Scholarships and bursaries are non-repayable sources of funding that support student success at BCIT. A wide range of awards, scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid are available specifically for Indigenous students. These opportunities can help cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs while you pursue your education.
Explore available funding and learn how to apply by reaching out to our Advisors.
Apply today
Applications are currently open for a number of scholarships and awards listed below. Deadlines are quickly approaching!
Have questions or need help with your application? Meet with an Advisor.
Resources available:
- BCIT Financial Aid and Awards
- B.C. Access Grant for labour market priorities – ongoing – apply with BCIT Financial Aid
- StudentAid BC
- BCIT Financial Aid Youth in Care Tuition Waiver application [PDF]
The NSERC Indigenous Student Ambassadors (NISA) grant aims to engage Indigenous students and fellows in promoting interest and participation in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE) by visiting Indigenous communities and schools in Canada. Ambassadors could share their research and education experiences at an information booth at a community event or Powwow, or they could deliver hands-on science promotion activities at a workshop for youth in the community, among other possibilities.
Deadline: Application deadline Between two and six months before start of activity
Application: Visit the website for more details.
Indspire – Indigenous Education Bursary and Scholarships
Provides bursaries and scholarships for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students in post-secondary education, skilled trades, and technology programs.
Deadline: August 1, November 1, February 1 (11:59 pm Eastern Time)
Criteria: First Nations, Inuit and Métis students enrolled in eligible post-secondary programs.
Application: Review application details on the website.
Since 1979, Registered Nurses Foundation of BC (RNFBC) has awarded thousands of bursaries to nurses and nursing students, reducing financial barriers to education and empowering the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Who can apply? First Nations, Inuit, or Métis nursing students living in BC and enrolled in eligible programs.
How to apply
- Complete the online application form
- Self-declare Indigenous ancestry
- Upload supporting documentation
- Submit before the deadline (Sept 15, 2025)
First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program
Financial assistance to Indigenous students enrolled in post-secondary education programs awarded between $700-$1,200.
Deadline: May 15 – for students applying for the Winter semester (January -April); September 15 – for students applying for the Summer semester (May-August); January 15 – for students applying for the Fall semester (September-December).
Criteria: Indigenous students enrolled in post-secondary education programs in BC.
Application: Forward all applications and questions to Rebecca Burgoyne, Scholarship Support Specialist at education@bcaafc.com
BCI’s Indigenous Empowerment Scholarship Program is available to Indigenous students enrolled in business-related studies at post-secondary institutions across Canada. The program offers hands-on work experience at BCI, creating opportunities to develop professional skills and helping recipients excel further.
- Up to $15 000 per academic year | Paid Work Experience in Victoria, BC | Mentorship
- Eligibility: Enrolled full-time in Business, Management, Finance, Commerce or Accounting. Completed one year of post-secondary credits. Proof of First Nations, Metis or Inuit Ancestry.
- Contact an Advisor for more information or support with your application.
The BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship is open to Indigenous applicants working in a non-elected role in any BC First Nation government or First Nation organization that supports governance and/or professional capacity development which contributes to the improved programming, services, or governance of a First Nation community, excluding applicants working for for-profit organizations.
Applicants must be enrolled in full- or part-time study in an accredited post-secondary course or program. Credit or non-credit programs delivered by an accredited post-secondary institution are eligible. Please note that preference will be given to applicants working for a First Nation government organization. The course or program may be offered online or in-person.
Area(s) of study must be related to the administration or management of core public services in First Nations government.
To learn more and to access application, please click: LGMA, scholarships open until October 15, 2025.
Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP)
Provides eligible First Nations students with funding to access education opportunities at the post-secondary level, including university and college entrance preparation programs.
Deadline: November 1, 2025 – For Winter Attending Students (January–April 2026)
March 31, 2026 – For Summer attending Students (May–August 2026)
July 1, 2026– For Fall attending students (September–December 2026)
Criteria: First Nations students who are registered under the Indian Act; Are affiliated with a BC band OR are on the BC General list AND do not have band membership and are thus ineligible to apply for funding through their band; Must be a BC resident who has resided in BC for a minimum of 12 consecutive months
Application: Complete the application form on the website.
