Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is funding guaranteed?
   No. Funding is limited and submitting an application does not guarantee funding, as the number of applications may exceed available resources. Applicants should check the application website for current dates and updates.
2. When do applications open?
   Applications for Post-Secondary Degree Funding open on May 15, 2026 and will remain open for 30 days until June 15, 2026.
3. Who can apply for post-secondary education funding?
   You may apply if you have been accepted into, or are enrolled in, a recognized post-secondary program in Alberta or elsewhere in Canada, including as a mature student accepted into an eligible program. Applicants must also meet all program requirements, including OMSA membership, proof of Alberta Métis citizenship, and proof of Alberta residency.
   To see if your post-secondary institution is recognized, please click here.
4. Do I need to apply each year?
   Yes. Students must reapply for each academic year. Returning students must provide updated transcripts, proof of enrollment, a current course schedule, and maintain regular contact with their designated METI-S Advisor.
   
5. What documents do I need to apply?
   All applicants must provide proof of Métis citizenship, Alberta residency, admission or enrollment in an eligible post-secondary program, current or planned studies, recent transcripts, and a signed disclosure of all funding sources. Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances, program, or stage of study. Please refer to the Eligibility & Required Documents  section for additional details.
6. When is my application considered complete?
   Your application is only considered complete when all required information and supporting documents have been submitted and received. Submitting an online application does not mean your file is complete. Partial applications will not be accepted.
7. How is the undergraduate year of study determined?
   For undergraduate programs, year of study is based on completed credits, not the number of calendar years attended. In a standard 120-credit program, Year 1 is 0–29 completed credits, Year 2 is 30–59, Year 3 is 60–89, and Year 4 is 90–120.
   
8. What happens after I apply?
   Rupertsland Institute will review and verify the information in your application. Eligible applicants will be contacted by RLI staff to complete an assessment and commit to a Student Action Plan. Due to high application volumes, there may be a waiting period before an RLI METI-S Advisor contacts you.
9. When does funding get distributed?
   Applicants will have 15 days from their degree program start date to submit their final unofficial transcripts including classes for their current year of study to their designated METI-S Advisor. Failure to submit will result in cancellation of funding.
10. Is childcare support available?
    Childcare support may be available on a case-by-case basis for students enrolled full-time in three or more courses per semester. Support is available for up to three dependents aged 12 and under at a rate of $15 per training day, to a maximum of $75 per week, per child.
11. Is funding taxable?
    Yes. Funding paid to students, or on behalf of students, is taxable income. Students will receive a T4A for all funding paid within the calendar year in which the funding was received.
    
12. Can I receive other awards or funding and still apply?
    Yes. Receiving awards or funding from other sources does not automatically disqualify you from this program.
    Applicants who are receiving financial support from another Métis government or organization are not eligible for RLI Post-Secondary Education funding. Information provided in an application may also be shared with relevant third parties, where necessary, to verify eligibility and support the review of the application.
13. Where Can I Ask Questions for Specific Circumstances Not Mentioned Here?For any questions regarding special circumstances not covered in the above FAQ, please contact RLIinfo@metis.org