Free Application Days 2025

In the spirit of reconciliation and to honour Residential School survivors, the
海角社区 is hosting Free Application Days from September 30 - October 9, 2025. 

Back of an Indigenous person in regalia wearing an orange heart-shaped beaded hair-piece

Starting September 30, any self-identifying First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student who submits an admission application to undergraduate or graduate programs before October 9 will have their application fee waived.

Please review eligibility details below before starting your application.

Eligibility

Any self-identifying First Nations, Métis, or Inuit applicant will receive a free application to a participating program. Please see our First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Awards web page if you are not sure you are eligible to self-identify.

Internal transfer students are also eligible for an application fee waiver. 

Participating programs

All undergraduate degree programs are part of Free Application Days 2025.

Application fee waivers apply only to graduate programs open and accepting applications during the Free Application Days 2025 time period.

If you are not sure what to take or want more information about our more than 200 program options, visit our Admissions + Programs web page.

UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION

GRADUATE ADMISSION
Apply for Graduate Programs

Still have questions? Contact indigenous@ualberta.ca for more information about Free Application Days, or to book an advising appointment.

Process

  1. From September 30 - October 9, complete your or graduate application. 
  2. Be sure to self-identify as Indigenous in your application. 
  3. Submit your application by October 9 to ensure your application fee and residence application fee* will be automatically waived. 
  4. A team of Free Application Days Advisors will review your application and reach out with any updates or recommendations.
*Residence application fees will be waived for any applicants selecting a residence option. You are not required to select residence to complete your application. All Indigenous students who apply during Free Application Days and move into residence will be entered into a draw for one month of free rent.

Deadlines

All applications submitted by midnight on October 9, 2025 will be considered.

If your application is not submitted by October 9, you will need to submit, finalize and pay for your application on your own.

Indigenous Recruitment is here to help! Email indigenous@ualberta.ca with questions about self-identification eligibility, how to apply or security/privacy of your personal information.

Indigenous Identity Documents

Indigenous identity documentation can be loaded to your account via the  after you apply and up until you receive an official decision.* We strongly recommend any student who has self-identified for a free application to upload their documents as soon as possible.

The eligible Indigenous identity document list can be found on the First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Awards web page. Students should add a clear picture of the front and back of cards, and/or clear copies of official letters of confirmation to their checklist. The University of Alberta recognizes that Indigeneity and connecting to your Indigenous identity can be a complex process. We work closely with the University of Alberta Committee on the Documentation of Indigeneity to review documentation that is not listed.

Identity documents are not required as part of the evaluation for an admission unless you have applied to an exclusive Indigenous program or Indigenous stream.

*If you have trouble uploading your documentation, please email indigenous@ualberta.ca with images of your documentation and a member of the Office of the Registrar will upload them to your account.