In 2015, Animikii launched the Technology and Entrepreneurship Scholarships for Indigenous Youth to encourage and inspire Indigenous youth to choose entrepreneurship and technology as a career path
This scholarship provides Indigenous youth in a post-secondary setting with a $1000 scholarship for books, tuition, supplies, or any other cost-of-living expenses related to their time in school.
Two (2) awards of $1000 CAD each are available to Indigenous youth ages 17-30!
- Open to applicants who are attending a post-secondary program with a focus on either technology or entrepreneurship – all academic levels are welcome.
- People with an innovative business idea or a new business under two (2) years old are also eligible to apply – no education required.
Read the webpage to find out more about the individual requirements for each scholarship.
You can submit an application any time during the calendar year. Our annual due date is November 30. Applicants are notified of award selection within a few weeks of that date.
For more information and to apply for one of the scholarships, fill out the form on the Animikii Technology and Entrepreneurship Awards For Indigenous Youth webpage.
Reach out to an Advisor if you have questions about requirements or need support with your application.
Bursary Overview
The Environmental Public Health Bursary for Indigenous Students provides financial support to Indigenous students pursuing an education in the field of Environmental Public Health at a program accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) (BCIT’s Bachelor of Environmental Public Health program). The bursary is intended to cover tuition and partial living costs and will be renewable for each year of a student’s program subject to funding availability and proof of satisfactory completion of the previous year Submission requirements include completion of the online application. Shortlisted applicants will then be contacted for a short interview conducted by phone or virtual platform. Students are required to apply to schools offering CIPHI accredited programs independently and separate from the bursary application. If awarded the bursary, students will be required to provide proof of acceptance/enrollment prior to funds being transferred.
Deadline: Applications for the 2025 Indigenous Students Bursary are now closed. The application period for the 2026-2027 school year will open on December 15, 2025 and close on February 15, 2026.
For more information and online application: Environmental Health Foundations of Canada
Post date: July 10, 2025
The Horatio Alger Indigenous Achievement Scholarship is for Indigenous students starting a four-year post-secondary program in the fall. This is a renewable award of $2,500. While enrolled in post-secondary students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and a full-time course load to receive the renewed support each year.
Requirements:
- First Nation (status and non-status), Inuit and Métis students must be in their final year of high school.
- Students whose home Indigenous community are in the Northwest or Yukon Territories or Nunavut.
- Enrolled full-time in a high school within Canada at time of application.
- Must be starting in a four-year post-secondary program within Canada full-time in September.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number.
Deadline to apply is August 1, 2025.
For information on the Horatio Alger Indigenous Achievement Scholarship, please visit the Indspire website.
New Relationship Trust (NRT) First Nations Scholarship Program
Indigenous students planning to attend university, college, skilled trades, and technology programs full-time at an accredited post-secondary institution anywhere in the world. Special scholarships and bursaries for Nursing students.
Deadline: August 1, every year
Criteria: Indigenous students in pursuing post-secondary education who need support to overcome financial barriers, reduce stress, fully focus on their studies, achieve academic success, and reach their fullest potential.
Application: Review website for application details.
Northwestel Northern Futures Scholarship Program
Indigenous students living in Canada’s North pursuing studies in specified business and technology fields offering six $4,000 scholarships.
Deadline: July 30, 2025
Criteria: Indigenous students pursuing studies in specified business and technology fields. open to northern residents that live within enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies in a two-year diploma program or a four-year degree program in Engineering (Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Structural, Civil), Telecommunications/Electrical, Computer sciences, Commerce/Business, Marketing/Communications and Human Resources
Application: Check Northwestel website for application details.
BC Hydro Indigenous Scholarships
Offers $5,000 scholarships for full-time students and $2,000 for part-time students in programs related to BC Hydro careers.
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Criteria: Indigenous students from BC First Nations or Indigenous permanent residents studying at Canadian post-secondary institutions in relevant fields.
Application: Complete the application form on the website.
The Seaspan VTE Scholarships are awarded to eligible students in British Columbia. 55 scholarships available at $3400 each.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Horatio Alger Seaspan VTE Scholarship Program, an applicant must:
- Have completed high school (or earned high school equivalency credential) by July 1
- Applying or enrolled for Fall 2024 in a vocational or technical certificate program at a government or not-for-profit institution with direct pathways to employment
- Demonstrated financial need ($C100,000 or less annual net income per family is required)
- Demonstrated perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Be under the age of 35
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Deadline: The application for the Horatio Alger Seaspan VTE Scholarship is now open until June 15.
