Funding Opportunities for Indigenous Students

Scholarships for Indigenous students in STEM fields

Supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada with various award levels.

Awards for Indigenous graduate students; geoscience student recently won prestigious Indigenous Scholarship.

Alberta Blue Cross

Scholarships for Indigenous students in Alberta pursuing post-secondary education.

Scholarships for Indigenous students in Alberta

Provides up to $11,500 per year for up to 4 years for Indigenous students in master's or PhD programs in Alberta. Administered by Alberta Student Aid. Helps offset tuition, textbooks, transportation, and living expenses.

A $12,000 one-time scholarship for Indigenous graduate students enrolled in Alberta graduate programs. Requires enrollment at 60%+ course load in a graduate program during Fall 2025 and/or Winter 2026.

Awards for Indigenous students

Education awards for Indigenous students

$6,000 bursary for full-time Indigenous student in Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy, Science, or Social Work

Four bursaries of $2,000 annually for Indigenous students in business programs

Various awards and financial aid options for entering and current Indigenous students

Collaborative postdoctoral positions across BC institutions focusing on Indigenous topics

Renewable awards of $1,000–$5,000 per year for Indigenous students at BC post-secondary institutions. Specifically designed to provide sustained multi-year funding for Indigenous students, including those in graduate programs.

Financial support for Indigenous doctoral students in health research in British Columbia.

Stipend plus tuition for Indigenous doctoral students' fifth year of study.

Supports Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) students pursuing master's studies in health-related research in British Columbia.

Supports Indigenous postdoctoral researchers conducting health research within a BC host institution. Supported by CIHR and Michael Smith Health Research BC. Approximately 2–3 fellowships available over the 2025–2030 term; annual competition.

Indigenous awards open to all Indigenous students

$8,000 for Indigenous students.

Scholarship program for Indigenous students in renewable energy

$15,000 non-renewable. Preference given to Indigenous students at participating BC institutions.

$3,000 awards for Indigenous students attending university in Manitoba

Partnership between the Business Council of Manitoba, Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO), and Province of Manitoba. Provides up to 30 awards of $3,000 each to Indigenous students pursuing health care careers, beginning 2025. Targets students from SCO member Nations.

Scholarship program for Indigenous students

Awards $2,000 to Indigenous graduate students whose research focuses on applied, natural, or social science aspects of water resources. Flexible approach to documentation of Indigenous heritage. Annual competition; winners announced at CWRA National Conference.

Supports outstanding doctoral students in natural sciences and engineering. No cap on the number of Indigenous CGRS D applications forwarded to the national competition. Guidelines for Merit Review of Indigenous Research apply.

Supports outstanding master's students in natural sciences and engineering. Part of the harmonized Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS). Indigenous students who self-identify are eligible for the Indigenous Scholars Award supplement and priority consideration.

Recognizes and supports outstanding doctoral students in natural sciences and engineering

Canada Post

Annual grants of $2,000 for Indigenous students who are renewing their educational learning. Unique scholarship designed for students who have been out of school for a year or have already completed a full year of schooling.

$2,000 grants for Indigenous Peoples who are members of First Nation, Métis or Inuit community

$2,000 for Indigenous Peoples resuming education.

Tri-agency postdoctoral award; not Indigenous-exclusive but relevant to Indigenous scholars and Indigenous research applicants.

While CRC Chairs are for faculty, the program's EDI strategies specifically target Indigenous peoples. Institutions must meet mandated Indigenous representation targets for chair nominations, creating postdoctoral and research-training opportunities for Indigenous researchers within funded teams.

Support for Indigenous nursing students

Multiple scholarships with deadlines Oct 31, 2025 and Feb 1, 2026.

Scholarship for Indigenous students in law

Indigenous STEM scholarship award

Entrance scholarship integrated into Concordia's admissions process. Doctoral awards: $10,000/year for 4 years ($40,000 total). Research-based Master's: $10,000 for 1 year. No separate application required; eligible students are nominated by their graduate program upon admission.

Various awards for Indigenous graduate students at Concordia.

$3,500 for Indigenous students from Atlantic region entering MScPT.

Scholarship for Indigenous students

Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation

Limited funding for Indigenous students in Ontario. Unique scholarship that can also be applied to purchase computers for special needs students, pay for organized school trips, and other educational circumstances.

Funding for Indigenous students and projects

Postdoctoral fellowships at University of Toronto; Indigenous scholars eligible.

