Free Application Days
In the spirit of reconciliation and to honour Residential School survivors, the U of A will once again be hosting an extended Free Application Days from September 30 - October 9, 2024.
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Find Your Purpose
We are home to a growing and vibrant Indigenous campus community of over 2,100 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Explore our program quiz to figure out which program fits best for you at the highest ranked and largest northern research institution in Canada.
Where You Can Study
North Campus | Treaty 6 | Amiskwaciwâskahikan | Edmonton
Augustana Campus | Treaty 6 | asiniskaw sipisis | Camrose
Indigenous Vitality
Flourish Here
Download the 25/26 Indigenous Guidebook featuring student Kinew Garza from Kinistin Saulteaux Nation and their experiences at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Arts and as a participant in an early education childhood development research lab.
Grow personally and succeed academically in a vibrant Indigenous campus community.
We offer:
- Indigenous Student Services
- Culture and Ceremony
- FNMI Scholarships and Awards
- Transition Year Program
- Practicums with Indigenous Organizations
- Dedicated housing options
- And so much more!
Learn more about some of the Indigenous student groups and clubs on campus:
First Peoples' House is the hub of the Indigenous student community on campus and provides an environment of empowerment through dedicated programs, services, advising, staff, and scholarships.
Initiatives for current students include Tawow welcoming ceremony, Bridges Orientation, Annual Round Dance, drop-in tea & bannock, a student social space, computer lab, tutoring, advising services, Elders in residence, and honouring ceremonies at graduation.
ISS is housed in the community space within the Wahkohtowin Lodge on our Augustana Campus in Camrose. The lodge enables First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students to gather and access dedicated academic and mental wellness supports. Some resources at ISS include:
- Indigenous student mentors
- Student advising
- Smudging
- Community gatherings and celebrations
Stay connected and grounded with your cultural teachings while you are at the U of A. Sit with Elders, access our ceremonial room, and attend events that will keep you connected to your Indigenous roots.
Events like:
- Tawow Welcoming Ceremony
- Annual Round Dance
- Convocation Honouring Ceremony
Connect with Us
We Can Help
Our Indigenous Recruitment team is here to help you on your journey to the University of Alberta.
The Indigenous Recruitment Team is part of the Indigenous Enrolment Management Unit inside the Registrar’s Office. Whether you’re a prospective student, counselor, or community leader looking to connect on events, we have specialists just for you. You can also send a message to our general email at any time indigenous@ualberta.ca.
Coordinator, Indigenous Recruitment
780-492-6540 | lpeters3@ualberta.ca
Indigenous Student Recruiter, Indigenous Recruitment
indigenous@ualberta.ca
Popular Program Pathways
Find Your Path
Your path to the University of Alberta can be as unique as you are! We have many programs, funding opportunities, and other supports just for Indigenous students — find what’s right for you. Talk with an Indigenous recruitment specialist if you don’t see yourself in the options below.
Transition Year Program
The Transition Year Program (TYP) is for Indigenous students who may not be prepared to enter a faculty through the regular admissions route. TYP is not an upgrading program — it's a full-time, on-campus program that sets you up to enter a degree program in your second year.
The program has both academic and cultural components and will provide you with a strong network of support by getting to know other students in a small, intimate learning environment.
Learn about program requirements by reading the TYP Brochure and get ready to apply!
Fall (September) Start, All Faculties:
Application Opens: November 1
Application Closes: May 1
Winter (January) Start, Arts and Native Studies:
Application Opens: August 1
Application Closes: October 1
Popular Programs:
Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) • wâpanachakos: Indigenous Health Program • Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute (CIILDI) • Community Service-Learning
Popular Faculties:
Show Your Pride
Students show their pride in who they are and where they come from by self-declaring as Indigenous. When you self-declare, you may be eligible for scholarships, awards, and bursaries dedicated to Indigenous students and receive information about opportunities, jobs, events, and supports available to you. You can self-declare when completing your application, or any time online.
Funding Options
Scholarships and Awards
The University of Alberta offers scholarships, awards, and financial supports for Indigenous students:
Indigenous Entrance Scholarship
This scholarship for Indigenous students recognizes outstanding academic achievement in high school.
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Awards
The First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Awards competition is available for students who are First Nation, Métis, or Inuit people of Canada.
Turtle Spirit Pathway Award for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Students
This award assists students who are entering the U of A and who have demonstrated financial challenges and barriers to attending university.
Indigenous Careers Award
This competition is open for students who are Alberta Residents and are First Nation, Métis, or Inuit people of Canada. Funded by the Government of Alberta, this award is designed to encourage Indigenous learners to pursue and complete post-secondary studies in degree programs leading to high-demand career outcomes in Alberta.
Funding and Payment
You may have the opportunity to attend university while being funded by your Band or a third party. Learn more about how Sponsorship works, and check out some of the resources below for more information:
First Nations Students
- Your First Nation or Tribal Council
- Freehorse Family Wellness Society
- Indspire
Inuit and Northern Students
- Northwest Territories: NWTSFA
- Nunavut: FANS
- Freehorse Family Wellness Society
- Indspire
- Regional Council
Métis Students
- Your Métis Settlement
- Rupertsland Institute
- Belcourt Brosseau Métis Award
- Indspire
We Can Help!
Indigenous Student Financial Support
Coordinator, Indigenous Enrolment Management
arlarocq@ualberta.ca
Indigenous Initiatives
Explore this portal to learn about inspiring Indigenous-led work in the teaching, learning, research and community engagement spaces of the university.
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