Free Application Days 2026

In the spirit of reconciliation and to honour Residential School survivors, the U of A will be hosting Free Application Days from September 30 - October 9, 2026.

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 will have their application fee waived when submitting an application to any undergraduate program, or graduate program accepting applications from September 30 - October 9, 2026.

Please review eligibility details below before starting your application.

Participating programs

Undergraduate programs

All undergraduate degree programs are part of Free Application Days 2026.

Apply now for Undergraduate Programs

Graduate program

Application fee waivers apply only to graduate programs accepting applications from September 30 - October 9, 2026.

Apply now for Graduate Programs

Have questions about undergraduate or graduate programs? Or, want to book an advising appointment? Email us at indigenous@ualberta.ca.

Eligibility

All self-identifying First Nations, Métis, or Inuit applicants will receive a free application to a participating program. Please see our First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Documentation page if you are not sure you are eligible to self-identify. Internal Transfer students are also eligible for an application fee waiver.

Process

  1. Between Sept. 30 - Oct. 9, start and complete your undergraduate or graduate application.
  2. Be sure to self-identify as Indigenous in your application.
  3. Submit your application by Oct. 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 stay in residence or 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 from Residence Services.

Deadlines

All applications submitted by midnight on October 9, 2026 will be considered.

If your application is not submitted by October 9, 2026 you will need to submit, finalize and pay for your application on your own. 

Have questions? The Indigenous Recruitment team is here to support you. Email our team at indigenous@ualberta.ca.

Indigenous Identity Documents

Indigenous identity documentation can be submitted after you apply.* We strongly recommend that any student who has self-identified for a Free Application submit their documents as soon as possible.

The eligible Indigenous identity document list can be found on the First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Documents page. Students should submit a clear picture of the front and back of their card, and/or clear copies of official letters of confirmation. The University of Alberta recognizes that Indigeneity and connecting to your Indigenous identity can be a complex process. Questions about eligible identity documents can be sent to indigenous@ualberta.ca.

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

*If you experience issues with submitting your documentation, please contact us at indigenous@ualberta.ca for assistance.