Dedicated financial supports including scholarships, bursaries, and government aid

$700–$1,200 for Indigenous students with financial need after completing one semester.

Various awards for Indigenous students through affiliated programs.

First Nations University of Canada offers scholarships, awards, and bursaries specifically for its graduate students. As a federated college of the University of Regina, FNUniv students may also access awards through the U of Regina partnership.

Bursary for First Nations, Métis and Inuit undergraduate students

Arts awards programs for Indigenous artists and students

Educational support for Indigenous students in fisheries and aquatic sciences

Doctoral funding for natural sciences and engineering ($25,000/year)

Post-secondary funding program for Indigenous students

Awards for American scholars to conduct research in Canada.

Supports American graduate students and promising professionals conducting research on critical Indigenous issues in Canada. Award: USD $25,000 lump sum for one 8-month academic year. Up to 9 awards. Research may be held at any Canadian university, research centre, or government agency.

Supports education, language revitalization, healing, culture, and traditional knowledge sharing initiatives

Up to $4,000 per year for Métis graduate students in Saskatchewan.

Genome Canada

This program strengthens First Nations, Métis and Inuit technical, social scientific and community capacities to engage with and conduct genomics research. Provides Indigenous-led training opportunities that integrate Indigenous knowledge systems, values and perspectives with modern science, technology and social scientific critique.

Journalism scholarship for Indigenous Peoples

Academic scholarships including Indigenous students

Support services and funding for Indigenous students

Two $1,500 bursaries for Indigenous students from BC in HSA-related fields

Doctoral award for Indigenous scholars working in heart and/or brain research.

$2,000 awards for Indigenous persons residing in Manitoba enrolled in post-secondary studies in Manitoba

Scholarships for Indigenous students starting four-year post-secondary program

Horatio Alger Association of Canada

Five scholarships of $10,000 each awarded annually to Indigenous students starting a four-year post-secondary program. In partnership with Indspire, this award recognizes Indigenous students who have demonstrated academic success and personal strength.

$10,000 (5 awards) in partnership with Indspire.

Part of the IBET PhD Project. Provides $32,000/year for 4 years ($128,000 total), including $6,000/year from thesis supervisor. Among the highest-value IBET fellowships in the national network.

Part of the IBET PhD Project at McMaster. Provides up to $25,000/year for up to 4 years to domestic PhD students in engineering who self-identify as Indigenous or Black. Includes mentoring and community-building support.

Part of the IBET PhD Project. Provides $30,000/year ($25,000 faculty + $5,000 thesis supervisor) for 4 years to domestic PhD students self-identifying as Indigenous or Black. Deadlines: April 30 (September start) and August 31 (January start).

Part of the national IBET PhD Project at UBC Applied Science. Provides substantial annual fellowship support for 4 years to domestic PhD students in engineering who self-identify as Indigenous or Black. Includes mentoring and networking support.

Part of the expanded IBET PhD Project at the University of Alberta. Provides $30,000/year for up to 4 years to domestic PhD students in engineering who self-identify as Indigenous or Black.

Part of the IBET PhD Project. Provides $30,000/year for 4 years to domestic PhD students in engineering who self-identify as Indigenous or Black. Fosters equitable and inclusive research environments to increase Indigenous and Black academics in STEM.

Part of the national Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) PhD Project. Provides full tuition coverage plus $30,000/year for 4 academic years to Indigenous or Black domestic PhD students in engineering. Includes academic mentoring.

Part of the expanded national IBET PhD Project (18 participating institutions). Provides $30,000/year for up to 4 years to domestic PhD students in engineering who self-identify as Indigenous or Black at Western University.

Fellowship for researchers from developing countries or Indigenous researchers in Canada.

Mentorship stipend supporting Indigenous health sciences research graduate students’ development and mentorship needs.

Indigenous internship and scholarship programs

$2,000 (2 awards) for Indigenous law students.

Two $2,000 scholarships annually for Indigenous law students

Government of Alberta

Awards for Indigenous students in Alberta pursuing careers in high-demand fields.

Award for Indigenous students pursuing careers in Alberta

Bursary for Indigenous languages teachers in Alberta

Ontario NEIHR/IMN-O scholarship up to $20,000 per year for Indigenous graduate or health professional students in applied community-based Indigenous health research.

Pilot initiative providing supplemental funding to meritorious Indigenous students who applied to CGRS-M program.

