Indigenous Student Access Program
Creating supportive pathways to post-secondary education
About
The Indigenous Student Access Program (ISAP) is a one-year access and transition program designed to support First Nations (Status and Non-status), Métis and Inuit students on their pathway to post-secondary success at the University of Calgary.
Through ISAP, students are admitted to Open Studies and complete a combination of core courses, electives and required programming that prepares them to apply to their chosen degree program in subsequent years. The program is grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing and prioritizes holistic student success — academically, personally and culturally.
Who should apply to ISAP?
ISAP offers an alternate admissions route for Indigenous students, including those who are:
- Applying directly from high school
- Completing or planning to complete upgrading courses
- Transitioning from university and college entrance programs (UCEP)
- Adult learners returning to studies after a break
- Students who do not yet meet the admission requirements for their desired faculty
Program overview
ISAP supports students through a holistic approach that recognizes Indigenous student success is rooted in nurturing the whole person. By strengthening these areas during the first year, ISAP helps students build a strong foundation of belonging, safety, wellness and confidence as they navigate university — creating the conditions for long-term academic and personal success.
The program is guided by the following interconnected principles:
-
Wellbeing
Student wellness is foundational to success. ISAP supports mental health and wellbeing through monthly Wellness Circles facilitated by an Indigenous Therapist.
Ensuring that care is grounded in Indigenous perspectives, the Therapist incorporates skill-building activities that support ongoing wellness, talking circles and guided reflection, grounding practices and connection to campus resources.
To learn more about Indigenous Wellness at the University of Calgary, learn more here.
-
Community and culture
Community is the cornerstone of the ISAP. Building a sense of belonging is especially important within a large institution, so we offer a wide variety of Cultural Workshops to support students during their first year at the University of Calgary.
These workshops include ceremonies, circles with Elders, traditional teachings and traditional arts and skills workshops led by Knowledge Keepers. In addition, the program hosts informal community gatherings such as shared meals and campus activities, all of which are designed to strengthen relationships within the program and the local community.
If students choose to continue their second year of studies at UCalgary, these connections will give them the foundation for connection and belonging at Writing Symbols Lodge and on campus.
-
Academic and professional development
ISAP supports students in developing academic skills and confidence needed for university-level learning. Monthly workshops focus on building effective study strategies, strengthening note-taking and test preparation skills — improving overall time management and motivation.
Students will be introduced to campus supports, including the Student Success Centre, where they will proactively build relationships with advisors and support staff, in preparation for their desired degree.
-
Leadership and mentorship
In partnership with the Student Success Centre, ISAP offers Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) for select cohort courses. These peer-facilitated sessions are led by Indigenous PASS mentors and are designed to reinforce course content, support assignment and test preparation.
Applying to ISAP
Ready to start your post-secondary journey with ISAP? Review these requirements to learn what's needed for your ISAP application. The application is open from December 1 to July 31. Due to the cohort nature of this program, students will be admitted only in the fall term.
- Review the ISAP requirements.
- Create an eID and then sign in to complete the ISAP application form.
- Connect with the ISAP Coordinator to discuss your educational background, academic goals, post-secondary funding, course options and available support services.
- Submit all required documents by August 10.
Questions? Contact the Indigenous Recruitment Team at indigenous.recruiter@ucalgary.ca for assistance.
To be considered for admission, applicants must:
- Present a minimum 65 per cent in English 30-1, or equivalent; OR
- Present a minimum 2.00 GPA in a transferrable post-secondary English course(s); OR
- Achieved a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA on the most recent 12 units of academic post-secondary coursework.*
Students who do not meet the admission requirements outlined above may present information that outlines their educational goals and how their past education, cultural knowledge, life and work experiences will enable them to succeed in the ISAP program through a supplementary application. This will be reviewed by the ISAP admission committee.
*Students presenting 12 or more units of academic post-secondary coursework will be considered for admission based on the GPA of their most recent 12 units.
Fall term
- Required core course: INDG 201 (Introduction to Indigenous Studies)
- Weekly Workshop Wednesdays — Approx. 3 workshops a month
- Mid-term meeting with ISAP coordinator
- Elective courses as selected
- Strongly recommended courses (determined by conditions of admission): UNIV 205 (Effective Learning Strategies) and ENGL 212 (Critical Writing and Indigenous Literatures)
Winter term
- Required core course: INDG 397 (Special Topics in Canadian Indigenous Studies)
- Required core course: ENGL 251 (Literature and Society)
- Weekly Workshop Wednesdays — Approx. 3 workshops a month
- Mid-term meeting with ISAP coordinator
- Elective courses as selected
Get in touch
Interested? Prospective students and their families are encouraged to connect with the Indigenous Recruitment Team for questions about eligibility, pathways or the application process.
The Indigenous Student Access Program is grateful to be sponsored by Cenovus Energy.
