Find Your Purpose

We are home to a growing and vibrant Indigenous campus community of over 1,900 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. Explore our program quiz to figure out which program fits best for you at the highest ranked and largest northern research institution in Canada.

 Where You Can Study
North Campus | Treaty 6 | Amiskwaciwâskahikan | Edmonton
Augustana Campus | Treaty 6 | Asiniskaw Sepsis | Camrose

Indigenous Vitality

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Flourish Here

Download the Indigenous Guidebook featuring student Delwiliah Brown from Ermineskin Cree Nation of Maskwacis and her experiences at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Education and as a facilitator of the Indigenous Language Club supported by First Peoples’ House.

Grow personally and succeed academically in a vibrant Indigenous campus community.

We offer:

  • Indigenous Student Services
  • Culture and Ceremony
  • FNMI Scholarships and Awards
  • Transition Year Program
  • Practicums with Indigenous Organizations
  • Dedicated housing options
  • And so much more!
First Peoples' House

First Peoples' House is the hub of the Indigenous student community on campus and provides an environment of empowerment through dedicated programs, services, advising, staff, and scholarships.

Initiatives include Bridges Orientation, a welcoming ceremony, a Round Dance, drop-in tea & bannock, a student social space, computer lab, tutoring and advising services, Elders on campus, and Honouring ceremonies at graduation.

Dedicated Housing Options
We offer diverse on-campus housing options for Indigenous students. First Peoples' House works directly with Residence Services to offer secured residential options for single students, families, and student couples.
Indigenous Student Services (ISS)

ISS is housed in the community space within the Wahkohtowin Lodge on our Augustana Campus in Camrose. The lodge enables First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students to gather and access dedicated academic and mental wellness supports. Some resources at ISS include: 

  • Indigenous student mentors 
  • Student advising 
  • Smudging 
  • Community gatherings and celebrations 
Culture and Ceremonies

Stay connected and grounded with your cultural teachings while you are at the U of A. Sit with Elders, access our ceremonial room, and attend events that will keep you connected to your Indigenous roots.

Events like:

  • Welcoming Ceremony (TAWOW) 
  • Annual Round Dance 
  • Convocation Honouring Ceremony

Connect with Us

We Can Help

Our Indigenous Recruitment team is here to help you on your journey to the University of Alberta.

The Indigenous Recruitment Team is part of the Indigenous Enrolment Management Unit inside the Registrar’s Office. Whether you’re a prospective student, counselor, or community leader looking to connect on events, we have specialists just for you. You can also send a message to our general email at any time indigenous@ualberta.ca.

trevor phillips
Trevor J. Phillips | He/Him
Assistant Registrar, Indigenous Enrolment Management
780-919-9151 | tjp1@ualberta.ca
Sadee Lamothe
Sadee Lamothe, BSc | He/Him
Indigenous Student Recruiter
sadee@ualberta.ca
Lily Peters, HBScF | She/Her
Coordinator, Indigenous Recruitment
lpeters3@ualberta.ca
MorningStar Willier, BA | She/Her
Events Coordinator, Indigenous Recruitment
mornings@ualberta.ca

Popular Program Pathways

Find Your Path

Your path to the University of Alberta can be as unique as you are! We have many programs, funding opportunities, and other supports just for Indigenous students — find what’s right for you. Talk with a recruitment advisor if you don’t see yourself in the options below.

Transition Year Program

The Transition Year Program (TYP) is for Indigenous students who may not be prepared to enter a faculty through the regular admissions route. TYP is not an upgrading program — it's a full-time, on-campus program that sets you up to enter a degree program in your second year.

The program has both academic and cultural components and will provide you with a strong network of support by getting to know other students in a small, intimate learning environment.

Learn about program requirements by reading the TYP Brochure and get ready to apply!

Fall (September) Start, All Faculties:
Application Opens: November 1
Application Closes: May 1

Winter (January) Start, Arts and Native Studies:
Application Opens: August 1
Application Closes: October 1

Funding Your Studies

Show Your Pride

Students show their pride in who they are and where they come from by self-declaring as Indigenous. When you self-declare, you may be eligible for scholarships, awards, and bursaries dedicated to Indigenous students and receive information about opportunities, jobs, events, and supports available to you. You can self-declare when completing your application, or any time online.

Start Self-Declaration Form

Funding Options

Scholarships and Awards

The University of Alberta offers scholarships, awards, and financial supports for Indigenous students:

Indigenous Entrance Scholarship

This scholarship for Indigenous students recognizes outstanding academic achievement in high school.

The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Awards

The First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Awards competition is available for students who are First Nation, Métis, or Inuit people of Canada.

Turtle Spirit Pathway Award for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Students

This award assists students who are entering the U of A and who have demonstrated financial challenges and barriers to attending university.

Indigenous Careers Award

This competition is open for students who are Alberta Residents and are First Nation, Métis, or Inuit people of Canada. Funded by the Government of Alberta, this award is designed to encourage Indigenous learners to pursue and complete post-secondary studies in degree programs leading to high-demand career outcomes in Alberta.

Funding and Payment

You may have the opportunity to attend university while being funded by your Band or a third party. Learn more about how Sponsorship works, and check out some of the resources below for more information:

First Nations Students
Inuit and Northern Students
Métis Students

Indigenous Initiatives

Explore this portal to learn about inspiring Indigenous-led work in the teaching, learning, research and community engagement spaces of the university.

Learn More