Freehorse Family Wellness Society (FFWS) is a non-profit organization proud to assist in the continuing education of First Nations people. FFWS is currently offering a Post-Secondary Funding Program on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), which assists eligible students from specific Alberta First Nations. Alberta residents (minimum 12 months) registered with Northwest Territories bands are also eligible under our Post-Secondary Funding Program.
If you are looking for post-secondary funding, please go through our eligibility criteria to see if you are eligible to apply for sponsorship with our Program. During sponsorship, students are eligible for tuition coverage, a books and supplies allowance, and a monthly living allowance, depending on program and registration.
The FFWS staff are committed to working with First Nations by delivering programming and services that will provide knowledge and enhance skills necessary to thrive in today’s diverse and demanding world.
Office Hours
Our office is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lunch closure from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. However, to speak to a funding officer in person, an appointment is required. Please email general@freehorse.org or call 780-944-0172 to set up an appointment time.
Holiday Hours
Our office will be closed from Monday, December 23, 2024 to Wednesday, January 1, 2025 for Christmas and New Year’s Day. We will re-open on Thursday, January 2, 2025, with regular office hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Submitting Documentation
Documentation can be submitted through mail, email, fax (780-944-0176), or dropped off in-person. If you do not have access to a scanner to email your documents, you can take a picture with your phone and email as an attachment.
Application Deadlines
*Fall and Winter (September – December/April): June 15th
*Winter Term – (January – April): October 15th
*Spring and Summer (May – August): March 15th
Applications Forms must be submitted to FFWS by midnight (Mountain Standard Time) of the application deadline dates. Be aware incomplete applications will be sent back to the student to be completed and resubmitted by the deadline.
Late Applications (for the Fall/Winter terms) will be waitlisted and may be reviewed if funds become available. Late applications are NOT accepted for the Intersession term.
Students planning to attend the Winter Term only should still apply by June 15th. It is recommended that applicants not wait until the Winter deadline (October 15).
Important Reminders for Currently Sponsored Students
FFWS does not pay for health and dental plans offered by your academic institution. It is your responsibility to opt out of these plans by the deadline set by your school. If you do not opt out, you will be responsible for any fees that are incurred.
If you are currently being sponsored by FFWS and want to extend your sponsorship in the spring term (May-June) and/or the Summer Term (July-August), you are expected to submit a new application form for sponsorship by the Intersession deadline – March 15th. Late applications will not be considered for the Intersession term.
If you spend more for mandatory books & supplies for the Fall or Winter academic term than is allocated to you and would like to request a reimbursement, you must submit all of your original receipts for the total amount you spent and a mandatory book list from your school by November 15th (for Fall term) and February 15th (for Winter term). Your funding officer will review your request & you may receive a reimbursement.
New Information
→ For Athabasca University students only: Athabasca University student tuition will be paid on a REIMBURSEMENT BASIS ONLY. This means that you will have to pay each term’s tuition upfront to Athabasca University and submit confirmation of this payment to FFWS, upon which you will be issued a reimbursement following the first 30 days of the term.
*Please visit our NEWS page for additional information*