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Post-Secondary Education Funding

Rupertsland Institute (RLI) provides post-secondary financial aid to Métis students to reduce the overall cost of education and the financial burden it can have. RLI seeks to increase the number of Métis students who successfully complete post-secondary studies and to bring parity between Métis post-secondary participation to that of other Albertans.

The RLI Post-Secondary Education (PSE) program is made possible by a funding agreement between the Government of Canada and the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA).

PSE funding will be available to eligible applicants on a first come, first serve basis with priority given to existing RLI clients. Funding is limited.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet the following requirements; RLI will verify all information provided:

  1. Must be a member of the Rupertsland Métis Students Association.
  2. Must show proof of Métis citizenship by submitting a current Métis Nation of Alberta citizenship card.
  3. Proof of Alberta residency.
  4. Must be enrolled in a recognized post-secondary program in Alberta or elsewhere in Canada (excluding applicants applying for Referral Program Support).
  5. Must work with an RLI Student Advisor to determine the level of support from Métis Students Services (if applicable) and commit to a Student Action Plan.
  6. Must sign a disclosure citing all sources of funding that the student is receiving or applying to receive including any financial support from another Métis National Council member (Métis Nation British Colombia, Métis Nation Saskatchewan, and Métis Nation of Ontario), the Manitoba Métis Federation, or Alberta Métis Settlements.

Métis Student Services Support for Post-secondary Education

Access to these services is limited and dependent upon an assessment by an RLI Post-secondary Advisor. Students must be a citizen of the Metis Nation of Alberta to access these resources.

Students MAY be eligible to access the following supports:

Métis Student Services Support
Program Stream Activity Targets
Referral Support School Application Fees Eligible applicants transitioning into the first year of post-secondary from high school or returning to school in later years. This is a one-time payment.
Professional Fees Current and recent graduates to register in a related professional body.
Distant Learning Support Hardware (laptop), software, IT (Information Technology) peripherals Must be enrolled in the first year of college or university in an eligible post-secondary institute.
Eligible applicants enrolled in university (2nd to 4th year) or college (2nd year) may access this support under Sundry support.
Applicants may not apply for distance learning hardware support twice.
Health Services Support Counselling Support is available to students who are citizens of the Metis Nation of Alberta
Sundry Support Various circumstance Eligible applicants facing unforeseen events during their academic school year. Funding level based on a needs-assessment.

Métis Post-Secondary Education Funding Requirements

  • Student must be a current citizen of the Metis Nation of Alberta
  • Student must be registered with Rupertsland Métis Student Association https://msa.rupertsland.org/ before applying for school funding
  • Student must be enrolled in a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution
  • Students attending full-time will be prioritized before part-time students
  • Returning students must reapply for each new school year and supply new supporting documentation including recent official transcripts, a confirmation of enrolment and a course schedule
  • Post-Secondary Applications open May 15, 2024. Returning students will be prioritized
  • The application site may close without notice due to high volumes of applicants
  • Funding is limited and is not guaranteed
  • In person applications are suspended until further notice

Application process

Online Application
Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your web browser

  1. Visit the application webpage https://rlioas.ca
  2. Create your Rupertsland Institute student profile by using a valid email address and a password
  3. The application will prompt you to validate the email address.
  4. Follow the application instructions, read, and check all the boxes and enter all required information and attach the mandatory documentation.
  5. Partial submissions will cause delays and may not be funded. Returning students are prioritized and new applicants are served on a first come, first served basis once all the returning students have applied.
  6. Applicants will be contacted by Rupertsland Institute services to conduct an assessment and students are asked to commit to a Student Action Plan.

MÉTIS – Online Services (Final 2 semesters of a diploma or degree program)

  • All successful applicants must be a current citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta
  • All students must be registered with RMSA (Rupertsland Métis Student Association) https://msa.rupertsland.org/ before applying for funding
  • Students must be enrolled in the final two semesters of their diploma or degree program including any practicum requirement
  • Applications open April 1, 2024 for students transitioning from RLI’s Post-Secondary program and other students applying for their final two semesters of a diploma, degree or after-degree
  • Funding is limited and is not guaranteed

MÉTIS – Online Services Student Support for your final 2 semesters

Year of Study Institution Program Amount
Final Year (two semesters) Publicly funded College or University Diploma, Degree or After Degree
  • Tuition cap
  • Income support if eligible

Post-Secondary Education Program Inquiry: postsec@rupertsland.org for inquiries about post-secondary funding.

Information on Status of Application: applications@rupertsland.org for inquiries about the status of your application. Information will only be supplied to the student

Métis Scholar Awards

Are you a full time Métis student in one of 20 post-secondary institutions in Alberta?

You may qualify for financial assistance through the Métis Scholar Awards program that provides financial support in years one to three of your certificate, diploma or undergraduate program. Depending upon the institution, Métis Scholar Awards may also be available for graduate studies. Final year financial assistance (the last two semesters) is available for students via the RLI Higher Learning Completion program.

