The First Nations Resource Development Scholarship (FNRDS)
Purpose
The First Nations Resource Development Scholarship (FNRDS) covers First Nations students’ direct educational costs associated with enrolling in eligible resource development programs, including:
- Tuition
- Ancillary fees
- Textbooks
- Program equipment
How much can I get
The amount of the scholarship varies by each postsecondary education institution and program. Each scholarship is valued at the total cost of the program, as determined by your institution. It includes:
- Tuition costs charged to the recipient
- Any ancillary fees
- Required program costs, which may include electronic devices for online learning, textbooks, placement prerequisite costs, personal protective equipment or safety equipment, field gear and certification fees (for example, WHMIS or First Aid)
- An additional fixed amount of $2,500 per recipient for the 2026-2027 academic year to help subsidize expenses necessarily incurred to support their attendance in their program, including but not limited to: transportation; childcare and accommodation costs
Contact your postsecondary education institution’s financial aid office for additional details.
Who is eligible
You may be eligible for this scholarship if you:
- Attend a publicly assisted college, university or a recognized Indigenous Institute in Ontario
- Are enrolled in an approved resource development program. To confirm if your program is eligible, check with your postsecondary education institution.
- Are a member of, or are connected to, a First Nations community in Ontario
- Your postsecondary education institution may have additional eligibility requirements. For more information about eligibility requirements and to confirm which programs qualify, contact your school’s financial aid office.
How to Apply
Contact your postsecondary education institution to inquire about their scholarship application process. Their application will specify what supporting documents are required.
You don’t have to apply for OSAP for Full-Time Students or OSAP for Part-Time Students to be considered for this scholarship.
Deadlines
Application, document and review details for this scholarship vary by each postsecondary education institution. Check with your financial aid office for details.
Checking your application status
Contact your postsecondary education institution’s financial aid office if you have any questions about the status of your First Nations Resource Development Scholarship application.
Getting your aid
Your postsecondary education institution determines how this scholarship is issued (for example, by cheque or reducing outstanding fees). Contact your financial aid office for details.