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Indigenous Funding & Financial Supports
Your education should never be held back by cost.
Not sure where to start? That’s okay.
We’re here to help you take the next step.
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financial supports

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.

We recognize that money is not just numbers. It carries history, responsibility, and meaning. Our work brings together Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing with practical financial tools, community-centred planning, and trauma-informed support. We also honour teachings about balance, reciprocity, and care. There is no judgment here — only support.
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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.

Band Funding (PSSSP)
Indspire Scholarships & Bursaries
Esquao-IAaAW Awards
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)
BMO Indigenous Student Access Bursary
Indigenous Careers Award (Alberta Student Aid)
ISET/ASETS Programs
Funding Source
Status First Nations
Non-Status First Nations
Metis
Inuit/Northern
Covers
Notes
Band Funding (PSSSP)
x
-
-
-
Tuition, books, sometimes living allowance
Apply through your Nation
Indspire Scholarships & Bursaries
x
-
-
x (varies)
Varies by award
3 deadlines per year
Esquao-IAaAW Awards
x
-
x
x
Scholarship/bursary
Indigenous Women Only
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)
x
x
x
x
Training support or bursaries
Urban & non-status eligible
BMO Indigenous Student Access Bursary
x
x
x
x
Bursary
Through Bow Valley College Awards
Indigenous Careers Award (Alberta Student Aid)
x
-
-
-
$2,000 per term
Must be Alberta resident
ISET/ASETS Programs
x
x
x
x
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.

What happens next can start with a conversation

email

info@bowvalleycollege.ca

call

+1 403-410-1400

1-866-428-2669 (toll free)

location_on

Bow Valley College
345 - 6 Avenue SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 4V1

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday
‍6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closed Sunday

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Copyright 2024. Bow Valley College.
All rights reserved. Privacy Policy

location_on

Bow Valley College
345 - 6 Avenue SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 4V1
‍
Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday
‍6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closed Sunday

Connect with us

email

info@bowvalleycollege.ca

call

+1 403-410-1400

1-866-428-2669 (toll free)

Follow us