The Métis Scholar Awards program is funded through endowment agreements negotiated at post-secondary institutions across Alberta through the Métis Education Foundation (MEF) and RLI. The endowments and awards are administered directly by each post-secondary institution.

Métis Scholar Awards are available at the following institutions and all applications must be submitted directly to the appropriate post-secondary institution:

  • Athabasca University

    Awards

    $2,500 for undergraduate students. The number of available awards varies.

    Application Information

    Applications are available online

  • Bow Valley College

    Awards

    $2,000 – $2,500 for students in certificate programs.
    $4,000 – $5,000 for students in diploma programs.
    Up to $1,500 for emergency bursaries, available to Métis students in emergency financial situations.

    Often two to three awards are presented annually in each category (certificate programs and diploma programs).

    Application Information

    Applications are available online

  • Concordia University of Edmonton

    Awards

    $2,500 for continuing students registered in full-time studies and able to demonstrate financial need.

    Award deadline is November 1st.

    Application Information

    Applications are available online

  • Grande Prairie Regional College

    Awards

    Minimum value of $1,500 for a student who is enrolled in their first year of studies and minimum value of $2,500 for a student who is enrolled in their second year of studies.

    Application Information

    Applications are available from the Awards & Financial Aid Office located in Student Services or online

  • Keyano College – Coming 2022

    Awards

    More information coming soon.

    Application Information

  • Lakeland College

    Awards

    $2,500 – $3,500 for students enrolled full-time in any certificate, diploma, or university transfer program. Two to four awards are available each year.

    For more information, see page 62 of the Lakeland College index.

    Application Information

    Applications are available from Student Services at Lakeland College or online

  • Lethbridge College

    Awards

    $3,500 for students entering/continuing in post-secondary programs. Up to six awards are available each year. Students may access funding through the Métis Scholar Awards a maximum of two times.

    Application Information

    Lethbridge College: Applications are available from Student Services at Lethbridge College or online for continuing student awards and entrance awards.

  • MacEwan University

    Awards

    $2,000 – $3,000 for certificate/diploma students
    $3,000 – $5,000 for undergraduate degree or undergraduate applied degree students

    The number of awards available varies.

    Application Information

    Applications are available through the Student Resource Centre at MacEwan University or online

  • Medicine Hat College

    Awards

    Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.

    Application Information

    Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.

  • Mount Royal University

    Awards

    Up to $3,500 per award is available for each academic year. A maximum of five awards are available annually.

    Application Information

    Applications are available online

  • NAIT

    Awards

    $1,500 – $2,000 for certificate programs

    $2,000 – $3,000 for diploma programs

    $3,000 – $5,000 for undergraduate applied degree or undergraduate degree programs

    At least 20 awards will be distributed each academic year.

    Application Information

    Application forms are available through the NAIT Scholarships & Bursaries Office or online

  • NorQuest College

    Awards

    $1,500 – $2,000 for certificate/diploma students

    $2,000 – $3,000 for university transition students

    The number of available awards varies but 25 awards are typically distributed every year.

    Application Information

    Applications are available through the Student Financial Aid Office at NorQuest College or online

  • Northern Lakes College

    Awards

    Métis Scholar Awards: $2,500 for full-time students in a diploma, certificate or university transfer program.

    Métis Student Bursaries: $500 for students in an academic upgrading program.

    Four to five awards per category are available each year.

    Application Information

    Applications are available through the Student Financial Aid Office at Northern Lakes College or online

  • Olds College – Coming 2022

    Awards

    More information coming soon.

    Application Information

  • Portage College

    Awards

    Up to 30 awards of $1,500 will be distributed every year.

    Application Information

    Application forms are available online

    Completed applications must be submitted to the Student Services Centre, Portage College, Box 417, 9531 94 Avenue, Lac La Biche, Alberta T0A 2C0

  • Red Deer Polytechnic – Coming 2022

    Awards

    More information coming soon.

    Application Information

  • SAIT

    Awards

    More information to come.

    Application Information

    For details, visit the SAIT website here.

  • University of Alberta

    Awards

    Three separate award categories are available:

    • Métis Scholar Award (One of up to $20,000; consideration will only be given to students enrolled in a graduate program)
    • Métis Professional Studies Awards (of up to $10,000; consideration will only be given to students enrolled in the second, third or fourth year of study in any professional undergraduate degree program with differential fees)
    • Métis Undergraduate Awards (of up to $5,000; consideration will only be given to students enrolled in the second or third year of study for any undergraduate degree program)

    Typically, 13 awards are distributed annually.

    Application Information

    Applications are available online through the First Peoples’ House at the University of Alberta.

  • University of Calgary

    Awards

    Three separate award categories are available as follows:

    • Métis Education Foundation Entrance Awards (three awards available; award amounts vary but may be up to $5,000)
    • Métis Education Foundation Continuing Awards (three awards available; award amounts vary but may be up to $5,000)
    • Métis Education Foundation Graduate Awards (three awards; award amount $10,000)

    Application Information

  • University of Lethbridge

    Awards

    A minimum value of $2,500 for undergraduate degree programs and a minimum value of $10,000 for graduate degree programs, though award amounts vary. At least six undergraduate degree awards and at least one graduate degree award will be made annually.

