Indigenous Student Success Certificate

Indigenous Student Success Certificate

Programs & Admissions

The Indigenous Student Success Certificate (ISSC) is uniquely designed to enable Indigenous students who are returning to university after an absence or who may not be able to meet all of the requirements for general admission to ULethbridge to make a smooth and successful transition to university life. Successful completion of ISSC will allow you to enter into most ULethbridge programs.

This eight-month (two-semester), first-year experience program, which runs from September to April, provides a strong foundation of courses that can be credited to most programs at the University of Lethbridge.

A core program is designed to meet students’ needs. Courses offered in the program include:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Health Sciences
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Library science
  • Mathematics
  • Sociology
  • Writing

Admission to the Indigenous Student Success Certificate (ISSC) ​

Admission is on a case-by-case basis, but this program is designed specifically for Indigenous students who are not otherwise admissible to other programs at the University or who are returning to school after an absence. All ISSC applicants must have:

  • ELA 20-1 or 30-2

AND Any three of:

  • Aboriginal Studies 20
  • Bio 20
  • Chem 20
  • Fine Arts course at the 30 level
  • Math 20-1 or 20-2
  • Physics 20
  • Science 20
  • Social 20-1 or 30-2
  • Any 20-level language

To be accepted to the health sciences stream of the ISSC, applicants must have the courses listed above plus, depending on the health science program you want to pursue (e.g., nursing), you may also require:

  • Biology 20
  • Chemistry 20

Your first step is to meet with a recruitment officer. All applications are reviewed on an individual basis, and there is no fee to apply.

To learn more about the ISSC or to speak with someone from the program, visit the ISSC website.

Indigenous students have access to a wide variety of services, including the new Iikaisskini (Low Horn) IndigenousI Gathering Place. Iikaisskini is an integral and unique feature of the ULethbridge main campus. It is designed as a welcoming home away from home, a space appropriate for ceremonies, smudging and celebration, where students and other members of the university community can gather together and collaboratively support one another in their educational aspirations.

Learn more about our Indigenous student services and programs.