MAE Indigenous Education Fund is available to self-identifying Indigenous students studying full-time Science, Technology, Mathematics, or Engineering (STEM) fields at any post-secondary school in Canada.
$1000 will be awarded annually to one student based on a review of applicants. If two applicants are selected, each will receive $500.
Application Intake: January 1st to May 31st
Review Period: June 1st to June 29th
Scholarship award: June 30th Annually
More information on how to apply can be found on website’s scholarship page.
The BC First Nations Forestry Council’s scholarship program provides support to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students interested in attending full-time studies related to forestry. The scholarship funding can be used towards tuition, books, school supplies, and a living allowance throughout the school year.
Once accepted into the scholarship program, the funding is distributed through your regional Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program (ISETP) office. This means that you will need to be a registered ISETP client to access funding.
The scholarship includes a paid summer work placement with one of our program partners: BC Timber Sales, BC Wildfire Service, Mosaic Forest Management, Finning, Tolko and Drax.
Our scholarship program is currently only available to individuals living in British Columbia.
If you are interested in applying, complete an intake form and a career advisor will contact you to discuss next steps.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) has immediate funding available for non-status applicants across Canada. The Indigenous Skills Employment Training (ISET) program at CAP can sponsor:
• College certificate/ diploma programs
• Final year of a degree program / skills training program
• Adult basic education / highschool upskilling
Review the website for application details. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the ISET client support at: applications@abo-peoples.org
BC Luminaries Scholarships
“We are committed to advancing Beedie Luminaries’ goals of diversity, equity and inclusion and making our community a welcome space for all.” – Ryan Beedie O.B.C, Founder
Up to $20 000 per student. For Trades (Build)
Up to $44 000 per student. For Undergraduate & College Diplomas – Includes Summer Paid Internships (Shine)
Up to $44 000 per full-time student/ $33 000 part-time student. For Single Parents (Spark)
Up to $12 500 per year for Graduate Studies
Deadline: December, 2025
Criteria: Permanent residents studying at Canadian post-secondary institutions in relevant fields. Currently in Grade 12 with a minimum 75%. Demonstrate financial adversity. Enrolled in a BC post-secondary institution.
Application: Complete the application form on the website.
Up to $20,000 per year is available for Indigenous students in multiple computing programs:
- Computer Information Technology (diploma)
- Computer Systems Technology (diploma)
- Full-Stack Web Development (diploma)
- Computer Systems (BTech)
- Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity (BTech)
Individual funding will depend on financial need (bursaries) or achievement (awards). Please apply here for bursaries and entrance awards.
Chief Joe Mathias of BC Aboriginal Scholarship
Scholarship supporting First Nations students in British Columbia across all fields of study.
Deadline: Check back on April 1, 2026 for the next call for applications.
Criteria: First Nations students in BC pursuing post-secondary education.
Application: Review website for application details.
We have added a new limited-edition, multi-purpose, lip + cheek cream duo to our line-up of products called ‘Biskane,’ a vibrant orange shade with a complimentary gold highlighter to add a subtle glow to the skin. The shade ‘Biskane’ is the word for it ignites or catches fire in Anishinaabemowin. 100% of the profits from our ‘Biskane’ shade will be allocated towards our Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship Fund. With every purchase of the Courage Cream Duo, you’re not just embracing a bold new look, but also igniting dreams. All proceeds are dedicated to funding our next Scholarships, providing Indigenous students an opportunity to soar higher in their post-secondary education journey. You are not just wearing makeup, you’re igniting change. Empower yourself and others today.
This scholarship is open to Indigenous students who are residents of Canada or the United States of America and are currently enrolled in a Canadian or U.S post-secondary institution in any area of study. You must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
To have your application considered, all parts of the application must be complete and submitted together. You can contact info@cheekbonebeauty.com if you have any questions or concerns regarding the application process.
The scholarship is $2,500 CAD. The money will be sent directly to you. This way, you may use the funds towards your school supplies, boarding or tuition.
