Education for First Nations and Inuit

This 60-credit program provides an opportunity for Algonquin, Cree, Inuit, Mi'gmaq, Mohawk, and Naskapi people to become qualified as teachers. It is offered on a part-time basis in Indigenous communities throughout Quebec in collaboration with, for example, the Cree School Board, the Kativik Ilisarniliriniq and various Mi'gmaq, Mohawk, Algonquin and education authorities.

Quebec graduates of this program receive Quebec Minist¨re de l'Éducation certification to teach at the elementary school level in Indigenous schools.

On completion of the Certificate requirements, trainees may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Education - Kindergarten and Elementary Education - First Nations and Inuit Studies or Bachelor of Education for Certified Teachers program and consult the Program Adviser to determine Advanced Standing.

Time Limit
The time limit for completion of the 60-credit Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit is 12 years. The University reserves the right to request that a student retake a course or courses after a five-year period if it is felt that too long a break has occurred in the ongoing nature of the training.

• Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
• 23 years of age or older by the start of classes (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
• No high school, college or university level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
• Two letters of reference
• Mature Student Statements:
  • Letter of Intent, including description of all educational experiences
  • Complete resume of employment and other activities, highlighting points relevant to the application
• In some cases, an interview may be required
• Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of specific courses (see 'Minimum grades & prerequisites' below) within the three-year period prior to admission and no later than May 15th of the year of application for the intended program (May 1 for some programs). These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program. 

1. Know your deadlines.

   Mark your calendar with these important dates regarding your application. 

2. Decide what to study.

   Use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match. 

3. Make sure you're eligible.

   Admission to most programs is based on grades only. In this step, you'll find:
   • How your academic record is reviewed
   • The grades that gained entrance to your program in previous years
   • The prerequisites for your program

4. Get ready to apply.

   As of October 1, you can apply. Complete each step of the pre-application to-do list, including:

   • Understand the deadlines that apply to you
   • Prepare your academic documents
   • Identify supporting documents you'll need to provide

5. Submit your application.

   Review our tips on how to apply and see what the application fees will be. Remember that you can apply to two programs.

6. Apply for an entrance scholarship.

   Look into entrance scholarships early! The deadline is usually a week after your application deadline. This page provides information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

7. Submit documents and keep in touch.

   We'll connect with you by email to let you know when to upload supporting documents, if required. In this step, you'll see:
   • How to follow your applications status
   • Supporting documents you may need to prepare
   • How to submit supporting documents, including self-reporting your grades