Provides financial support to meritorious Indigenous students who have applied to CGS M program

Bursary for Indigenous students with financial need attending Ontario post-secondary institutions

Indspire

The largest scholarship fund available for Indigenous students in Canada. Since 1996, Indspire has provided over $280 million in financial support through more than 84,000 bursaries, scholarships and awards to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. One application allows you to be considered for all applicable bursaries and scholarships.

Canada's largest Indigenous-focused student funding organization. Provides bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. One application is considered for all applicable awards. Over $31.6 million distributed to 8,800+ students in 2024–25 alone.

$2,500 renewable for students starting four-year post-secondary programs.

$70,000 stipend for Indigenous, Black, and racialized postdoctoral scholars.

Up to $5,000 for Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education in BC.

Scholarship related to Jordan's Principle

Various amounts for Indigenous students in business and technology.

Izaak Walton Killam & Grant Notley Memorial Postdoctoral Fellowships at UAlberta. Departments may nominate Indigenous self-identified applicants above the standard nomination quota. Indigenous scholars are explicitly identified as a priority group.

Prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at UBC providing $60,000/year for up to 2 years. UBC has identified Indigenous scholars as a priority group within available Killam Fellowship nominations. Departments may nominate above quota for Indigenous applicants.

Dedicated financial aid page with external and internal funding sources.

Lakehead University offers scholarships specifically for Indigenous graduate students through Indigenous Student Services. Includes the Ontario Power Generation Lakehead University Indigenous Award and the Helen Bassett Commemorative Award for Indigenous women/Two-Spirit/gender-diverse students.

Award for Indigenous law students including those pursuing graduate law degrees (Master's, PhD, JD).

$20,000 scholarship (or $10,000 each for two students) for Indigenous law students in BC

Scholarship fund supporting Indigenous women in their chosen field of study

Scholarship for Indigenous student upon entrance to MBA program

Award for Indigenous students at UBC

$6,000 scholarship for 2nd year Indigenous law student

Foundation providing scholarships and bursaries

Merit-based provincial scholarship ($15,000 for Master's, $18,000 for PhD)

Awards, bursaries and scholarships for students in programs supporting Manitoba Hydro's operational requirements

Various scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students in Manitoba.

McGill graduate fellowship for Canadian Indigenous students.

Dedicated scholarships for Indigenous students at McGill ($5,000-$15,000)

$5,000/year (max $20,000/degree) for Indigenous students; graduate students may be eligible through Indspire.

Postdoctoral fellowship including Indigenous reconciliation as research priority.

Recruitment awards for Indigenous applicants to McGill graduate programs. Values: $10,000 for PhD; $5,000 for thesis-based Master's; $2,500 for non-thesis Master's. Non-renewable; paid in installments over first 12 months. No separate application required.

Up to $20,000/year for Indigenous graduate students in health research.

McMaster OGS Indigenous allocation for First Nation, Inuit or Metis graduate students.

$500 (rotates between graduate and undergraduate).

Multiple scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students at Memorial University.

$5,000; one seat reserved annually for Indigenous student.

Health Research BC provides graduate student awards for health research in BC. Indigenous health research is specifically encouraged, and Indigenous students pursuing graduate studies at BC institutions are eligible to apply through the annual competition.

Bursary for Indigenous students

Industry-academic research partnerships providing funding for graduate student internships

Provides leveraged research funding ($15,000 per 4–6 month internship) for graduate students or postdoctoral researchers working with partner organizations. Indigenous Pathways: student self-identifies as Indigenous OR partner organization is Indigenous-majority owned/led.

Two-year postdoctoral fellowship combining academic and industry research ($70,000/year plus benefits)

International research mobility funding for graduate students ($6,000-$15,000)

$200–$400/year for self-identified Métis women.

Awards for Indigenous graduate students.

Various amounts for First Nations and Métis individuals for education and training.

Awards for Indigenous students in medical and health sciences programs.

Engages Indigenous students and postdoctoral researchers in promoting interest in STEM among Indigenous youth.

Supports Indigenous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to visit Indigenous communities/schools to promote interest in natural sciences and engineering. Ambassadors share research experiences and lead science outreach activities at community events, Powwows, or workshops.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

Program aims to engage Indigenous students and fellows in promoting interest and participation in the natural sciences and engineering by Indigenous youth and communities.

Four $1,000 awards annually for young Indigenous women

Prestigious scholarship for Indigenous students at Western University.

NRC Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers research positions within NRC labs across Canada. Research areas span multiple disciplines including life sciences, engineering, ICT, and security. Indigenous researchers are encouraged to apply.