This scholarship is available to Indigenous students in any year of their post-secondary education who are enrolled in programs related to Primary’s areas of business. Applicants must be enrolled in full-time students at a Post-Secondary Institution in an eligible province and must be able to provide proof of enrollment. Applicants will be asked to submit a personal introduction (either a self-written letter or recorded video) demonstrating a passion for the utilities sector and how this scholarship will help them achieve their academic goals.
| PROGRAM OF STUDY | Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Powerline Technician Apprenticeship, Drafting, Surveyor, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, IT |
| DEADLINE | Applications open between May 1, 2024 and August 1, 2024 |
| SCHOLARSHIP AWARD DATE | September 1, 2024 |
| LEVEL OF STUDY | Post-Secondary |
| INDIGENOUS AFFILIATION | Indigenous, Inuit, or Metis |
| ELIGIBLE PROVINCES | British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario |
| VALUE | $2000 per province |
| CONTACT INFORMATION | dei@primaryeng.com |
Submission Requirements:
- Proof of Ancestry (photocopy of status card, beneficiary identification, or letter)
- A copy of an acceptance letter from an accredited post-secondary or educational institute or a copy of your most recent transcript, as well as a copy of your current semester’s schedule
- A written (1-2 page) or recorded (3-5 minutes) personal introduction detailing who you are, how this scholarship would help you in achieving your academic goals, and your career ambitions in the utilities sector or with engineering consulting
Primary Engineering and Construction welcomes applications from a diverse range of applicants. All applicants will be given due consideration regardless of gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, age, colour, marital status, family status, or disability.
*Please submit your application to dei@primaryeng.com for consideration. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
- Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool
- Aboriginal Learning Links Scholarships Listings
- Congress of Aboriginal Peoples – Indigenous Skills and Employment Training funding (ISET)
- Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP)
- National Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) – Indigenous Skills and Employment Training funding (ISET)
- BCIT Student Financial Aid and Awards External Aboriginal Awards flyer [PDF]
- Ch’nook Scholars Program Scholarship (Not currently offered)
- BC Scholarships Society (Deadlines: April 2025)
- Health Sciences Association of BC Aboriginal Bursary Award (Applications for 2026 HSA scholarships and bursaries will be available in November 2025)
- First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program (Deadlines: May 15, 2025 – for students applying for the Winter 2025 semester (January -April 2025).
September 15, 2025 – for students applying for the Summer 2025 semester (May-August 2025)
This bursary is awarded after the successful completion of the semester. Please submit your application within a few weeks of the end of the semester for which you are applying. - Indspire – Indigenous Education Bursary and Scholarships (Deadlines: August 1, November 1, February 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST)
- Indspire – All Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards (Deadlines: August 1, November 1 & February 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST)
- RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth (Deadline: February 5. This scholarship could help fund your education, with up to $10,000 awarded for each of your academic years. RBC has just launched the Financial Literacy for Indigenous Peoples Course. Created in partnership with the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, the program provides practical advice and guidance on managing money with confidence and planning for the future.)
- Chief Joe Mathias BC Aboriginal Scholarship (Deadline: June 14, 2025 at 11:59PM PST).
- BC Hydro Indigenous Scholarships and Bursaries (Deadline: May 31, 2025)
- New Relationship Trust (NRT) First Nations Scholarship Program (The annual intake and approval process will open each calendar year in May and close August 1st.) Bursaries are awarded to students pursuing Certificates, Diplomas, Trades and Associate degrees. Scholarships are awarded at the Undergraduate, Masters, and Doctorate levels.)
- Canada Post Awards for Indigenous Students (Not currently offered)
- ḴEL,ḴELOŦEN ȻE S,ISTEW̱ – Indigenous Student Award in Engineering/Architecture (Not currently offered)
The Indigenous bursaries search tool is a searchable list of 539 bursaries, scholarships and incentives aimed at Indigenous students across Canada.
Indigenous students experiencing financial pressures can apply for the Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund (IEAF). This fund exists to ensure students enrolled in studies at BCIT do not have to withdraw due to financial distress. Students may be approved once per academic year.
Students who access emergency funding do not have to repay it. BCIT Indigenous students can contact our office for help with the application process.
Contact Indigenous Initiatives
Have any additional questions about financial aid, bursaries or scholarships? Are you an organization that would like to promote an application? We can help.
Contact us