Indigenous students

Academics

Our Indigenous programs and courses are open to all students. They cover contemporary issues, historical contexts and community-based learning.

Cultural programs and services

UVic offers holistic services to Indigenous students throughout their academic journey.

• Elders in Residence
• Indigenous counselling
• LE,NOṈET and Campus Cousins
• Indigenous events
• Academic support
• Indigenous co-operative education
• Native Students Union
• Office of Indigenous Academic & Community Engagement

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.

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 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 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 Citizenship Declaration

Indigenous Citizenship Declaration (ICD) enables you to confirm your eligibility for some opportunities that are specifically for Indigenous Peoples. It's required to apply for opportunities that result in financial support (e.g., scholarships, bursaries and paid work) or have limited availability (e.g. housing for Indigenous students).

• ICD can be completed at any time while you're studying at UVic.
  • New applicants can submit an ICD application after creating a Netlink ID.
• ICD is a one-time process that doesn't need to be renewed or updated.
• If you choose not to complete an ICD application, you can still access services and programs that are not tied to financial or professional advantages.

As part of the ICD process, you'll need to provide documentation that connects you with your Indigenous community. If you have difficulty getting this documentation, we can provide support and guidance.

Scholarships & financial aid

Awards and bursaries

UVic offers a variety of scholarships, awards and bursaries for Indigenous undergraduate students. Indigenous Citizenship Declaration is required.

• Search for scholarships
• Search for bursaries
  • Undergraduate students
  • Graduate students
• Dean's Award for Indigenous Graduate Students

LE,NOṈET

LE,NOṈET awards bursaries to qualifying students. These bursaries are issued in the form of top-up funding. They do not displace any existing funding for Indigenous students.

Indigenous Nation funding

Some bands and nations have funding to support your education. Contact an Indigenous recruiter if you have questions about this process.

Indigenous housing

The Indigenous housing program provides a limited number of guaranteed spots in on-campus housing for eligible students. Indigenous Citizenship Declaration is required.