Indigenous Student Access Program (ISAP)
Creating supportive pathways to post-secondary education
About
The Indigenous Student Access Program (ISAP) is a one-year program that provides an alternate access route for eligible Indigenous students, including First Nations (Status and Non-status), Métis and Inuit. This includes Indigenous students applying directly from high school, or upgrading or university and college entrance programs (UCEP). It's also beneficial for adult learners who may have taken a break in their studies and wish to complete a post-secondary degree program.
This admission pathway is also available to Indigenous students who may not meet the admission requirements of their desired faculty program or are seeking additional support during a transition year. Through ISAP, students can be accepted into Open Studies and complete upgrading or other courses so they can apply to their desired program in subsequent years.
Start your studies with support
This comprehensive program equips learners with a solid academic foundation and assists them in the selection of relevant courses to prepare them to apply for their degree program of choice.
Indigenous learners who are part of an ISAP cohort are provided with first-year university classes, coupled with enhanced academic support, such as advising, tutoring, career advising, dedicated workshops and individualized success planning. It also includes access to cultural support, such as the ability to connect with Elders, cultural wellness and resources, and more.
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
Weekly Workshop Wednesdays
Students are required to attend regularly scheduled workshops throughout the academic year. These workshops help to build community among the cohort of ISAP students, enhance academic skills and knowledge, build effective study habits, and allow students to explore university study with Elders, mentors and peers.
Types of workshops vary from month to month; students are expected to keep up-to-date through the communication channels.
Get in touch
Interested? An ISAP Coordinator can provide more details on admission to the program, and advise prospective Indigenous students and/or their family members or support network on the various pathways to studying at UCalgary, including financial aid, student awards and more.
The Indigenous Student Access Program is grateful to be sponsored by Cenovus Energy.
