CANADA
Saskatchewan Indian Federated College
public · Founded 1976 · Languages: English
S
In short
First Nations University of Canada, formerly Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, offers accredited degrees rooted in Indigenous knowledge and culture, federated with the University of Regina. It serves First Nations students across three Saskatchewan campuses.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1976
- Students
- 1,600
- International students
- 50
- Acceptance rate
- 75%
- Tuition (intl)
- €6–8k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Canada
Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (now First Nations University of Canada) is a federally incorporated university serving First Nations students in Saskatchewan. Federated with the University of Regina, it offers accredited programs rooted in Indigenous knowledge and culture across campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert.
Why study here
- Earn a University of Regina-accredited degree in a culturally affirming Indigenous environment
- Access programs that integrate First Nations languages, cultures, and knowledge systems
- Benefit from a supportive community designed for Indigenous student success
- Study across three Saskatchewan campuses with a small-community feel
- Engage with research and community initiatives that serve First Nations peoples
Student life
Campus life at SIFC/First Nations University of Canada centres on Indigenous community and culture. Students have access to Elder programs, Indigenous language instruction, and cultural ceremonies alongside regular academic support services. Small class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty. The Regina campus hosts student associations, cultural events, and social gatherings that celebrate First Nations heritage.
Fees
InternationalApproximately CAD 7,000–10,000 per year for international undergraduate students
HomeDomestic undergraduate tuition approximately CAD 6,000–8,000 per year
LivingCost of living in Regina is among the lowest of Canadian cities; students can budget approximately CAD 12,000–15,000 per year for accommodation, food, and transportation
Many Indigenous students may be eligible for band-sponsored funding or federal Indigenous bursaries. Financial aid and scholarship information is available through the institution's student services.
Admissions
UndergraduateSaskatchewan Grade 12 or equivalent; minimum average varies by program
Indigenous applicantsSpecial admission pathways and preparatory programs available for students who do not meet standard entry requirements
IELTS6.0 overall
TOEFL iBT80
University scholarships
First Nations University of Canada Entrance ScholarshipUp to CAD 2,000
Indigenous Student BursaryVaries
Accreditation
Federated with the University of Regina; degrees are jointly conferred and fully accredited by the University of Regina.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is Saskatchewan Indian Federated College now known as?
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Saskatchewan Indian Federated College is now known as First Nations University of Canada. It is a federally incorporated university serving First Nations students in Saskatchewan.
What kind of programs does First Nations University of Canada offer?
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First Nations University of Canada offers accredited programs that are rooted in Indigenous knowledge and culture. These programs integrate First Nations languages, cultures, and knowledge systems.
What are the international student tuition fees?
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International undergraduate tuition fees are approximately CAD 7,000–10,000 per year. The cost of living in Regina, including accommodation, food, and transportation, is estimated at CAD 12,000–15,000 per year.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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For English proficiency, the university accepts an IELTS score of 6.0 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 80.
What is the student life like at First Nations University of Canada?
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Student life centres on Indigenous community and culture, with access to Elder programs, Indigenous language instruction, and cultural ceremonies. Small class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty.
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