    Application Information

    Application forms are available at the University of Lethbridge Scholarships and Student Finance office or online.

Métis Scholar Awards Criteria

Métis Scholar Awards criteria varies across the different post-secondary institutions. While there are commonalities across the overall endowment program, careful consideration was given to the programs at each institution to maximize the benefits to Métis students.

When considering your application for the Métis Scholar Awards, please contact the post-secondary institution directly to identify application deadlines and specific criteria that may apply.

To qualify for a Métis Scholar Award, a student must meet the criteria of both the Métis Education Foundation (Métis Scholar Awards criteria) and the post-secondary institution where the endowment resides.

Applications will also be assessed on the following Métis Education Foundation criteria:

  1. The student cannot be receiving funding from any program at Rupertsland Institute.
  2. The student must show proof of Métis ancestry by submitting one of the following documents:
    • A current citizenship card from the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA); or,
    • An approved verifiable application in progress with Métis Nation of Alberta Registry.
  3. The student must be enrolled in the Rupertsland Métis Student and Alumni Association.
  4. The applicant must declare that their name will not appear on the Government of Canada’s Indian Registry, nor a Band list pursuant to the Indian Act, and is neither Inuk, nor non-Status Indian,
  5. The applicant must declare that he/she is residing in the province of Alberta during their study period.

*Each institution may have its own specific criteria in addition to the eligibility requirements listed above.

Métis Education Foundation – Métis Scholar Award(s)

The Métis Education Foundation (MEF) offers two Métis Scholar Awards; the MEF Métis Scholar Award and the MEF Early Learning and Child Care Métis Scholar Award. The MEF Métis Scholar Award provides financial assistance and encourages achievements of Métis applicants in academic, artistic and athletic excellence. The MEF Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Métis Scholar Award provides financial assistance to Métis citizens entering ELCC studies at provincial post-secondary institutions.

The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), Rupertsland Institute (RLI, and the Métis Education Foundation (MEF) launched these endowments in 2020. The awards complement the MEF’s current portfolio of endowment partnerships with post-secondary partners in Alberta. The Métis Education Foundation holds both awards internally.

MEF Métis Scholar Award

Awarded to Métis Citizens in pursuit of provincial, national and/or international academic, artistic or athletic excellence pursuits that will enrich the applicant’s life experience and bring recognition to Métis in Alberta.

To be considered for a MEF Métis Scholar Award, an applicant must be:

  • In pursuit of provincial, national and/or international academic, artistic or athletic excellence pursuits that will enrich the applicant’s life experience and bring recognition to Métis in Alberta. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate academic achievement, financial need and/or excellence in the chosen activity;
  • Enrolled in a full-time graduate or undergraduate program in a provincial post-secondary institution where the MEF does not have an endowment agreement;

To Apply

Submit Application

MEF Early Learning and Child Care Métis Scholar Award

Awarded to Métis Citizens enrolled in a full-time certificate, diploma, undergraduate or graduate Early Learning and Child Care program.

To be considered for an ELCC Métis Scholar Award for Early Learning and Childcare, an applicant must be enrolled in a full-time certificate, diploma, undergraduate or graduate Early Learning and Child Care program.

To Apply

Submit Application

General Award Criteria (each award has additional criteria):

  1. The number and individual value of both Métis Scholar Awards will be at the discretion of the Métis Scholar Award Selection Committee.
  2. The number of awards provided may change annually and the value of the awards may vary between $1,500 at a minimum, to a maximum of $10,000. In exceptional circumstances, the Métis Scholar Award Selection Committee may decide to increase the value of the awards to reflect the accomplishments of the various applicants.
  3. The student cannot be receiving funding from any program at the Rupertsland Institute.
  4. The student must show proof of Métis ancestry by submitting one of the following documents:
    a. A current citizenship card from the Métis Nation of Alberta; or,
    b. An approved verifiable application in progress with the Métis Nation of Alberta Registry.
  5. The student must be enrolled in the Rupertsland Métis Student and Alumni Association.
  6. The student must declare that their name will not appear on Canada’s Indian Registry or a Band list pursuant to the Indian Act, and is not an Inuk or a non-status Indian.
  7. The student must declare that he/she is residing in the province of Alberta during their study period.
  8. The applicant must submit a letter to the Métis Scholar Award Selection Committee explaining how the Métis Scholar Award will support the achievement of excellence in the chosen field. The applicant’s letter can explain the involvement in the Métis Community. Additional consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate they have volunteered with the Métis Nation of Alberta or other entities within the Métis Nation of Alberta’s governance structure.
  9. Applicants also agree to have their success highlighted in digital and hardcopy materials produced by MNA, RLI and/or MEF.
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