How to Apply for Indspire Scholarships | Indigenous Student Funding Guide

Indspire is one of Canada’s largest Indigenous-led charities, providing financial support to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students pursuing education and training. Through the Indspire Building Brighter Futures (BBF) program, thousands of students receive scholarships, bursaries, and awards every year.

This guide explains how to apply for Indspire scholarships, eligibility criteria, funding types, deadlines, and practical tips to improve your chances of success.

Indspire Scholarships Overview

Indspire provides financial support to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students through its Building Brighter Futures program. Funding includes bursaries, scholarships, and awards for students at all education levels across Canada.

About Indspire Scholarships (Building Brighter Futures)

Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures (BBF) program supports Indigenous students across Canada who are enrolled in:

• High school programs

• Skilled trades & apprenticeships

• College and CEGEP

• University (undergraduate & graduate)

• Adult upgrading and training programs

Funding is awarded based on:

• Indigenous identity

• Academic commitment

• Financial need

• Program of study

Types of Indspire Funding

1. Bursaries

• Based primarily on financial need

• Available at all education levels

• Most commonly awarded funding type

2. Scholarships

• Merit-based or donor-specific

• May consider academic performance, leadership, or field of study

3. Awards

• Often sponsored by partners or organizations

• May target specific regions, programs, or career paths

Eligibility Requirements for Indspire Scholarships

Applicants must identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis, be enrolled in an eligible education or training program, and demonstrate financial need.

To be eligible, applicants must generally:

• Be First Nations, Inuit, or Métis

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indigenous person

• Be enrolled in or accepted to an eligible education or training program

• Demonstrate financial need

• Meet any donor-specific criteria (where applicable)

Proof of Indigenous identity is required.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Indspire Scholarships

Students apply online through the Indspire Building Brighter Futures portal by completing an application, uploading required documents, and submitting before the deadline.

Step 1: Create an Indspire BBF Account

Visit the Indspire Building Brighter Futures portal and create a personal account using a valid email address.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Fill out the BBF application form, including:

• Personal information

• Indigenous affiliation

• Education details

• Financial need information

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

You may need to upload:

• Proof of Indigenous identity

• Proof of enrollment or acceptance

• Tuition and education cost breakdown

• Government ID

• Banking details (for successful applicants)

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Indspire has multiple application deadlines throughout the year, depending on your program start date.

 Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

Step 5: Application Review & Notification

• Applications are reviewed after each deadline

• Successful applicants are notified by email

• Funds are usually sent directly to students or institutions

Indspire Application Deadlines (General Guide)

Always confirm deadlines in the BBF portal.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Receiving Indspire Funding

• Apply early and submit complete documents

• Clearly explain your financial need

• Ensure proof of enrollment is up to date

• Apply every year if eligible

• Double-check your banking information

• Monitor your email regularly

Quick Response:

How Do You Apply for Indspire Scholarships?

To apply for Indspire scholarships, create an account on the Indspire Building Brighter Futures (BBF) application portal, complete the online application, upload required documents, and submit before the deadline.

How do you apply for Indspire scholarships?

Create an account on the Indspire Building Brighter Futures portal, complete the online application, upload required documents, and submit before the deadline.

Who can apply for Indspire scholarships?

Indspire scholarships are open to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students enrolled in eligible education or training programs in Canada.

Is Indspire funding based on financial need?

Yes. Most Indspire funding is need-based, though some scholarships and awards also consider academic merit or field of study.

Can you apply for Indspire every year?

Yes. Eligible students are encouraged to apply every academic year they need funding.

What expenses does Indspire funding cover?

Indspire funding may help cover tuition, books, housing, supplies, and other education-related costs.

When is the Indspire application deadline?

Deadlines vary throughout the year and depend on when your program begins.