OSAP
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program that helps students in Ontario pay for college or university through grants (money you don’t have to pay back) and loans (money you have to repay once you’ve completed school).
Students in eligible health programs (Nursing/Paramedic) can apply for the Ontario Stay and Learn Grant through the OSAP portal.
Ready to apply? Get some help!
For assistance applying to OSAP or getting proper documentation for your application, you can connect with either your post-secondary Program Coordinator, or our Pathways Coordinator, Andrew Heppner, at andrewh@7generations.org. Our Pathways Coordinator can help you:
- Prepare letters to upload to the OSAP portal
- Guide you if you’re unsure what to do next
- Help navigate our partner college/university processes and policies as they relate to OSAP
- Connect you with the Financial Aid staff at our partner institutions and help to prepare you for those meetings
View the status of your OSAP application
The information in your OSAP application is considered confidential, therefore only the Financial Aid staff at our partner institutions can view and advise you on the status of your OSAP application. If you have an issue that requires access to the OSAP portal, please reach out to your partner institution (see contact information below – and feel free to connect with the Pathways Coordinator in advance if you are unsure about anything):
- Canadore College – finaid@canadorecollege.ca
- Confederation College – financialaid@confederationcollege.ca
- Durham College – financialaid@durhamcollege.ca
- Lakehead University – https://www.lakeheadu.ca/studentcentral/inquiry
- Sault College – student.financial.assistance@saultcollege.ca
Bursaries and Scholarships
A bursary is a non-repayable award that is granted to students. Like bursaries, scholarships are also non-repayable awards, but are typically awarded based on achievement. Listed are a number of bursaries and scholarships available to you through SGEI or your affiliate college or university.
Bursaries and scholarships for students in Canada
- ATCO Indigenous Education Awards
- CICan Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary
- Dreamcatcher Educational Funding
- First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
- Indspire Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards
- KPMG Indigenous Student Awards
- NIB Trust Fund
- NWAC’s Helen Bassett Commemorative, Michael Melancon-Koffend Student Awards
- ONECA Post-Secondary Student Awards and Four Directions Scholarship
- Canada Post Indigenous Scholarship (Due August 31)
Affiliate college bursaries
Once accepted into a program, SGEI students are also welcome to apply for bursaries and scholarships through their partner institutes:
Biskaabiyang Bursary
Created in honour of late Elder Anne Wilson, this bursary is awarded to students who demonstrate alignment with Anishnaabe teachings and values through a short essay.
Applications for the Biskaabiyang Bursary will open in late fall and will be communicated to SGEI students using Brightspace and via email.
All other internal awards have been suspended for the 2026/2027 academic year.
First Nations Education Funding
Some First Nations communities have education dollars set aside for resident students. Rules relating to funding differ based on your community. Please contact your local Education Counsellor for more information. For assistance applying for funding, contact your post-secondary program coordinator.
PSSSP: Post-Secondary Student Support Program
The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) provides financial assistance to individuals from eight First Nations communities (see below for complete list) enrolled in an accredited post-secondary certificate, diploma, undergraduate or advanced professional degree program.
Participating First Nations include:
- Wabigoon Saaga’igan Anishinaabeg – (Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation)
- Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation)
- Red Rock Indian Band – Lake Helen Reserve 53A
- Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinabek (Sand Point First Nation)
Type of support
For students in full-time studies, PSSSP can cover the cost of tuition, mandatory student fees, textbooks, monthly living allowances and travel support.
For students in part-time studies, PSSSP can cover the cost of tuition and textbooks.
Scholarships
Academic Achievement Scholarships: PSSSP approved students who have achieved a grade point average of B or higher while enrolled in a full time, Level 1 or Level 2 program of studies may apply for a scholarship up to a maximum of $1,000 annually.
Strategic Studies Scholarship: PSSSP approved students who are enrolled in a Level 2 university undergraduate program that directly contributes to achieving First Nation Self Government and economic self reliance. Maximum of $2,500 annually.
Incentive Scholarship: PSSSP approved students enrolled in a full time Level 3 degree program. Maximum of $1,500 awarded only once throughout program.
For more information regarding the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, read the Administrative Handbook.
How to Apply
- For new students entering the first year of a post-secondary program: New Student – PSSSP Application Package.
- For continuing students: Continuing Students – PSSSP Application form.
Application Deadlines
- Spring/Summer (May-August) – April 1st
- Fall/Winter (September-April) – June 1st
- Scholarship Applications (full-time previous year funded students only) – July 31st
Please send the completed form and supporting documentation to:
Please reach out to the following PSSSP staff with any questions:
Jennifer Ryan, Social/Education Counsellor- jenniferk@7generations.org
Robin McGinnis, Associate Director of PSSSP- robinm@7generations.org