Various awards for Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals

Nelson Education

Annual scholarship of $10,000 awarded to one Indigenous student in Canada. Recognizes student leaders who have demonstrated academic success, personal strength, and commitment to preserving Indigenous languages and culture.

Graduate research scholarships in New Brunswick. Indigenous students eligible.

$5,000–$20,000 for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate. Bursaries also available.

Provincial funding for graduate students; Indigenous students eligible.

Supports students from Northern Canada (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut) pursuing post-secondary education.

$15,000 renewable scholarships for Nova Scotia Black and First Nations graduate students

Provincial graduate scholarships; Indigenous students eligible for designated awards.

Support for Nunavut residents pursuing advanced education

Financial management awards for Indigenous youth

Two $7,500 OISE scholarships annually: one for an Indigenous doctoral student and one for an Indigenous master’s student.

$10M over 3 years for First Nations post-secondary scholarships in resource development/mining.

Merit-based scholarship for Master's and PhD students ($15,000)

University of Toronto reserves a portion of OGS awards specifically for self-identified Indigenous students. Award: $10,000/year. Merit-based program promoting graduate excellence. Indigenous applicants self-identify in a dedicated section of the application.

Two scholarships per year, one master’s and one doctoral, valued at $10,000 per year for the standard program length.

Doctoral scholarship for international students ($40,000/year for 4 years)

Equity scholarships including Indigenous students

Provincial support for Indigenous graduate students

Supports graduate students in STEM fields ($15,000-$20,000)

One-year fellowships to prepare Indigenous students for doctoral studies.

Queen’s graduate scholarship created to welcome new Indigenous graduate students.

Support for Indigenous youth preparing for future careers ($5,000)

Awards 20 scholarships of up to $10,000 each annually (renewable for up to 4 years). Supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students including those in graduate programs. Selection based on community engagement, financial need, and likelihood of success.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

Renewable scholarship awarded to 10 Indigenous students each year. Recipients receive $4,000 per academic year for two to four years, totaling up to $16,000. Also offers internship and professional development opportunities.

Graduate fellowship for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in University of Manitoba health sciences.

Varies for Métis Nation of Alberta citizens.

Various awards supporting Indigenous graduate students at SFU.

Various awards for Indigenous graduate students at Simon Fraser University.

Awards for Canadian students aged 16-18 pursuing post-secondary studies in STEAM fields

Scholarship for Indigenous students

Various awards with preference for Indigenous graduate students at Saskatchewan institutions.

Postdoctoral support for Indigenous researchers at Sask Polytech.

Scholarship for Indigenous students

Bursary for Indigenous students

Up to $1,000 for travel or research components of Indigenous graduate students’ work.

Awards for Indigenous graduate students.

TC Energy

Scholarships for Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education in various fields.

Scholarship program for Indigenous students

Tailored scholarship program for Indigenous students managed by AFOA Canada.

Scholarships for Indigenous students in partnership with AFOA Canada ($5,000-$10,000)

Entrance scholarship including Indigenous students

Fellowship for Indigenous students in STEM fields.

Scholarship for Indigenous students

Scholarship for Indigenous students in Alberta

TMFA annual Indigenous graduate student scholarship.

Suite of awards and bursaries by TMU's Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Includes multiple awards recognizing academic excellence and alleviating financial burden for Indigenous graduate students at TMU (formerly Ryerson University).

Bursary for Indigenous students

Trent University, with its strong Indigenous studies programs and Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, offers Indigenous-specific scholarships and awards for graduate students. Trent also participates in OGS with Indigenous priority allocations.

Postdoctoral support for Indigenous researchers at U of Alberta.

Prestigious funding from Killam Trusts for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

Funding for hiring postdoctoral fellows from Indigenous and Black backgrounds. Includes doctoral alumni from U of T.

Funding to increase hiring of Indigenous postdoctoral fellows. Enables researchers to grow scholarly profiles.

Faculty of Applied Science fellowship supporting Indigenous and Black PhD applicants.

Annual UBC Forestry funding, up to $20,000 or up to two scholarships depending program page, for Indigenous graduate entrants.

University-funded fellowships with Indigenous priority streams ($18,000-$25,000/year)

Additional fifth year of funding for Indigenous PhD students.

Major funding from Killam Trusts supporting graduate students.

