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Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program (BComm)

For Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) applicants

Duration
1 to 2 years
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Start term
Fall

What is the Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program?

Pronunciation: Gaa-Yay-Ree Knee-Gaa-Way-Raa-Geh

The Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program is a path to university education for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students who do not meet Concordia’s conventional admission requirements.

Through the Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program, you will complete the math courses needed for your desired BComm program while building your capacity for academic success through classes in academic writing, study skills and time management. Each course will be taken as a cohort, allowing you to build community throughout your three terms. Support systems designed to facilitate your transition into university and Montreal life are built into each level of this program, including experiential learning opportunities through the Otsenhákta Student Centre and mentorship through a seminar.

Program highlights

  • Complete prerequisites for BComm programs
  • Build relationships with other Indigenous students
  • Enjoy experiential learning opportunities through the Otsenhákta Student Centre 
  • Experience Indigenous mentorship

Program structure

  • Duration: One year, two terms (fall, winter)
  • Credits: full-time, 24 credits

You will be enrolled in the prerequisite courses needed to transition into a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) program, including two English courses based on the English Placement Test and one non-business elective course of your choosing. Unique to the bridging program is a year-long seminar course designed for Indigenous students, with the goal of addressing your academic and holistic needs in a safe setting.

Courses

Note: Upon successful completion of the courses in the bridging program, students should consult with an advisor to review the requirements for the Bachelor of Commerce.

Admission criteria

Applicants to the Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program must meet the following conditions:

  1. Applicants must be First Nations, Inuit or Métis peoples whose communities are located in Canada. Applicants must submit proof of Indigenous identity, citizenship, and age.
  2. Applicants must prove their potential to undertake undergraduate courses, despite not meeting the typical academic requirements.
  3. Applicants must have been out of school — that is not engaged in full-time study — for at least 12 months since attaining the age of 18. Applicants who have been out of school for less than 12 months are also admissible provided that they have had no unfavourable academic record in the previous 12 months.
  4. Applicants must submit school records and any material which may indicate ability to pursue university studies.
  5. Some students may require courses in English as a Second Language, as determined by language proficiency testing. Refer to Concordia’s English language proficiency guidelines to check eligibility.

Applicants whose academic background qualifies them for regular admission are not eligible for the bridging program.

NOTE: Each application will be reviewed on an individual basis. Meeting these conditions may not guarantee admission into the bridging program.

Application deadlines

Fall term

FALL TERM

March 1 is the official deadline to apply for fall term entry.

Please email the program coordinator if you have any questions about the program or application process.

Winter term

WINTER

Admission to this program is available for the Fall Term only.

We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.

After the bridging program

Upon successful completion of the program’s two terms, you will move into the BComm program of your choice without needing to reapply for admission. Moving forward, you will be able to:

  • Study business with competent academic and university skills
  • Identify resources on campus for your personal and professional success
  • Connect with a supportive community of Indigenous students and professionals

How to apply

  1. Go to concordia.ca/applynow to start a new admissions application.
  2. Follow the steps to create a Concordia Netname. Once in the application, select “I am an Indigenous student and do not have the required courses.”
  3. Complete the admissions application. You will need to apply directly to your BComm program of choice within the John Molson School of Business.
  4. Upload the following as part of your application:
    • A letter of intent outlining: 
      • Why you have chosen to study at university through the bridging program
      • The reasons for your choice of program, including your goals and aspirations 
      • Descriptions of experience, knowledge or skills which you have acquired that would assist you in your studies
    • A birth certificate or other accepted proof of age
    • Transcripts 
    • Proof of Indigenous identity (documentation to be determined)
    • Curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé (optional)

Commerce programs to bridge into

Please see the list of BComm programs to apply for through the Kaié:ri Nikawerà:ke Indigenous Bridging Program.

Tuition and funding

The tuition fees of the program may differ depending on your student status. To estimate the cost of your education at Concordia, go through our five (5) easy steps.

Bursaries for students in financial need are available upon admission into the program.
Contact the program coordinator for more information.

Interested in student housing?

If you require housing, email the program coordinator once you submit your application to discuss your housing options.

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