Concordia strengthens tuition support for Indigenous students from across Canada

Concordia is strengthening its commitment to making higher education more accessible for Indigenous students from across Canada.

Beginning with students entering in fall 2027, eligible First Nations, Inuit and Métis undergraduate students from outside Quebec will receive guaranteed financial support through the university's newly named Out-of-Province Indigenous Tuition Support program.

The funding provides $3,000 annually to help offset the higher tuition costs faced by Canadian students who relocate to Quebec to pursue their studies.

The support program, formerly known as the Canada Scholars Awards for Indigenous Students, continues an existing initiative while giving it a clearer name that reflects its purpose: helping Indigenous students from communities across Canada access a Concordia education.

The funding is available to eligible First Nations, Inuit and Métis students enrolled full-time in undergraduate degree, certificate and Bridging programs who pay out-of-province tuition rates. Unlike many awards that are competitive or limited in number, the support is guaranteed to all students who meet the eligibility criteria.

The announcement comes alongside the launch of Concordia's new Undergraduate Excellence Awards, which automatically provide $4,000 to high-achieving incoming students who meet established academic thresholds. Indigenous students who qualify for both programs may receive funding from both sources, further reducing the cost of attending university.

"Removing barriers to education is a key part of our commitment to reconciliation," says Manon Tremblay, senior director of Indigenous Directions. "For Indigenous students considering studying far from home, cost can be a significant factor. This support helps create more opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals while ensuring they feel welcome and valued as members of the Concordia community."

The funding complements other Indigenous student support available at Concordia, including the Tuition Waiver for First Nations and Inuit Students, which serves eligible students from communities in Quebec. Together, these initiatives help ensure Indigenous learners have access to financial assistance regardless of where they are coming from.

Savvy Papayiannis, director of student recruitment, says the combination of guaranteed entrance awards and Indigenous tuition support sends a strong message to prospective students and their families.

"Students and families are looking for clarity when they make decisions about university," she adds. "By combining automatic entrance awards with dedicated Indigenous tuition support, we're able to provide meaningful financial assistance upfront. Our goal is to help talented students see that Concordia is both an academically rewarding and financially attainable choice."

Learn more about the Out-of-Province Indigenous Tuition Support and eligibility requirements.