Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply for funding? ​​
There are three dates for application intake:
 
March 1st for Spring/Summer term (continuing students only)
May 1st for Fall term
October 1st for Winter term (only if there are remaining funds)

The application closes at 4:00 p.m on the deadline date for applications. Late applications may not be accepted.

How do I apply for funding? 
​You can apply online at   PSE Application | Outcomes Student Information System (sfnspse.ca) . You may also visit our office at 22361 Austin Line, New Bothwell, ON. Counsellors also visit various college campuses or may be available from time to time in your community. Call the office to book an appointment.

Am I eligible for funding? 
To be eligible for funding you must be a registered member of Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation, or Oneida Nation of the Thames.
 
You must be resident in Canada for at least 12 months prior to application for funding. For example, if you are a resident of the United States you would not be eligible for funding. If you were a resident of the United States and moved to Canada 12 months ago, you would be eligible for funding.
 
You must have completed a high school diploma, GED, ACE or a recognized college or university diploma or degree to be eligible for funding. (Section 5, 5.1)

I am still a high school student. Can I apply for funding? ​
​You may apply for funding if you plan to attend a post-secondary institution. However, you cannot receive funding if you do not provide our office with a valid copy of your final transcript or diploma prior to your first day of classes. 

I applied for funding. Now what?
Applications are processed after the deadline date for funding. It normally takes 3 weeks or more to process all applications. You will be emailed your letter of acceptance or refusal. Please make sure we have an updated email or mailing address.

I missed the application deadline. Will you accept a late application?
The online application closes 10 minutes after the deadline date has expired. Late applications may not be processed.

Do I need to be accepted in a college or university before I apply for funding?
No. It is important not to miss the application deadline date. However, you will need to be accepted into a college/university program in order to receive funding.

I want to attend a private school. Will you fund me for that?
​Private schools may be funded if they are:
•Recognized by a province or territory (in Canada or abroad); or
•Educational institutions that are recognized to deliver post-secondary programs by arrangement with an eligible post-secondary institution. Ex. FNTI, AEI

Please click here to see if your school is a recognized institution:
In Canada - http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1429541743524/1429541857774
International - http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1433334714906/1433334829640

Tuition at private schools can be costly. Tuition is paid based on tuition rates from a publicly funded school. For example, if you attend a private school to take a culinary program, tuition would be based on the tuition costs from a culinary program at Fanshawe College or from another publicly funded institution closest to you. Students often need to seek out other sources of funding to pay for remaining tuition.

I want to attend an international school. Will I be funded if I leave Canada to attend a post-secondary institution?
You may attend an institution outside of your province or country, however travel costs must be incurred by you. In the case of foreign schools, tuition is paid based on a similar program in Canada and tuition is always paid in Canadian dollars. ​

I have already graduated from a college diploma program, but I cannot find any work in my field. Will you fund me to go back to college for a second diploma?
No. Under our Student Assistance Policy, you are only eligible to be funded for one college diploma. This is also the same for university degrees and graduate degrees. (Section 8, 8.1) You may attend college or university using your own funds or by applying for loans and grants such as OSAP.

Why do I need to let my counsellor know that I am withdrawing from a course/program?
You must let your counsellor know prior to withdrawing from a course for several reasons: 
  • You may be dropping a course that will affect your standing within the college.
  • You may become a part-time student when you drop a course which will affect the funding amounts available to you.
  • There may be alternatives to dropping a course such as tutoring, academic counselling or course recovery options.

You must let your counsellor know prior to withdrawing from a program for several reasons: 
  • Withdrawing from a program no longer makes you eligible for financial assistance from our program.
  • There may be alternatives to dropping out such as transfer to another program.
  • SFNS may be eligible to obtain reimbursement / a refund from your institution for tuition fees if the course/program is dropped before the deadline.

I spent all my book money and I still need more books. Can I get more book money?
If you have exceeded the amount given to you for books, we can reimburse you. You must submit original receipts in order to be reimbursed. However, there is a limit to the amount of textbook and supply money you are eligible for. Please read the Student Assistance Policy for more information. (Section 6, 6.12.) 

What is living allowance for?
​Living allowances are provided to full time students to help cover the cost of living such as rent, food, utilities, etc. The current rate is $1350.00 CDN per month.

I am staying in residence. Do you cover these costs?
If you are staying in residence you may choose to use your living allowances to cover these costs. The maximum amount of living allowances a student is eligible for per academic year is $10,800 ($1350 x 8).

What kind of funding am I eligible for?
Our program will cover the cost of tuition, textbooks, and supplies. Full time students are eligible to receive a living allowance. We may also cover other expenses such as police checks for placements, first-aid and CPR certification, medical exams for placement and initial certification costs i.e., Teacher's College Certification.

How many courses make me a full-time student?
"Full-time" courseload may vary based on institution - check with your school's policies. There are exceptions for students with accommodations for learning disabilities and graduate level students.

I need a laptop. Will your program be able to purchase one for me?
​We do offer lap top support for students currently enrolled in the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.  Lap top purchases are based on budget and can change each year.  Please contact your counsellor for more information.   

Can I work while receiving support from your program?
Yes, students may work while receiving funding from our organization. It will not affect the amount of funding you receive. Many colleges and universities offer work-study programs that allow you to work on campus. Check with your school or Aboriginal Student Centre for more details.

Can I claim my spouse or children as dependents?
No, living allowance is a flat rate of $1350.00 per month for each eligible student.

Can I apply for OSAP as well as receive funding from your program?
Yes, you may apply to OSAP. The funding from our assistance program is not going to cover all your needs and we encourage students to seek out additional assistance such as scholarships, grants, bursaries or loans. OSAP is a combination of grants and loans. Loans will need to be paid back and our organization cannot repay student loans. ​

Do you have a list of scholarships?
Yes, please go to http://www.sfns.on.ca/links--resources.html for a list of scholarships and bursaries. Check frequently as we update this list regularly.

If I receive a scholarship will it change the amount of funding I receive from your organization?
No, we encourage students to apply for scholarships to offset costs that our program cannot cover.

I failed a course. Am I no longer eligible for funding?
You are strongly encouraged to discuss your progress with your SFNS counsellor. Our policy requires students to pass 75% of their full course load or hold a GPA of 2.0 or higher. (Section 13, 13.1) ​

Do I need to apply for funding each semester?
No, your application is normally approved for one academic year. However, you do need to submit your grades after each term as well as a new tuition statement. If you are attending school during the summer term you must let your counsellor know. Please be advised that you must re-apply yearly for funding.

How is my tuition paid?
If you have been approved for funding and have submitted an acceptance letter from your college/university, your counsellor will send a sponsorship letter to the registrar’s office indicating that we will be covering your tuition payment for the term. Your school will send us an invoice and we will pay this bill. Please let your counsellor know if there are any issues. We do not have direct access to your student account.