postsecondary studies.
• Wait-listed students – students who previously applied for funding but were not funded due to lack of funds.
• Returning students – students who previously received funding and then interrupted their studies for more than 1 academic term and are now continuing their studies.
• New students – students who are applying for a postsecondary program who have never received funding.

What portion of tuition will be paid by the community?

You will receive a sponsorship letter from your education officer that confirms the maximum amount of tuition that will be covered for the term.

These amounts are usually enough to cover the cost of tuition and other student fees but, depending on your program and its associated costs, the funding you receive may not cover everything.

Be sure to look into scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial aid as detailed on this page.