Indigenous
Tuition Initiative

The University of Toronto has created a new Indigenous Tuition Initiative to foster and strengthen relationships between U of T and Indigenous communities in Ontario, across Canada, and in the United States. This initiative includes three programs:

  • The U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant covers the cost of tuition in eligible undergraduate and graduate programs for students from the nine identified First Nations communities
  • Indigenous students from the rest of Canada may be eligible for domestic Ontario tuition fee
  • Native American/Alaska Native students from the continental U.S.A. may be eligible for domestic Ontario tuition fee
Inside of First Nations House
First Nations House

Am I Eligible for the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant?

To be eligible for the University of Toronto Indigenous Tuition Grant you must:

  • Be a member of one of the nine identified First Nations communities; and
  • Be enrolled on a continuous full-time or part-time basis, in an OSAP-approved credit-based undergraduate or graduate program (including professional program), where tuition fees are paid to the University of Toronto. A student does not have to apply for OSAP to be eligible for the grant.

Note: Visit Full-Time OSAP for a list of programs offered by the University of Toronto that are not eligible for this grant, as they are not approved for OSAP. 

Students receiving a graduate funding package receive tuition support through their program, please see Information for Indigenous Graduate Students for details. 

However, funded students are encouraged to apply as there may be additional funding opportunities available through their respective faculty.

Ontario Indigenous Students

Nine Identified First Nations Communities in Ontario

A student in an eligible program can apply for this grant if they are from any of the following nine First Nations communities in Ontario:

Other Communities in Ontario

U of T offers many award programs for students from a variety of backgrounds. Although the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant is for students from the nine identified communities, there are many funding opportunities available for student from other Ontario communities through Award Explorer. We also encourage you to meet with a  financial aid counsellor at your division, faculty or college  to learn about the supports that may be available to you. 

Participants are learning how to make moccasins with Naomi Smith. Smith is a citizen of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nations. (Photo by David Lee)

Indigenous Students from the Rest of Canada

Indigenous students from Canada will be assessed the domestic Ontario tuition fee, regardless of where they live.

  1. A copy of an Indian status card. 
  1. A copy of a Métis Nation citizenship card from one of the five provincial affiliates (Métis Nation of Ontario, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation British Columbia, Manitoba Métis Federation) of the Métis National Council; or a valid membership card from one of the Metis Settlements of Alberta, the Northwest Territory Métis Nation. 
  1. A copy of an Inuit enrolment card issued by any one of the four Inuit modern treaty bodies—Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, or Inuvialuit. 
  1. A certified copy of an enrolment card or written confirmation of membership/enrollment from a US or Canadian federally recognized band/tribal authority. 

Other documents to support the criteria for eligibility will be accepted and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. All documentation provided will be reviewed by the U of T Office of Indigenous Initiatives.

Native American/Alaska Native Students from the Continental U.S.A

Native American/Alaska Native students from federally recognized tribes in the continental U.S.A. will be assessed the domestic Ontario tuition fee, regardless of where they live. Students will be asked to provide documentation to confirm membership/citizenship. All documents provided will be reviewed by the U of T Office of Indigenous Initiatives.

Note: Native American/Alaska Native students who are assessed the domestic Ontario tuition fee will still remain international students for all other costs.

Information for Indigenous Graduate Students

If you are an eligible Indigenous student in a graduate program that qualifies for the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant, ensure that you review the following important information.

If you are an eligible graduate student in an unfunded approved research-based program, you can apply for the Indigenous Tuition Grant to cover your tuition fees.

Eligible graduate students in programs with a funding commitment already have their tuition fees covered. This is part of their funding package for a specified number of years, through internal or external awards or fellowships, TA-ships, or research stipend, supervisor’s research grant etc.

If you are a graduate student continuing your studies past your funded years and are no longer receiving funding for your tuition fees, you are eligible for the Indigenous Tuition Grant.

If you are registered in an OSAP-approved professional graduate program, you can apply for the Indigenous Tuition Grant. You do not have to apply for OSAP to be eligible for the grant.

