Indigenous Students

Territory acknowledgment 

Located on the unceded Coast Salish Territory - the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), q̓icə̓y̓ (Katzie), Kwantlen, Qayqayt, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen nations, the three campuses of Simon Fraser University include a vibrant Indigenous community.

The Indigenous campus community of SFU work collectively to create an inclusive learning environment for all students, staff and community members.

* SFUIndigenousFall2022.pdf
2021 Indigenous Student brochure

Connect with us

Check out some helpful tips on completing your application. Connect with us if you have questions, we are here to help!

* SFUIndigenousFall2022.pdf
2022 Indigenous Student brochure

CONTACT US FOR:

  • Reviewing program options
  • Questions about admission requirements
  • Help with the application process
  • Transferring from another college or university
  • Scholarship Information 

read more

  • Support services offered at SFU (Ex. tutoring, research papers, Academic Advising, cultural workshops and events, etc.)
  • SFU Residence (Indigenous Living Learning Community)
  • Assistance with Band Funding/Sponsorship
  • Tools to get started on your first year 
Questions?

Contact indigenous_students@sfu.ca

Aboriginal Peoples Terminology

The term Aboriginal Peoples refers to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit within the meaning of the Canadian Constitutional Act of 1982.

On this page, Aboriginal and Indigenous are used interchangeably as Indigenous is emerging as a preferred term in a global context. We use the terms Aboriginal and Indigenous here to refer to First Nations (Status and Non-Status) Métis, and Inuit peoples.

SELF-IDENTIFICATION

SFU is dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment that lifts and honours the Indigenous worldview and ways of knowing to support First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students who choose to study here. For this reason, and to continue to improve our support of Indigenous students as they strive to reach their educational goals and dreams, we invite you to identity if you are of Aboriginal ancestry within the meaning of the Canadian Constitutional Act of 1982.

Self-identifying Aboriginal ancestry on your application for admission will allow us to stay connected throughout your university career and provide additional support such as Indigenous student awards, financial assistance, and access to programs and services unique to the cultural and wholistic worldviews of Indigenous students.

Pathways to SFU

General admissions

All SFU applicants are required to meet university general admission and degree-specific admission requirements. The majority of Indigenous applicants are admitted based on these general admission requirements.

See admission requirements

Undergraduate Admission Policy for Indigenous Students

The Undergraduate Admission Policy for Indigenous Students (UAPI) takes into consideration an applicant’s educational history, cultural knowledge, work experience, educational goals, and other achievements.

See application process

Indigenous University Preparation Program   

The Indigenous University Preparation Program (IUPP) at Simon Fraser University helps you pave the way for a successful transition to undergraduate studies. 

See application process

Indigenous Langara Pathway

The SFU-Langara Indigenous Transfer Pathway is a collaboration between SFU and Langara College that offers support for Indigenous students currently attending Langara.

See application process

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology  

Associate of Arts Degree in Criminology

An Associate of Arts Degree in Criminology is awarded to recognize the successful completion of 60 credits or the equivalent of two years of full-time study. Upon completion, students can then transfer directly to SFU's Criminology program to complete the final two years of a Bachelor of Arts Degree. 

Learn more

Native Education College   

Indigenous Justice Studies Certificate

In this 11-month Certificate program, learners prepare for an exciting career in the justice sector by increasing their knowledge about the structures and processes in the Canadian justice system. The Indigenous Justice Studies Certificate is transferable to SFU with 25 credits. 

Learn more

Native Education College  

Indigenous Land Stewardship Certificate

The Indigenous Land Stewardship (ILS) program offers students career preparation in land and resource management as well as a gateway to higher education. This one-year certificate program consists of ten courses rooted in Indigenous knowledge of land. community, and ecology. The ILS credits can be counted towards degrees at SFU. 

Learn more

Financial aid and awards

Entrance awards, scholarships, bursaries

Indigenous students qualify and are encouraged to apply for all major entrance awards, scholarships, bursaries, and other funding. You can find out more about the variety of funding options and connect with a financial aid advisor on the Financial Aid & Awards page.

Learn more

Indigenous undergraduate student entrance award

The SFU Indigenous Undergraduate Student Entrance Award is offered to Canadian Indigenous students entering Simon Fraser University from a Canadian secondary school or BC college/university program. Applicant will have demonstrated involvement within the Indigenous community through service and/or cultural contribution.

Learn more

CONTINUING AND TRANSFER STUDENTS

There are also awards for continuing students and transfer students. See Aboriginal awards and Langara Indigenous Pathway.

SFU community

Indigenous Student Stories

The Indigenous student experience at SFU is unique to each student and the path they choose to take with their education. Read some of their stories and learn more about how Indigenous students, alumni, staff, and faculty are contributing to positive change in their communities and at SFU.

Learn more

Indigenous Student Centre 

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) is dedicated to providing Indigenous students with programs and services that are unique, cultural, and holistic.

Learn more

Indigenous Studies

Partner with Indigenous communities and work with Indigenous scholars to restore and revitalize traditional knowledges, ancient and modern aesthetics, languages and literatures.

Learn more

Graduate Opportunities

Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE). SAGE is a peer-mentoring, inter-institutional initiative provided to graduate students across British Columbia. 

Learn more