Scholarships For Indigenous Students
Indigenous students in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world face unique challenges when it comes to accessing higher education. To address these challenges and support the academic aspirations of Indigenous students, numerous scholarships are available that specifically aim to reduce financial barriers, promote educational success, and preserve Indigenous cultures. Here’s a comprehensive list of scholarships designed to help Indigenous students pursue their educational goals.
1. American Indian College Fund Scholarships
The American Indian College Fund is one of the largest organizations dedicated to providing scholarships and grants for Native American students. The fund supports both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a variety of disciplines.
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- Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe, Alaska Native, or a descendant of such groups.
- Details: Scholarships cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. The fund provides a variety of scholarships, including those for specific fields of study, such as healthcare and education, as well as general undergraduate support.
2. The Native American Scholarships Program (The American Indian Graduate Center)
This program provides scholarships for Native American and Alaska Native students who are pursuing higher education at undergraduate or graduate levels.
- Eligibility: Open to Native American or Alaska Native students who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
- Details: The scholarship program offers various awards based on financial need, academic achievement, and field of study. Scholarships are available for students at both undergraduate and graduate levels and can be applied for annually.
3. The Indigenous Education Foundation of Canada (IEFC) Scholarships
The IEFC offers scholarships to Indigenous students in Canada who are pursuing post-secondary education. The foundation aims to provide financial support to help students overcome educational and financial barriers.
- Eligibility: Open to Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) who are enrolled in full-time post-secondary education programs at Canadian institutions.
- Details: The foundation offers a range of scholarships for students across various disciplines, and awards are based on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need.
4. The Tribal College and University (TCU) Scholarship
Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) offer a wealth of scholarship opportunities for Indigenous students. Many of these scholarships are provided by individual institutions to support students who are enrolled in Native American or Indigenous-focused programs.
- Eligibility: Open to Native American students enrolled at one of the 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
- Details: Scholarships vary by institution, and students should check with their individual TCU for specific opportunities, which may include general merit scholarships, department-specific awards, and research grants.
5. The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Scholarships
The Bureau of Indian Education provides funding for Native American students seeking to attend colleges, universities, or vocational schools. BIE scholarships are primarily designed for undergraduate students but may also be available to graduate students.
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- Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
- Details: BIE scholarships provide financial assistance based on academic performance and financial need, covering tuition, fees, and other educational costs.
6. The First Nations Development Institute Scholarships
The First Nations Development Institute offers several scholarships and grants to Native American students who are attending college, university, or vocational programs. These scholarships are designed to support students pursuing degrees in business, education, healthcare, and community development.
- Eligibility: Open to Native American students enrolled in a U.S. federally recognized tribe.
- Details: Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of financial need, academic achievement, and the applicant’s commitment to supporting the Native American community.
7. The Native American Financial Aid (NAFA) Scholarships
NAFA offers scholarships specifically for Native American students attending accredited U.S. colleges and universities. The goal of these scholarships is to support the higher education aspirations of Native students while maintaining connections to their cultural heritage.
- Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or legal residents who are enrolled members of a recognized tribe.
- Details: Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Award amounts vary based on financial need and academic merit.
8. The Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) Indigenous Scholarships
The CFS offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to Indigenous students in Canada. The organization aims to increase access to higher education for Indigenous students by providing financial support and advocacy.
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- Eligibility: Open to Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) who are enrolled in post-secondary education in Canada.
- Details: The scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic excellence, and involvement in Indigenous communities or initiatives.
9. The Native American Scholarships Fund (Sallie Mae)
Sallie Mae offers a specific scholarship fund for Native American students who are pursuing post-secondary education. This fund is aimed at helping students from Indigenous communities cover the cost of their education.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal residents who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
- Details: This scholarship is available for students attending accredited colleges and universities, and the award amount varies based on need and eligibility criteria.
10. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Scholarships
The NCAI provides scholarships to Native American students in a variety of fields of study. The organization works to support the development and empowerment of Native communities through educational opportunities.
- Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
- Details: NCAI scholarships provide financial support to undergraduate and graduate students, with a focus on individuals pursuing careers in law, government, business, and healthcare.
11. The UNCF/Harvard University Native American Scholars Program
The UNCF/Harvard University Native American Scholars Program offers scholarships for Native American students who are interested in attending Harvard University. The program is designed to support students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise and a strong commitment to their Native American heritage.
- Eligibility: Open to Native American students who have been admitted to Harvard University.
- Details: The scholarship provides financial support for tuition and living expenses, with the goal of encouraging the academic and professional success of Native American students.
12. The American Indian Graduate Center Fellowship
The American Indian Graduate Center offers various fellowships to Native American students pursuing graduate-level studies. The fellowship aims to increase the number of Native American professionals in a wide range of fields, from healthcare to education and business.
- Eligibility: Open to graduate students who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe.
- Details: The fellowship provides financial assistance for tuition, fees, and living expenses. Fellowships are awarded based on academic performance, professional goals, and financial need.
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How to Find Additional Scholarships
- Tribal Resources: Many tribes offer scholarships and grants to support their members’ educational goals. Students should check with their tribe’s education office or website for available opportunities.
- College Financial Aid Offices: Many universities offer specific scholarships for Indigenous students, so it’s important for students to inquire with the financial aid office.
- Scholarship Databases: Websites such as Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and Cappex offer search tools that allow students to find scholarships based on their background and field of study.
- Indigenous Organizations and Associations: National and local Indigenous organizations may have scholarship programs or be able to direct students to additional funding sources.
