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:
Am I Eligible for the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant?
To be eligible for the University of Toronto Indigenous Tuition Grant you must:
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.
Indigenous Students from the Rest of Canada
Indigenous students from Canada will be assessed the domestic Ontario tuition fee, regardless of where they live.
Acceptable Documents to Confirm Band Membership/Citizenship
- A copy of an Indian status card.
- 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.
- A copy of an Inuit enrolment card issued by any one of the four Inuit modern treaty bodies—Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, or Inuvialuit.
- 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.
Costs
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.
The Tuition Fee Lookup Tool provides the tuition fees for your programAncillary 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.
View the ancillary feesAlready Paid Your Tuition Fees for This Year?
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.
- Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
- Students receiving a graduate funding package receive tuition support through their program, see Information for Indigenous Graduate Students for details.
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 Summer: August 1, 2024
For students applying for Fall/Winter: November 1, 2024
For students applying for Winter Only: February 1, 2025
Step 3
Complete the Online Form
Once you are ready, apply using one of these options:
- Indigenous students from one of the nine First Nations communities: apply using the U of T Indigenous Tuition Grant form.
- Indigenous students from the rest of Canada: apply for domestic Ontario tuition fee by submitting a request for Domestic (Ontario Resident) tuition fee billing.
- 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.
