Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Secondary Funding

Getting Started
What types of funding can I receive?

The NTC Post-Secondary Education Funding Program covers tuition, textbooks and a living allowance for many academic programs that lead to recognized certificates, diplomas or degree.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, through the Education Department may also provide funding assistance for University or College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) and Adult Basic Education Programs that are offered in an accredited Canadian public college, university or other eligible post-secondary institution.

How do I apply for funding?

Nuu-chah-nulth students can apply for Post-Secondary funding by submitting an NTC Funding Application by the deadlines of March 1st (for studies beginning in September of the same year) or August 1st (For studies beginning in January of the following year).

I've already done an assessment for the college or university. Is this the same as the one NTC requires?

The NTC Education Program requires an academic English and may also require a Math placement assessment to determine eligibility for Post-Secondary support. Please contact the NTC Post-Secondary office to determine if your assessment is sufficient to meet application guidelines.

Applying for Funding
When do I have to submit my application?

To Apply for Funding for Programs with a September Start Date:

Students must have their Post-Secondary application packages (Appendix x) to the NTC Post-Secondary Department no later than March 1st each year. Where March 1st falls on a non-business day, applications will be due to the NTC by end of the next business day. Where a program that is new to the institution begins after the deadline, late applications will be processed.

To Apply for Funding for Programs with a January, Spring or Summer Start Date:

Students must have submitted their Post-Secondary application packages to the NTC Post-Secondary Department no later than August 1st each year. Where August 1st falls on a non-business day, applications will be due to the NTC by end of the next business day.

Note that students who have not received confirmation of acceptance into their program are required to submit an application for funding by the appropriate deadline as mentioned above. Where a program that is new to the institution begins after the deadline, late applications will be processed.

I submitted an application for September. Do I have to submit another one for January?

Applications submitted for the March 1st deadline cover the months of September through to the following April.

I don't know what school I will be going to yet because I haven't received my acceptance letters. Can I still apply before the deadline?

Please submit at least the NTC Post-Secondary application form before the deadline, as institution details can be added at a later date. If you wait to submit past the deadline, in order to make up your mind, you may be placed on a waitlist for funding. Students who have submitted applications by the deadline are given priority.

I don't have all of the information necessary for my application. Can I still apply before the deadline?

Please submit at least the NTC Post-Secondary application form before the deadline, as additional information can be added at a later date. If you wait to submit past the deadline, you may be placed on a waitlist for funding. Students who have submitted NTC Post-Secondary applications by the deadline are given priority.

Do I submit the application to NTC or to my Nation?

Submit your NTC Post-Secondary application to the NTC Education Department.

When will I know if I'll be approved?

Once a student's complete application has been reviewed by the Post-Secondary Department, students will receive a letter from the NTC Manager of Education Services that indicates that their application for sponsorship has been either accepted or denied.

Institutions, Programs and Courses
I want to attend a private school. Will I be eligible for funding?

Students who wish to enrol in private, out-of-province and/or foreign institutions may be eligible for funding support from the NTC.

Private Institutions:

Students who choose to attend private institutions are advised that tuition costs at private institutions are commonly considerably higher than those charged by publicly funded institutions.

Tuition sponsorship for students attending private institutions will be based on tuition rates for comparable programs at an accredited Canadian public institution.

I want to take extra credits. Will NTC pay for the extra costs?

The NTC Post-Secondary Program will cover the costs for courses that are required to complete a student’s chosen program.

How do I know if I am a full-time student or a part-time student?

For the purposes of determining whether a student has full or part-time status, the NTC will, in most cases, match the full or part-time status assigned to the student by the institution. However, in cases where students choose to take courses outside of their regular program and where such courses are not acceptable electives for their program, these "additional" courses will not count toward full-time status for the purposes of determining living allowance and tuition sponsorship eligibility. This aligns with INAC National Program Guidelines that states that assistance may be provided to students to complete only one program at each level.

What do I do if I want to change my program?

Where students fail to complete one program and continue on to another at the same level, funding will only be provided for the time equivalent to one full program as defined by the institution.

Students wishing to receive funding for an additional program should contact the NTC Education Department as in some cases, special circumstances may apply.

Funding Payments
Does the NTC cover all of my tuition and other costs?

Eligible students may receive financial assistance for tuition, compulsory student fees, required books/supplies, travel and living allowance. Students must opt out of medical and dental programs as these will not be covered.

How do I access my funding?

Once approved, student allowances are direct deposited into student accounts each month.

How does the university know that my tuition is paid for?

Tuition sponsorships are sent to each individual institution on behalf of each student.

Can I get an advance on my living allowance?

Generally, the answer will be no. Special circumstances may apply.