First Nations, Metis and Inuit Bursary

The First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Bursary is a return service bursary designed to assist Indigenous students in obtaining the skills and knowledge to enter or re-enter the workforce in northern Alberta. The bursary provides financial support for post-secondary education with varying amounts based on the program level. Students in pre-apprenticeship training, certificate, or diploma programs can access up to $7,000 for their studies, while students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programs can access $11,500 per year for any year of their studies. This is a non-repayable bursary with a service obligation: recipients must agree to live and work in northern Alberta for one year of full-time employment in return for each year of bursary support received. The program aims to support Indigenous students in completing post-secondary education while contributing to workforce development in northern Alberta communities. Eligibility requires applicants to be 18 years or older, Alberta residents for 12 consecutive months prior to program start, enrolled full-time in a designated post-secondary program of at least 12 weeks in length, not in default of a provincial student loan, and able to provide proof of Indigenous identity. The bursary is administered through the Northern Alberta Development Bursary program.