First Nations, Métis and Inuit Bursary
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Bursary
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Bursary is a return of service bursary for full-time students in any year of post-secondary school.
Important dates
Between February 1 to June 1 and June 5 to November 15 of each year, you may apply for the complete year of studies that starts in the fall between both intakes.
Applicants who applied in the first intake will be advised of their status through the application platform by the end of August.
Applicants who apply in the second intake will be advised of their status through the application platform by the second week of January.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Overview
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) bursary program provides funding for Indigenous students in the form of a non-repayable bursary if you agree to live and work in northern Alberta for one year of full-time employment in return for each year of bursary support received. Employment must be in your field of studies for which the bursary was provided.
The goal of this bursary is to assist FNMI students to obtain the skills and knowledge to enter or re-enter the workforce in northern Alberta.
Find out more about how the bursary and working in the north can change your life.
Funding
Students in pre-apprenticeship training, or in a certificate or diploma studies can access up to $7,000 for their studies. Students in a Bachelor’s, Masters’ or PhD program can access up to $11,500 per year for any year of their studies.
Students must apply for the bursary for each year they want to be considered.
Selected recipients must sign a return of service agreement with Advanced Education.
Eligibility
- Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Person.
- Resident of Alberta for 12 consecutive months before the start of your program.
- Have applied for or enrolled in a full-time program in a post-secondary school that is designated for provincial funding.
- Registered in a program that is at least 12 weeks in length for half of a bursary or 16 weeks for a full bursary.
- Plan to live and work in northern Alberta upon completion of your program and sign a return of service agreement.
- 18 years of age or older.
- Must not be in default of a provincial student loan.
- Provide proof of Indigenous ancestry – First Nations status card, Métis card, Inuit card, letter from your Band or Metis Settlement, or a letter from an Indigenous organization you are actively involved with.
How to apply
Step 1. Create your Alberta.ca Account
You need a verified Alberta.ca Account to submit your application. Verifying your account can take up to 2 weeks.
Step 2. Gather supporting documents
Attach the following PDF or JPG files to your application:
- a copy of the front and back of your status card or a letter from your band, settlement or Indigenous organization
- most recent unofficial transcripts
- resume (optional)
Step 3. Submit the application
Complete the application form fully, attach supporting documents and answer the essay questions clearly and concisely on the online application platform.
Log in troubleshooting
If you are experiencing problems signing into the application portal with your Alberta.ca Account and receiving the following message “Sorry, we can’t find the page you’re looking for…”, clear your cache and browsing history. This will fix the problem and you will be able to access the bursary application site.
After you apply
Important
Students cannot receive the NADC Bursary, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Bursary, Northern Student Teacher Bursary or the Bursary Partnership Program during the same academic year.
You can apply for all the bursaries you are eligible for, but if selected for more than one bursary, you will be contacted to determine which bursary you would like to proceed with.
If you apply for the bursary during the first intake that ends June 1, you will be advised of your status by the last week of August.
If your application is received during the second intake that ends November 15, you will be advised of your status in mid-January.
Monitor your application for any comments, questions, or status updates through the application platform.
Selected recipients will receive the return of service agreement by email along with directions to continue the award process.
If selected, the Program Administrators will follow up with you to monitor completion of your return of service commitment. If you do not fulfill your commitment, you will be asked to repay the bursary.
Contact
Connect with the Program Administrators:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed 12 pm to 1 pm and statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-624-6545
Email: bursariesnad@gov.ab.ca