All Aboriginal students are encouraged to self-declare their Aboriginal ancestry when completing their application for admission.*

By declaring your Aboriginal ancestry you'll have access to:

• Enhanced services for Aboriginal students
• Aboriginal scholarships, bursaries and awards
• Information about Aboriginal on-campus housing
• An Honoring Ceremony upon Convocation

How to declare Aboriginal ancestry:

You can declare your ancestry when completing your "Application for Admission, Readmission or Internal Transfer" form.

If you did not declare your Aboriginal ancestry on your initial application form and would like to do so, you can obtain a Declaring Aboriginal Status Form and submit it to either the Aboriginal Student Support Centre, or the Office of the Registrar, Student Access Centre (1st Floor, Administration Bldg), Attn: Admissions Supervisor.

The University of Alberta and the Aboriginal Student Services Centre stand committed to protecting the privacy of each student. The personal information you provide will only be disclosed for purposes intended above.

*An Aboriginal person is identified in accordance to the Canadian Constitutional Act of 1982, Part II, Section 35(2), as "an Indian (including Status, non-Status, Treaty and non-Treaty), Metis or Inuit person of Canada."

Aboriginal Student Services Centre

Located on North Campus, the Aboriginal Student Services Centre (ASSC) helps the University of Alberta provide an environment that encourages full access, participation and success for Aboriginal students. The ASSC offers a number of programs and services to Aboriginal students including advising, a mentoring program, Elder services, and the Transition Year Program (TYP). 

Visit the ASSC website for more information.

Aboriginal Peoples Network

The Aboriginal Peoples Network is an online resource that shares information about Aboriginal initiatives at the University of Alberta. It contains a comprehensive listing of links to Aboriginal groups, organizations and initiatives on campus, along with related news and events. 

Visit the Aboriginal Peoples Network website for more information.

Student Success Centre

The Student Success Centre offers a number of programs and services such as studying and exam workshops, writing resources, learning consultations, the Math and Applied Sciences Centre, and more. 

Check out the full list of services on the Student Success Centre website.

Specialized Support and Disability Services

Specialized Support and Disability Services (SSDS) offers services and support for students challenged by disabilities, and also coordinates the efforts of University departments and off-campus agencies in meeting students’ needs to help equalize educational opportunities for all.

Visit the SSDS website for details on its full range of services.

Aboriginal Student Discovery Day

The University of Alberta hosts the Aboriginal Student Discovery Day (ASDD), an annual, one-day event on North Campus, for prospective Aboriginal students to learn about programs and requirements, take a campus tour, and hear from current UAlberta students. 

Find out when the next event will take place on the ASDD page.

Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards

The University of Alberta administers more than $25 million in undergraduate scholarships and awards each year. Thousands of dollars in entrance scholarships are available to high-school students entering their first year of an undergraduate degree program, as well as many more awards for continuing students. 

Visit the undergraduate scholarships and awards for more information.

Aboriginal Scholarships and Awards

There are also many different funding options available for Aboriginal students. Scholarships, bursaries and financial aid are available from a wide variety of sources, depending on your Aboriginal ancestry and place of residence. 

Learn more about scholarships, bursaries and awards available to Aboriginal students.

Our nine residences are home to more than 4,000 students in a variety of campus accommodations. In addition, the University of Alberta along with the Aboriginal Student Services Centre, also offers campus-housing options for Aboriginal students on North Campus.

Single Student Housing

• Lister Centre
• Belcourt Brosseau House 
• East Campus Village (including Aboriginal House, a four-bedroom home available to Aboriginal students)

Family Housing

• Michener Park

Learn more about UAlberta residences.

One of the most memorable experiences for our Aboriginal graduates is the Honouring Ceremony which recognizes the academic accomplishments of graduating Aboriginal students. 

Elders and ASSC Staff are present on stage to acknowledge each graduate with an honouring during the university convocation ceremonies. Elders and students are welcome to wear their traditional regalia to the ceremonies.

The University of Alberta offers several admission options for Aboriginal students:

1. General

Applicants require five Grade 12-level courses including English Language Arts 30-1 and four other subjects from the Humanities, Sciences and/or Fine Arts. A minimum average of 70 per cent also required, though this varies by faculty. Each faculty requires different subjects; see:

• Programs and Requirements
• High School Subject Requirements by Faculty and Program (PDF)

2. Nonmatriculated Applicants (Mature Students)

You must be 21 years of age or older as of September 1 in the year you wish to attend. Nonmatriculated students must have completed specific courses for the faculty they are applying to and have an overall average of 70 per cent or higher. There are limited spaces available in each faculty, and admission is not guaranteed.

3. Transition Year Program (TYP)

The Transition Year Program, offered only through the Aboriginal Student Services Centre at our North Campus in Edmonton, is designed to provide post-secondary opportunities for Aboriginal students who do not meet the general entrance requirements at the University of Alberta. TYP is not an upgrading program; it's a full-time program in which students enroll in six to eight university courses. This program provides students with the opportunity to experience their first year at the University of Alberta with other Aboriginal students from across Canada. With tutorial supports, academic advising and study skill services, students who successfully complete TYP are prepared to enter into one of nine UAlberta faculties.

4. Transfer, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate

Transfer credit may be granted to successful applicants who have completed University level course(s) at recognized universities or colleges. Credit may also be granted to applicants who have successfully completed International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) courses.