Post-Secondary Student Support Program
Financial assistance to support First Nations students pursuing post-secondary education.
On this page
About the program
The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) aims to improve the socio-economic outcomes for First Nations by supporting First Nations in providing eligible students with funding to access education opportunities at the post-secondary level. This is consistent with the principle of First Nations control of First Nations education.
The results of this program will enable First Nations students to achieve levels of post-secondary education comparable to non-Indigenous students in Canada.
To be eligible for funding, students must maintain a satisfactory academic standing within an eligible post-secondary institution. These include:
- educational institutions affiliated with, or those that deliver post-secondary programs by arrangement with a post-secondary institution
- First Nations-designated and directed institutions
Funding for this program is provided to First Nations or First Nations-designated organizations as part of core funding agreements with First Nations communities and organizations.
First Nations or First Nations-designated organizations are responsible for determining the selection criteria for PSSSP funding, administering the student application and review process and determining funding allocations for students in accordance with the provisions of their funding agreements and the national program guidelines. First Nations or First Nations-designated organizations can also issue local program guidelines that include additional information on application processes and due dates.
Eligible costs covered by the program can include:
- tuition
- books
- travel support
- living allowances
The maximum amount payable per full time student cannot exceed $53,000 per year.
On an extraordinary and justified basis, the maximum amount payable per year for a student in an advanced or professional degree program or a masters or doctoral program, may exceed $53,000 up to a maximum of $90,000.
No student is automatically entitled to this amount.
Who can apply
First Nations post-secondary students registered under the Indian Act who maintain satisfactory academic standing within an eligible post-secondary institution, including those on the general list.
Funding is limited and not all students may be funded. Partial funding may be provided. Applications are valid for 1 school year only.
To learn more, contact your local band office or ISC regional office.
Inuit students who formerly received funding through PSSSP should apply through the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Strategy.
Deadline
Contact your local band office or ISC regional office to find out when to apply for funding.
How to apply
First Nations students who want to pursue post-secondary studies and access available student funding should contact their First Nation, First Nations-designated organization or ISC regional office for more information on PSSSP funding availability, the application process and associated due dates.
To learn more, consult the Post-Secondary Student Support Program and University and College Entrance Preparation Program: National Guidelines 2026 to 2027.
National program guidelines for previous year
Additional financial assistance for First Nations students
The Government of Canada works with most provincial or territorial governments to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation students in achieving post-secondary educational goals. There are several ways to obtain funding to study, including grants, loans and savings supports designed to reduce financial barriers.
Receiving funding through the PSSSP does not affect students' eligibility to receive the following supports:
Other financial assistance resources: