Indigenous students
The First Peoples House is a home away from home for Indigenous students. It’s a safe space for learning, sharing and community building. Acknowledging the teachings of these territories, one must enter with a good mind and good heart.
Academic & cultural programs
UVic offers holistic services to Indigenous students throughout their academic journey.
Health & wellness supports
We aim to provide a culturally safe and welcoming place for Indigenous students. Learn how to access health, counselling and Elder support for Indigenous students.
Scholarships & bursaries
We offer scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students. Be sure to self-identify when you apply to UVic so that so you can take advantage of them.
LE,NOṈET bursaries are awarded annually. These bursaries act as top-up funding for qualifying students and don’t displace existing funding.
Indigenous events
Graduate Indigenous awards
The Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Dean’s Award for Indigenous Graduate Students is an award to recognize and support academic excellence. The Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement and the Faculty of Graduate Studies have collaborated to develop these awards for Indigenous students:
- One fellowship award of $15,000 for a master’s level student
- One fellowship award of $15,000 for a doctoral level student
Indigenous Nation funding
Some Nations offer funding for their students. We’re here to help you find out if there are funding opportunities available for you and how to access them.
For support with any of these processes, contact inafco@uvic.ca or 250-853-3599.
Programs
Our Indigenous programs and courses are open to all students. They cover contemporary issues, historical contexts and community-based learning.
Indigenous International Exchange
UVic offers a unique international exchange program for Indigenous students, where you can travel to Australia on a co-op work term and connect with Indigenous community members and scholars. You could even qualify for a grant to support your travel and expenses.
“I was able to explore more of my personal being and the culture, traditions and teachings of global Indigenous communities.” - Shireen Foroghi (Cree-Métis from St. Laurent, Red River Valley) about her co-op exchange at Walanga Muru, Macquarie University.
Indigenous alum community
Join UVic Chancellor the Honourable Dr. Marion Buller (LLB ’86, BA ’75) in this community led by Indigenous alums and students, for Indigenous alums and students.
Indigenous research
UVic works with Indigenous communities and organizations in Canada and around the world to understand, preserve and celebrate Indigenous traditions and cultures. We have worked with Indigenous organizations, Elders and community researchers. We've combined our efforts with language-revival specialists, community language experts and educators.
Learn more about Indigenous research at UVic and in the community.
Indigenous housing
Residence Services offers on-campus housing to eligible Indigenous students who are interested in living on campus in dedicated accommodations.
For questions about the Indigenous housing application process, contact Laurel Ternus at lternus@uvic.ca or 250-721-6048.
Contact us
For more information on what to expect at UVic, or on supports once you’re here, please email the Coordinator of Indigenous Student Support at iaceiss@uvic.ca or 250-853-3599.