The ceremonial Eagle Feather and U of T’s ceremonial mace at a 2023 convocation ceremony. The Eagle Feather was gifted to the Office of the President by Elders at the 2017 entrustment ceremony for the University of Toronto Truth and Reconciliation Steering Committee’s Report, “Answering the Call: Wecheehetowin” (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

The U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant is renewable and can be combined with any other University of Toronto funding issued to you.

Once your band has confirmed your membership, the tuition grant will automatically be applied to your student account in each year of study for as long as you are registered in an eligible program.

Note: If you change your program, you may need to re-apply for this tuition grant to confirm your registration and program eligibility.

Which Costs are Covered?

The U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant covers tuition costs for eligible First Nations students in an OSAP-approved credit-based undergraduate or graduate program (including professional credit-based program) in the current academic year.

Costs Not Covered

Ancillary and other fees are not covered by the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant. Ancillary fees are used to provide important services and resources for students. Other fees could include costs that are specific to courses or programs (e.g., lab coats, field trip costs).

Native American/Alaska Native students who are assessed the domestic Ontario tuition fee will remain international students for all other costs. 

First Nations House Teaching Lodge. Photo by Aaron Mason.

Already Paid Your Tuition Fees for This Year?

Students Who Paid Their Own Tuition Fees

If you have paid your tuition  and there is no outstanding balance or if your outstanding tuition  is less than the grant, the grant funding will be refunded to you and will be deposited into your bank account based on the banking information you entered in ACORN.

If you have not yet set up your banking information in ACORN, here is a short video to show you how.

Students Who Received Third Party Funding (e.g., Band-funded)

If your band or another third party has already paid for your tuition, the refund will be issued to them. 

Refund of Tuition Fee Timelines

Students who have already paid their Fall 2023/Winter 2024 tuition will receive a refund within two weeks of completing the Indigenous Tuition Grant form.

Application Details

You can apply for the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant if you are an eligible Indigenous student regardless of other funding you may be receiving or applying for.

If You Are Band-Funded Through One of the Nine Communities

Indigenous students who are receiving band funding should contact their band to determine whether the University of Toronto Indigenous Tuition Grant will impact their funding.

If You Are OSAP-Funded

The U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant will not affect your OSAP funding. This grant is in addition to your OSAP funding.

If You Are Not Funded through OSAP or a Band

Indigenous students from one of the nine First Nations communities who are not receiving OSAP or band funding may apply for the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant.  

Step 1

Check Your Eligibility

Review the requirements to ensure you are eligible.

Step 2

Ensure You Are Within the Deadline to Apply

For students applying for Fall/Winter: December 1, 2023
For students applying for Winter Only: February 1, 2024
For students applying for Summer: August 1, 2024

Step 3

Complete the Online Form

Once you are ready, apply using one of these options:

  1. Indigenous students from one of the nine First Nations communities: apply using the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant form.
  2. Indigenous students from the rest of Canada: apply for domestic Ontario tuition fee by submitting a request for Domestic (Ontario Resident) tuition fee billing.
  3. Native American/Alaska Native students from the continental U.S.A.: apply for domestic Ontario tuition fee by completing the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant form.

Application Status Notification

You will be informed of the decision by email.

Grant recipients will receive an award letter via email that will include information about the grant payment and should be kept for future reference.

Disbursement of Funds

Once membership confirmation is received from the band, the grant will be released. The grant is paid on a per term basis and will be reflected in your student account via ACORN. 

First Nations House
First Nations House

Contact Us

Questions about the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant? 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The grant was created as part of concrete steps on the University’s journey toward truth and reconciliation, and in support of institutional priorities to improve the recruitment and inclusion of Indigenous students across our tri-campus and to build strong and lasting relationships with First Nations communities.

To ensure these new benefits are received by the students for which they are intended, U of T, through the Office of Indigenous Initiatives will confirm eligibility for the initiative with your Indigenous community.

Yes, there are many non-repayable supports available for all students (domestic and international) at the University of Toronto. As a first step, you should meet with a financial aid counsellor at your division, faculty or college to discuss your situation and to learn about the resources that may be available to you.

Contact First Nations House for advice and guidance.

Email: academicsupports.fnh@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-978-1290

You can receive the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant in addition to other U of T awards, grants, and bursaries you may receive.

You are not required to live on a reserve to qualify for this grant.

