Free Application Days

In the spirit of reconciliation and to honour Residential School survivors, the U of A will once again be hosting Free Application Days from September 30 - October 6, 2023.

Any self-identifying First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student who submits an application to a participating program between September 30 and before October 6 will have their application fee waived. Please review process details below before starting your application.

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Eligibility

Any self-identifying First Nations, Métis, or Inuit applicant receives a free application to a participating program. Please see our First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Awards page if you are not sure you are eligible to self-identify. Internal transfer applicants who are currently studying at the U of A are not eligible.

Participating Programs

Only applications to direct-entry undergraduate degree programs, including the Faculty of Law*, that open on October 1 are part of Free Application Days 2023.

The following Faculties and Programs whose applications are currently open are not participating:

• Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
• Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
• Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Studies
• Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
• Any Certificate programs

*Faculty of Law applicants will still require all supplemental documents to be considered for Indigenous admission as listed on the Law Admissions site.

Transition Year Program Winter 2024 Intake (open until October 1) is already free to apply.

If you are not sure what to take or want more information about our 200+ programs, check out our Admissions + Programs webpage.

Questions? Contact indigenous@ualberta.ca to book an advising appointment.

Process

1. Between September 30 - October 6, start your application.
2. Complete your application, being sure to self-identify as Indigenous.
3. Submit your application! Your application fee and residence fee* will be automatically waived.
4. A team of Free Application Days Advisors will review your application and reach out with any updates or recommendations.

*Residence Fees will be waived for any applicants selecting a residence option. You are not required to stay in residence or select residence to complete your application. All Indigenous students who apply during Free Application Days and select residence will be entered into a draw for one month of free rent from Residence Services.

Deadlines

All applications submitted by midnight on October 6, 2023 will be considered for the promotion.

If your application is not submitted by October 6, you will need to submit, finalize and pay for your application on your own.

Indigenous Recruitment is here to help! Email indigenous@ualberta.ca if you have questions about self-identification eligibility, application questions or security and privacy of your personal information.

Indigenous Identity Documents

Indigenous identity documentation can be loaded to your account via the LaunchPad portal after you apply and up until you receive an official decision.*

We strongly recommend any student who has self-identified for a Free Application to upload their documents as soon as possible.

The eligible Indigenous identity document list can be found on the First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Awards page. Students should add a clear picture of the front and back of cards, and/or clear copies of official letters of confirmation to their checklist. The University of Alberta recognizes that Indigeneity and connecting to your Indigenous identity can be a complex process. We work closely with the University of Alberta Committee on the Documentation of Indigeneity to review documentation that is not listed.

Identity documents are not required as part of the evaluation for an admission unless you have applied to an exclusive Indigenous program or Indigenous stream.

*If you receive a final decision and wish to upload your documentation but cannot, please email indigenous@ualberta.ca with images of your documentation and a member of the Office of the Registrar will upload it to your account.