First Nations Resource Development Scholarship
The First Nations Resource Development Scholarship was announced in the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario:
"The government is investing $10 million over three years to create new scholarship opportunities for First Nation students interested in pursuing careers in resource development. Ontario's colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes play a key role in ensuring Ontario's mining sector has a highly skilled workforce to drive its economy."
The scholarship is intended to respond to the financial barriers faced by First Nations students across Ontario wishing to enter postsecondary institutions and to increase enrolment in programs related to the mining sector, where industry has identified a significant labour need.
The objective of the scholarship is to support students in offsetting educational costs associated with the mining-related programs, including tuition, ancillary fees, textbooks and program equipment.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Self-identify as a Status or Non-Status First Nations student.
- Be registered with Sheridan's Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support.
- Be enrolled in one of the following Sheridan programs:
- Computer Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Electrical Techniques
- Electromechanical Engineering Technician
- Environmental Control
- Environmental Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Mechanical Technician – CNC and Precision Machining
- Mechanical Technician – Industrial Millwright
- Mechanical Techniques – CNC and Precision Machining
- Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing
- Welding and Fabrication Technician
Scholarship amount
Scholarship amounts will take into consideration the following costs:
- Tuition paid, to a maximum of the advertised tuition cost.
- Ancillary fees required to complete the program.
- Required/mandatory program costs, which may include but are not limited to: electronic devices for online learning; textbooks; costs related to placement prerequisites; personal protective equipment/safety equipment; field gear; and certification fees (e.g., WHMIS, First Aid).
If eligible, students may also receive up to $1,250 to subsidize expenses necessary to support attendance in the program, including but not limited to: transportation, child care and accommodation costs.
Application details
Applications opened: January 19, 2026
Deadline to apply: February 8, 2026
Find out how to apply for scholarships, awards and bursaries.