Bursaries & Scholarships

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Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries and Scholarships (BBF) program opens doors through education.

Since 1996, Indspire has provided over $313 million in financial support through more than 93,000 bursaries, scholarships and awards to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. For a complete listing of Building Brighter Futures supports, please visit indspirefunding.ca.

How BBF is Supporting Students

Our Program is Growing

Our program has more than doubled in the last ten years! This year, over 9,500 applications were awarded – the highest number of awards ever given!

This year we were able to provide more money for individual First Nation, Inuit and Métis students

This year, we awarded over $33 million to Indigenous students – that’s $1.3 million more than last year! This means more money goes to individual First Nation, Inuit and Métis students to help with their education.

Our team continues to work to improve our program, reduce wait times and fund as many students as possible

We have upgraded our student information database to ensure we can quickly match students with awards and make it easier for students to submit applications.

Our focus remains on YOU!

Building Brighter Futures’ funding model is unlike any other in the country, wherever possible funds are awarded to a student to use as they wish – tuition, childcare, food, cultural support, shelter, travel, etc.

Bursaries and Scholarships for Post-Secondary Education

Post-Secondary Education Programs

Full and part time studies in college, university, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and technology programs.

There is one application for all of Indspire’s bursaries and scholarships (with a few exceptions that you’ll see below). You only need to complete the application once to be considered for all applicable bursaries and scholarships. September 2026 to August 2027 academic year.

Deadlines: August 1, November 1, February 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries and Scholarships program is made possible thanks to generous supporters and federal and provincial governments. While we work to increase the amount of funding available each year, due to the growth in the number of applications, we’re not able to fund every student that applies.

Apply Now

Post-Secondary Education – Skilled Trades

Post-Secondary Education Programs: part-time or full-time certificate or diploma programs (1 month to 4 year programs)

Deadlines: August 1, November 1, February 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Apply Now

Student Success Stories

Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program is helping them realize their educational dreams. Hear from students, in their own words, how Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program is helping them through their educational journey.

Questions?

We can help!

For more information or if you have any questions, please visit our FAQ page, or email education@indspire.ca or call 1-855-INDSPIRE (463-7747) x0223.

BBF Program Policy

If you would like to review our Program Policy, you can access the document below.

BBF Program Policy

Building Brighter Futures Webinar Series

Learn directly from the experts behind Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures program

Whether you’re applying for Building Brighter Futures funding or supporting a student through the process, our free webinar series is here to help.

Join members of Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures team for practical guidance on the application process, eligibility requirements, common mistakes to avoid, and live Q&A. Each session is designed to help you submit a stronger application with confidence.

Ideal for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, families, guidance counsellors, Indigenous Student Centres, Student Success Advisors, community organizations, and others supporting Indigenous learners.