There are many ways to pay for school as a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Funding may come from your Nation or community, scholarships or bursaries, or federal and provincial programs. We can also help you understand what you’re eligible for, gather documents, and apply with confidence.

Band Funding (PSSSP/ISET)

For eligible Status First Nations students. Funding may help with tuition, books, supplies, and sometimes living costs.

learn how to apply

Scholarships & Bursaries

Available to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students.

view awards

Indigenous Financial Empowerment

Meet one-on-one with our team for budgeting help, planning, and support with funding applications.

learn more

Have questions about funding?

let's chat

Jasmine Blood,
Indigenous Success Advisor

jblood@bowvalleycollege.ca

Documents you may need.

You don't need everything to start; bring what you have.

Proof of Indigenous identity (such as a status card or community letter)
Recent transcripts or MyPass access
An education plan
Tuition and fee statements
Banking information
Proof of residency (if required)
A personal statement (for band funding or bursaries)
A simple budget worksheet

If this seems overwhelming, we can go through it together.

Who is funding for?

Funding options vary depending on how you identify and which community or organization you belong to.

Status First Nations: Band funding, Indspire, ISET programs, some bursaries
Non-Status First Nations: CAP programs, some bursaries, Indspire
Métis: RLI/Métis Nation of Alberta supports, Indspire, Esquao, CAP programs
Inuit: Inuit-specific PSSSP funding, Indspire, ISET programs

If you’re not sure which applies to you, we can help you figure it out.

Funding Source

Status First Nations

Non-Status First Nations

Metis

Inuit/Northern

Covers

Notes

Band Funding (PSSSP)

Tuition, books, sometimes living allowance

Apply through your Nation

Indspire Scholarships & Bursaries

x (varies)

Varies by award

3 deadlines per year

Esquao-IAaAW Awards

Scholarship/bursary

Indigenous Women Only

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)

Training support or bursaries

Urban & non-status eligible

BMO Indigenous Student Access Bursary

Bursary

Through Bow Valley College Awards

Indigenous Careers Award (Alberta Student Aid)

$2,000 per term

Must be Alberta resident

ISET/ASETS Programs

Employment & Training support

Local provider list pending

How we support you.

You don’t have to do this alone. Our team can help with:

Understanding what funding you may qualify for,
One-on-one help with applications,
Clear document checklists,
Education cost planning, and
Help connecting with the right funding providers.

Support is available before and during your application.

What we offer.

One-on-One Financial Guidance
‍Personal budgeting and planning that fits your life.

‍Financial Skills & Learning
‍Workshops and conversations that support understanding money, planning, and decision-making.

‍Support with Funding Forms
‍Help preparing applications and organizing documents at your pace.

‍Elder & Knowledge Keeper Support
‍Guidance around balance, responsibility, and long-term wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay an application fee?

Indigenous applicants may have their application fee waived.

Can I receive more than one type of funding?

Yes. Many students combine band funding with bursaries, scholarships, or short-term supports.

Will I receive a living allowance?

This depends on the funding provider. Band funding may include a living allowance. Most bursaries do not.

Menu

Band Funding (PSSSP/ISET)

Scholarships & Bursaries

Indigenous Financial Empowerment

Have questions about funding?

Jasmine Blood,
Indigenous Success Advisor

Documents you may need.

Who is funding for?

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens next can start with a conversation

Follow us

Connect with us

Follow us

Processing your request...

Thank you! Your form has been submitted successfully.

Menu

Band Funding (PSSSP/ISET)

Scholarships & Bursaries

Indigenous Financial Empowerment

Have questions about funding?

Jasmine Blood,Indigenous Success Advisor

Documents you may need.

Who is funding for?

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens next can start with a conversation

Follow us

Connect with us

Follow us

Processing your request...

Thank you! Your form has been submitted successfully.

Jasmine Blood,
Indigenous Success Advisor