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University of Calgary ii'taa'poh'to'p Excellence Awards — Continuing Students

Goes to every Indigenous student continuing an undergraduate program at the University of Calgary who files a complete Indspire application.

Reviewed by G Paul · verified August 31, 2026

Nov 1, 2026

Next deadline

What you will need

Indspire Building Brighter Futures consolidated online application
Confirmation of Indigenous affiliation (Status Card / Citizenship Card / band letter / NLCA Beneficiary documentation)
Proof of continuing enrolment in an undergraduate program at U of Calgary
Current transcripts
Personal statement
Two letters of recommendation

About this award

The University of Calgary ii'taa'poh'to'p Excellence Awards — Continuing Students is the continuing-stream version of U of Calgary's ii'taa'poh'to'p Indigenous Strategy entrance award. Critically, this award is distributed annually to EVERY Indigenous student continuing in an undergraduate program at U of Calgary who submits a complete application — meaning it's not a competitive merit award but rather a structural commitment from U of Calgary to support every Indigenous undergraduate's persistence. If you're an Indigenous student already enrolled at U of Calgary moving into your second, third, fourth, or later year, this award is built for you. Confirmed Indigenous affiliation (any First Nation, Métis, or Inuit identification) is required. The Entrance award (sibling entry) covers first-year incoming students; the ASAP Award covers transfer students. Three Indspire deadlines per year (August 1, November 1, February 1) provide flexibility — apply early in your continuing year. Application is through Indspire's central Building Brighter Futures portal.

Who qualifies

You qualify for the U of Calgary ii'taa'poh'to'p Excellence Awards — Continuing Students if you (1) have confirmed Indigenous affiliation; (2) are continuing in (NOT entering or transferring into) any undergraduate program at the University of Calgary — second year or later; (3) submit a complete Indspire application. Distribution is annual to every eligible continuing student with a complete application.

This is what the award's own page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm with the provider before you apply.

Open to undergraduate students
Resident of Alberta

How to apply

Read the award's own page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Order your transcript1–2 weeks
Your school's registrar can take a week or two.
Ask for reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.
Write your essay
Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

More details

This is the most accessible of the three U of Calgary ii'taa'poh'to'p awards — distribution is to EVERY eligible continuing student, not a competitive selection from a pool.

So if you're an Indigenous continuing undergraduate at U of Calgary, the action item is just to file a complete Indspire application.

Don't skip this assuming someone else will get it — every complete application is funded.

If you're entering first year at U of Calgary, look at the Entrance award instead.

If you're transferring in, look at the ASAP Award.

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