About the program
The Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program provides a pathway for eligible First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to attain a university degree without meeting Concordia’s traditional admission requirements. Admission to the Bridging Program is available for the fall term only.
Eligible degree programs
Thrive at university with an informal background
As a student, you’ll receive both academic and social support to help you transition smoothly to university life in Montreal. Tailored classes in writing, study skills, and time management will guide you through prerequisites and set you up for success in your degree.
In addition, you will:
- Build community within an all-ages cohort
- Attend weekly seminars focused on personal growth
- Access valuable resources through the Otsenhákta Student Centre and the Student Success Centre
- Explore funding opportunities to support your studies
- Earn credits during the bridging program that count toward your undergraduate degree
Get your questions answered
Ways to connect with us
- Email our team
- Fill out this form and we will contact you with updates
- Book a Virtual Chat with Saba Din, Program Lead
Eligibility & process
The Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program is open to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples whose communities are located in Canada and who do not meet the standard admission requirements for post-secondary education.
- Each application is reviewed individually
- Meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the bridging program
- Applicants whose academic background already qualifies them for regular admission are not eligible for the bridging program
University can be a rewarding and life-changing experience, but it also requires dedication, independence and a significant commitment of time and effort. Before applying to Concordia, take some time to reflect and prepare for what your studies might entail.
This checklist is designed to help you assess your readiness to apply to and succeed in the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program. Review each statement carefully and consider whether it reflects your current situation. If you answer "No" to one or more statements, consider spending additional time to feel better prepared in those areas, and book an appointment with the Bridging Program Lead to learn more about the program and ways to further prepare for university studies.
Student readiness checklist
☐ I am ready to take on university studies and recognize that university is a learning environment that requires independence and self-direction.
☐ I have stability in my physical, emotional and mental well-being that will allow me to focus on my studies.
☐ I have financial stability that will allow me to focus on my studies and understand that budgeting may be required.
☐ I have a strong support network that will encourage me throughout my studies.
☐ I have the English language proficiency and basic computer skills needed to succeed in my studies.
☐ I can attend classes regularly, arrive on time and participate in learning activities (e.g., tutorials, group assignments and study groups).
☐ I can manage my study time by dedicating approximately 24-30 hours per week outside of class to studying, reading course materials and completing assignments.
☐ I am committed to taking an active role in my academic success by using available supports and resources (e.g., tutoring, writing assistance).
☐ I will communicate with instructors as early as possible about absences, questions about course materials or concerns that may affect my ability to meet deadlines.
☐ I will stay connected with people who can support me, including the Bridging Program Lead, the Indigenous Student Success Coordinator and the Bridging Seminar Instructor.
After you have completed the above student readiness checklist and feel ready to take on university studies, your application will need to include the following documents:
- A letter of intent outlining:
- Why you have chosen to study at university through the bridging program
- The reasons for your choice of program, including your goals and aspirations
- Descriptions of experience, knowledge or skills which you have acquired that would assist you in your studies
- A birth certificate or other accepted proof of age
- Transcripts
- Proof of Indigenous identity
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé (optional)
Paths after the program
Upon successful completion of the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program, you will transition into the undergraduate program you selected without the need to reapply for admission.
Funding options
The Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program offers students financial assistance in addition to their band funding.
The ScotiaRISE Achievement Award is for students in the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program who achieve a minimum Assessment GPA of 3.00 at the end of the academic year. This award is non-renewable and no application is required. The award amount may vary from term to term, up to $500, depending on the number of students and funds available.
We will notify students who are eligible for this award.
The ScotiaRISE Needs-Based Bursary is for students in the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program who require financial aid during their studies in the bridging program. To apply, students must submit an application form along with relevant supporting documents. The amount of the needs-based bursary will vary depending on the demonstrated need.
Students interested in applying for the ScotiaRISE Needs-Based Bursary are encouraged to speak with the Bridging Program Lead for more information.
To apply for this bursary:
- Log into your Student Centre and click on Apply for Bursaries or Scholarships (on the left side of your screen).
- Once you've indicated the Aid Year, complete both the Aid Declaration and the Needs Analysis.
- Go back to the Student Centre and click on the Undergraduate Student Request Forms (on the left side of your screen).
- Under the Student Request Forms menu, click on Bursary Applications.
- Click on the ScotiaRise Bursary to access the application.
- Before submitting, please be sure to review your statement and upload all supporting documents for your application.
Please note: The ScotiaRISE Needs-Based Bursary application is only available to students in the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program. The application is accessible to students once the Aid Declaration and Needs Analysis are completed.
Financial aid for students in the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program is possible thanks to Scotiabank's generous donation to Concordia University.
Naming the program
Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke (Gaa-Yay-Ree Knee-Gaa-Way-Raa-Geh)
Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke, a Kanien’kéha term, translates to “the four winds” or “the four directions”. These vital winds coming from different directions work in harmony with other elements to promote the growth of plant life, signaling change in the natural world. The Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program was named in the Kanien’kéha language to honour and respect the local Indigenous peoples whose territories Concordia was built upon.
Concordia would like to thank Katsistohkwí:io Jacco, who is Kanien’kehá:ka and part of the Bear Clan, for naming the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program and providing the pronunciation sound clip.