Merit-based fellowship for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students entering or continuing in full-time research-based graduate programs at UBC Okanagan campus. Separate from, and complementary to, the UBC Vancouver Indigenous Graduate Fellowships.

Support for Indigenous students entering or continuing research-based graduate programs at UBC Okanagan.

External and internal postdoctoral opportunities listed for Indigenous scholars.

Program created to address under-representation of Indigenous scholars in research and academic careers.

Scholarships specifically for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students at UPEI.

Awards for Indigenous graduate students at Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Postdoctoral hiring support at University of Toronto Scarborough for Indigenous and Black researchers.

Dedicated funding for Indigenous graduate students at UVic ($5,000-$15,000)

Various awards for Indigenous graduate students at University of Victoria.

University of Alberta-administered AGES stream for First Nations, Metis and Inuit graduate students.

$1,500 for First Nations, Métis, or Inuit students with 80%+ admission average.

Open competition for Indigenous graduate students at the University of Calgary in unrestricted fields of study. Awards available for master's, PhD, and doctoral degree programs. Recognizes academic excellence among Indigenous students at UCalgary.

$15,000/year for Master's (2 years) or Doctoral (4 years).

University of Guelph offers Indigenous-specific graduate scholarships and participates in the Ontario Graduate Scholarship program with Indigenous-stream awards. The Indigenous Student Affairs office coordinates additional funding for graduate students.

Various awards supporting Indigenous graduate students at U of Lethbridge.

Various awards for Indigenous graduate students at University of Lethbridge.

Bursary for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit graduate students at the University of Lethbridge. Provides financial assistance to Indigenous students pursuing graduate studies in any field at ULethbridge.

Faculty of Education graduate scholarship supporting Indigenous education research.

$5,000 each (2 awards annually); renewable.

$18,975 for Master's (first 2 years) or Doctoral (first 4 years).

University of Manitoba offers a range of merit-based awards for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit graduate students, honouring academic achievement, research potential, and community involvement. Reflects UM's commitment to supporting Indigenous excellence in graduate education.

UNBC offers Indigenous-specific awards including water resources scholarships (CWRA) and other research awards. UNBC is a primary partner institution in the BC NEIHR program, supporting Indigenous health researchers.

$25,000/year for four years plus IBET mentoring for eligible engineering PhD students.

Two exclusive OGS awards for Indigenous students (one Master's, one PhD).

Offered through the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Supports incoming and continuing Indigenous graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence. Part of UOttawa's commitment to Indigenous student success.

Various graduate scholarships for Indigenous students.

Ten annual entrance awards of approximately $10,000 each for Indigenous students entering a new thesis-based program at USask. Preference given to PhD students. Recognizes academic achievement of incoming Indigenous graduate students.

Targets Indigenous graduate students who have taken an active leadership role in their community. Master's students: $20,000 for up to 2 years; doctoral students: $25,000 for up to 4 years. Recognizes community leadership alongside academic merit.

$25,000/year for four years plus mentorship, training and networking for participating PhD candidates.

Provides $80,000/year for up to 2 years to support 8 Indigenous and/or Black postdoctoral researchers annually at U of T. Open to domestic and international candidates. Aims to increase representation of Indigenous scholars in the academy.

Financial assistance for Indigenous graduate students to travel and participate in Indigenous-focused educational activities.

UVic offers Indigenous-specific graduate scholarships and is the primary host institution for the BC NEIHR program. Graduate students can access UVic-specific awards and provincial/national programs through UVic's Faculty of Graduate Studies.

IBET fellowship for Indigenous and Black PhD applicants in Engineering; application submitted to Engineering Graduate Studies Office.

Up to $15,000 covering full tuition for Indigenous mathematics teachers.

Annual $10,000 scholarship for an Indigenous graduate student at Waterloo.

Various bursaries ranging $775–$20,000 for Indigenous students in law, STEM, nursing, social work.

$15,000 (full-time) / $7,500 (part-time) for graduate students. Indigenous Governance program included.

Various awards for Indigenous graduate students at Université Laval.

Variable amounts for Indigenous students in multiple programs.

Financial support for Indigenous graduate students

Various awards for Indigenous graduate students at Western.

Postdoctoral support for Indigenous scholars at Western.

Postdoctoral and graduate awards for natural sciences research in northern Canada.

Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers in boreal research.

York University offers Indigenous-specific graduate awards supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit graduate students. York's Faculty of Graduate Studies coordinates awards recognizing Indigenous academic excellence, including entrance and in-course awards.