Financial support for Indigenous students

Creating a financial plan

Deciding to pursue university studies is exciting, and the Indigenous Student Support Team is glad you have chosen UBC to be a part of it!

Part of preparing for and successfully completing your program is planning for the costs of post-secondary education. Creating a financial plan can help you take control of your finances while attending UBC, which can lead to a positive and stress-free experience.

As this can be a new situation for many, there are people and resources at UBC to support you as you navigate your options.

Academic and personal costs

If you are planning to attend UBC, you may need to consider the following costs: 

• Tuition and student fees
• Books and other classroom material
• Housing
• Utilities (cellphone, power and heat)
• Groceries and meals
• Entertainment and subscriptions
• Personal items
• Child care

Getting started

1. To calculate your expenses, including tuition and other costs for specific programs, follow the UBC financial planning guide, or use the first-year cost calculator.
2. Connect with an Enrolment Services Advisor, who can help you create a personalized financial plan and walk through resources with you.
3. Learn about standard tuition payment options.

Funding resources for Indigenous students

There are many ways to fund your education at UBC. If you are an Indigenous student, you can request funds from several funding sources, depending on your situation.

First Nation, Band or community sponsorship

At UBC, some Indigenous students are eligible to receive support from their band to pay for their post-secondary education, including First Nations communities, Métis Associations, or community organizations like the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. Depending on your band, they may be able to offer support with tuition and fees, as well as monthly living expenses.

Get in touch with your band early to determine if this is an option for you. Your band must fill out a Sponsorship Billing Agreement before the start of every academic year. Learn more about the Sponsorship Billing process.

Government student loans and grants

Government student loans are offered by every province and territory in Canada, and you can apply through your province or territory of residence.

These loans remain interest-free while you are a full-time student. You are also not required to pay this loan back until you’re no longer in full-time studies. It’s the most ideal type of credit or loan for students who need to borrow funding for post-secondary education. Read about the types of student loans and how you can apply.

When you apply for student loans, you’re also considered for government grant funding, depending on your family size, income, and more. Grants do not have to be paid back and you’re only eligible for them if you apply for government assistance.

Things to consider

• If you’re applying for a student loan in British Columbia, the amount of sponsorship funding you receive will not impact your loan assessment. You are encouraged to apply for both sponsorship funding and student loan funding at the same time.
• Outside of British Columbia, sponsorship funding may be counted as an asset towards your loan calculation. Please verify this with your Provincial Loan Provider.
• If you are eligible for and are receiving government student loans, you are also eligible to apply for the UBC Bursary Program. If your application is successful, you do not need to pay back bursary funds.
• For part-time students, there are specific loan options and grant funding that can cover the cost of tuition, books, and classroom materials.
• A common way for students to finance their post-secondary course work is through government student loans. That said, it is also quite common for students to have negative opinions and/or fears around the idea of student loans and/or debt in general. Having these ideas and feelings is normal, and the Indigenous Student Support Team is here to discuss your options with you.

UBC scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students

The university offers many scholarships and awards based on different criteria, including academic standing, involvement in extracurricular activities, or financial need. You may wish to check if you’re eligible for the following awards:

• Entrance awards for undergraduate Indigenous students
• Entrance funding and information for graduate Indigenous students
• Awards for current Indigenous students
• General scholarships, awards, and bursaries for all UBC students
• UBC Bursary program for students with student loans
• UBC needs-based Technology Bursary for online learning
• Indigenous Awards for Health Science Students

You can also use the UBC Award Search Tool to explore the general awards and scholarships by faculty and year level.

International Tuition Exemption for Indigenous students

Certain Indigenous international students may be eligible to pay domestic fees. Learn more about the International Tuition Exemption.

Former youth in care waiver program

UBC is committed to supporting the academic and personal achievements of former and current youth in care. If you have been a youth in care within British Columbia, you may qualify for the UBC Post-Care Tuition Waiver Program or the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program.

Jobs and career resources

UBC offers many job opportunities for students to build work experience and earn money.

Emergency funding

Sometimes, even with the best planning, you may run into a situation that is out of your control and you may need help to manage the problem. When no other financial options are available, you may wish to consider short-term emergency funding to help cover a temporary shortfall due to an unexpected emergency situation.

Contact your Enrolment Services Advisor about the funding. If you do not have an assigned Advisor, please email es.indigenous@ubc.ca.

If you need help

The Indigenous Student Support and Advising Team in Enrolment Services works closely with other teams on campus, including the following:

• First Nations House of Learning
• Indigenous Student Academic Advising team
• Centre for Accessibility

How Enrolment Service Advisors can help

From the beginning of your UBC journey until graduation, Enrolment Services Advisors can support you when you need it in the following ways:

• Creating a financial plan with you
• Helping you understand the different funding options
• Developing a scholarship or award application

All undergraduate students have an assigned Enrolment Services Advisor for personalized advising. If you do not have an assigned advisor, you can email the Indigenous Advising Team (es.indigenous@ubc.ca) for help.

Book an appointment

If you have an assigned Enrolment Services Advisor, please contact them directly through email or phone. Otherwise, you can email es.indigenous@ubc.ca and book a one-on-one advising appointment with a member of the Indigenous Student Support Team.

If you’re a UBC Okanagan student, please contact the UBC Okanagan Indigenous Student Advising Team.

In-person drop-in support

During the academic year, visit the UBC First Nations Longhouse to speak with an Enrolment Services Advisor on the Indigenous Student Support Team on Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Meet the Indigenous Student Support Team