Indigenous students

The university acknowledges and respects the rich diversity of our learners, their communities, their aspirations, and their cultures and traditions.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Territories

UCalgary would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikuni, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina, and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nation. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

Learn more about the University of Calgary

More than 1,100 self-identified Indigenous students

More than 260 self-identified Indigenous graduates annually

Monthly ceremonies for Indigenous students

2,700 self identified UCalgary alumni worldwide

Indigenous Student Recruitment Team

Meet our Indigenous Student Recruitment Team

UCalgary has a dedicated team to support prospective Indigenous students with questions about programs, admission, and Indigenous support on campus.

Connect with us today

The best way to learn more about joining our campus community is to sign-up now. From there, you can request more information and connect with your Indigenous recruiter! Sign-up now.

Meet Tessa

Tessa WolfLeg is an Indigenous student at UCalgary studying International Indigenous Studies with a minor in Psychology.

Watch our webinar

Join Mackenzie Beerbaum (Student Recruitment Advisor, Indigenous) for this short 10-minute webinar about the opportunities available at UCalgary.

Pow Wow

Your home on campus

As the hub of Indigenous life on campus, Writing Symbols Lodge helps students succeed by providing a variety of services, facilities, programs and events.

Learn more

Writing Symbols Lodge

Cultural events

  • Pipe ceremonies
  • Workshops
  • Indigenous Awareness Week
  • Tea ceremonies
  • Social gatherings

Student facilities

  • Computer and printing lab
  • Study spaces
  • Indigenous Student Circle office
  • The Red Lodge
  • Student Lounge Ceremonial room

Student leadership opportunities

  • Student employment
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Mentorship opportunities

Academic support and community building

  • Cultural crafting
  • Program advising
  • Connections to Traditional Knowledge Keepers
  • Language cafés

Graduation celebration

  • Indigenous graduation ceremony
  • Ceremonial items gifted to graduates

Tiya Dagumisasriy

Indigenous Student Success & Engagement Program

  • Holistic approach to academic success
  • Empowerment and self-development
  • Academic and cultural guidance

Did you know UCalgary has a variety of Indigenous specific clubs such as the Indigenous Students’ Circle or the Calgary Indigenous STEAM Students’ Association? Explore all of our clubs here

Why you should self-indentify on your application

Receive support

Receive support through the admission process

Benefits

Benefit from academic advising and referrals

Cultural and social activities

Get notified about cultural and social activities for Indigenous students

Apply for awards

Gain eligibility to apply for Indigenous-specific scholarships, bursaries and awards

Indigenous admissions

The University of Calgary acknowledges and respects the rich diversity of learners and of their communities, cultures, traditions, aspirations and abilities. In order to ensure equitable access and successful participation for Indigenous learners, UCalgary offers a number of bridging/pathway options for eligible students of Indigenous identity, i.e., First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and Inuit.

submitting your application

Start by submitting your application for admission

The University of Calgary will accept applications for admission for the fall intake from October 1 – March 1. Students are encouraged to apply early.

Indigenous admission process

Indigenous admission process and supplementary process

UCalgary offers pathway options such as the Indigenous admission process or Indigenous admissions supplementary process for eligible students of Indigenous identity who may not meet UCalgary’s admission requirements. Students who do not receive an initial offer of admission will be automatically reviewed for UCalgary’s pathway and bridging options after first being reviewed as part of the initial application process.

Indigenous Student Access Program

Indigenous Student Access Program

This cohort-based one year transition program offers an alternative access route for Indigenous students to enter our post-secondary degree programs. In addition to taking first-year university courses, you’ll also receive enhanced academic support, including a designated advisor and one-on-one academic advising, access to cultural workshops, leadership training, peer support and tutorials. Applications are accepted December 1 – July 31 for fall.

Financial Awards

$20M+

Total scholarships, bursaries, and awards available annually.

$1.9M+

Scholarships, bursaries, and awards that went to Indigenous students last year.

25%

Entering Indigenous students who receive a scholarship, bursary, or award.

Michael Francis

I chose to compete in various healthcare innovation competitions sponsored by the university. These competitions allowed me to bring real solutions to the world, from rehabilitation and exercise for seniors to innovative COVID-care solutions.

Michael Francis

Schulich School of Engineering