FNUniv Students to Benefit from 250 New Work-Integrated Learning Bursaries

Date: October 21, 2026

Regina, SK (Treaty 4 Territory) – First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) students will have access to 250 new $1,800 bursaries to support participation in work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities through Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative and CEWIL Canada’s iHUB.

The bursaries will support eligible students who have completed or plan to complete unpaid WIL experiences, including practicums, field placements, culture camps and other experiential learning opportunities.

Unpaid placements and experiential learning requirements can create significant financial barriers for students, particularly when wages or other sources of funding are not available. These bursaries will help reduce those barriers, allowing students to focus on their learning while gaining practical experience, developing skills and preparing for their future careers.

“Work-integrated learning provides our students with important opportunities to apply their knowledge, gain practical experience and build relationships that will support them beyond graduation,” said Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President of First Nations University of Canada. “By helping to reduce the financial barriers associated with unpaid learning experiences, these bursaries will make it possible for more of our students to participate fully in opportunities that strengthen their education and prepare them for their future careers.”

FNUniv is grateful to its partners for their commitment to expanding meaningful and accessible work-integrated learning opportunities. This investment will help students gain hands-on experience, build confidence, strengthen their skills and explore pathways to future employment.

“Every student deserves a fair chance to gain practical experience and build the skills they need to succeed,” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “These bursaries will help more students at First Nations University of Canada take part in hands-on learning, graduate work-ready, and build good careers and a better life for themselves and their families.”

“By offering innovative WIL opportunities at our institutions across Canada, we continue to see growth in students’ personal and professional competencies,” indicated Charlene Marion, Executive Director at CEWIL Canada.  “The skills and competencies gained through these experiences serve to support students as they transition to the workplace, entrepreneurial endeavours, or future studies.”

At FNUniv, work-integrated learning can take place in workplaces, classrooms and on the land. By reducing financial barriers to participation, the bursaries will help make these experiences more accessible while giving students opportunities to learn, build relationships and prepare for their futures.

Students interested in learning more about eligibility and accessing the bursaries can contact the FNUniv Career Centre at careercentre@fnuniv.ca or book a one-to-one appointment through the FNUniv Career Centre website.

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About First Nations University of Canada

Established in 1976, the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) is a leading Indigenous-owned post-secondary institution dedicated to advancing Indigenous knowledge and education. FNUniv serves both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, delivering high-quality post-secondary programs rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, languages and cultures. FNUniv operates campuses in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, as well as the nēwoskan Traditional Campus near St. Louis, Saskatchewan.

Learn more at www.fnuniv.ca.

Media Contact:

Kristin Francis
Director of Communications, University Relations
First Nations University of Canada
kfrancis@fnuniv.ca