Financial aid advising

Indigenous students can connect with First Nations House for an appointment regarding financial aid opportunities throughout University of Toronto. We assist current or future Indigenous U of T students with financial planning, questions about Band funding, Third Party Sponsorship arrangements, bursary applications and other resources for their financial needs.

U of T Indigenous Tuition Initiative

As of fall 2023, the new U of T Indigenous tuition initiative will be available to eligible First Nations students who can apply for a grant that covers tuition for approved undergraduate and graduate programs.

Indigenous students from other communities in Canada and Native American/Alaska Native students from federally recognized tribes in the continental United States can apply for the domestic Ontario tuition fee.

Read more about U of T efforts to make the University more accessible and inclusive for Indigenous students – and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.

The nine identified First Nations communities eligible are:

• Alderville First Nation
• Curve Lake First Nation
• Hiawatha First Nation
• Nations Huronne-Wendat/Huron-Wendat First Nation
• Mississauga First Nations
• Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations
• Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations
• Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (Tyendinaga Mohawk)
• Six Nations of the Grand River

Application forms

• The U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant covers the cost of tuition for students from the nine First Nations communities above. This program is offered to First Nations students in eligible undergraduate and graduate programs by completing the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant form.
• Indigenous students from across Canada may be assessed for domestic Ontario tuition fees by submitting a request for Domestic (Ontario Resident) tuition fee billing.
• Native American/Alaska Native students from federally recognized tribes in the continental United States may be assessed for domestic Ontario tuition fees by completing the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant form.

The application forms are now open. We encourage you to apply if you are an eligible First Nations, Indigenous student from outside of Ontario, or a Native American/Alaska Native student enrolled in an OSAP-approved, credit-based undergraduate or graduate program. You are not required to be an OSAP recipient.

Learn more about eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply for the tuition initiative.

Financial resources at U of T

• Awards and bursaries for Indigenous students at U of T (PDF)
• University Registrar
• University of Toronto Advanced Planning for Students (UTAPS): Available for eligible full-time domestic students and covers the financial gap between a student’s actual education costs and the costs recognized by their provincial/territorial government student financial aid program. You can also apply to UTAPS if you are receiving Indigenous sponsorship funding. UTAPS grants do not need to be repaid.
• Award Explorer: View a list of scholarships, awards and bursaries available at the University of Toronto.
• Students can also contact their registrar office for opportunities with their faculties.

Third Party Sponsorship Agreements

For Band funding letters or other Third-party sponsorship agreements, please send them to Student Accounts via email studentar@utoronto.ca or fax 416-978-2610.

Learn more about the Third Party Sponsorship process at U of T.

Work Study opportunities

Students can participate in paid opportunities in different areas across campus during each academic term through the Work Study Program. Students typically work 10-15 hours a week.

Log in to CLNx for available opportunities. Email workstudy@utoronto.ca for questions regarding eligibility and criteria.

External funding opportunities

• Indspire – Building Brighter Futures: Financial awards for First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Inuit and Métis students through several programs. Application due dates: August 1, November 1, February 1.
• Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training: Community agency that provides funding opportunities and employment opportunities for Indigenous people living in the GTA.