Yes. Once your band confirms your membership, you can receive the Indigenous Tuition Grant through all the years of your undergraduate, professional, or graduate program.

If you change your program of study, you may need to reapply for the Indigenous Tuition Grant. We will need to confirm that your new program of study is approved for OSAP.

There is no limit on the number of degrees the tuition grant will cover. However, if you change your program of study, you will need to reapply for the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant. We will need to confirm that your new program of study is approved for OSAP.

To be considered for the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant, you must be taking a program of study that has been approved for OSAP. This does not mean that you must be receiving OSAP. It means that you must be registered in a program for which you can receive OSAP funding.

Yes, you can receive the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant if you are in an OSAP-approved program and studying during the summer semester.

Native American/Alaska Native students from federally recognized tribes in the continental U.S.A. may be assessed for domestic Ontario tuition fees. For a list of eligible Tribes, please visit the US Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs website. 

The grant will cover the total tuition cost for an approved program of study. The grant will be applied to your student account after the last day to add or drop a course for the term. Students are encouraged to apply for the grant before the start of the term so a deferral can be applied so you can complete your registration.

If you withdraw from a course(s) and there is a resulting credit due to the grant, the money will be returned to the university.

The grant will be applied to your student account after the last day to add or drop a course for the term. The grant will cover the total tuition cost for an approved program of study. Students are encouraged to apply for the grant before the start of the term so a deferral can be applied so you can complete your registration.

Yes – all sessions where tuition is charged.

Am I Eligible for the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant?

To be eligible for the University of Toronto Indigenous Tuition Grant you must:

  • Be a member of one of the nine identified First Nations communities; and
  • Be enrolled on a continuous full-time or part-time basis, in an OSAP-approved credit-based undergraduate or graduate program (including professional program), where tuition fees are paid to the University of Toronto. A student does not have to apply for OSAP to be eligible for the grant.

Note: Visit Full-Time OSAP for a list of programs offered by the University of Toronto that are not eligible for this grant, as they are not approved for OSAP. 

Students receiving a graduate funding package receive tuition support through their program, please see Information for Indigenous Graduate Students for details. 

Photo by Aaron Mason

9 First Nations Communities

A student in an eligible program can apply for this grant if they are from any of the following nine First Nations communities:

Saturday, March 25, 2023 – Tee Duke, Assistant Director, Indigenous Initiatives, speaks during the inaugural All-Nations Powwow, hosted by the U of T Mississauga Indigenous Centre and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, in the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre at the University of Toronto Mississauga. (Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Information for Non-Ontario Indigenous Students

Indigenous students from outside the Province of Ontario will be assessed the domestic Ontario tuition fees rather than the out of province or international student fees.

Once you have successfully applied, you will not need to reapply each year to pay the Ontario tuition fee.

Indigenous Students from the Rest of Canada

All other Indigenous students from Canada will be assessed the domestic Ontario tuition fee, regardless of where they live.

  1. A copy of an Indian status card. 
  1. A copy of a Métis Nation citizenship card from one of the five provincial affiliates (Métis Nation of Ontario, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Alberta, Métis Nation British Columbia, Manitoba Métis Federation) of the Métis National Council; or a valid membership card from one of the Metis Settlements of Alberta, the Northwest Territory Métis Nation. 
  1. A copy of an Inuit enrolment card issued by any one of the four Inuit modern treaty bodies—Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, or Inuvialuit. 
  1. A certified copy of an enrolment card or written confirmation of membership/enrollment from a US or Canadian federally recognized band/tribal authority. 

Other documents to support claims to identity will be accepted and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. All documentation provided will be reviewed by the U of T Office of Indigenous Initiatives. 

Native American/Alaska Native Students from the Continental U.S.A

In recognition of the Jay Treaty 1794, Native American/Alaska Native students from federally recognized tribes in the continental U.S.A. will be assessed the domestic Ontario tuition fee, regardless of where they live. See the list of Federally Recognized Tribes on the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs website. Students will be asked to provide documentation to confirm tribe membership/citizenship. All documents provided will be reviewed by the U of T Office of Indigenous Initiatives. 

Note: Native American/Alaska Native students who are assessed the domestic Ontario tuition fee will still be considered an international student for all other costs.