Canada First Nations

First Nations

Ngā mihi nui to all our applicants! Information for a 2026 Programme will be available late 2025.

Discover Canada’s beautiful and diverse landscapes and their stunning transitions throughout four distinct seasons. Immerse yourself in the vibrant indigenous community Tk̓emlúps te Secwepemc, residing in and around the city of Kamloops, British Columbia. Here you will experience the rich heritage and culture of the Interior-Salish Secwépemc (Shuswap) speaking peoples of British Columbia.

Applications are open to Māori students who are actively involved in their kura and/or community and wishing to share their kaupapa, their reo and te ao Māori with their Canadian host community.

Eligibility Requirements

You must be between 15 years and 5 months to 17 years and 5 months
Enrolled in a NZ school
Vaccinations may be required
Deadline for pre-application is the 7th of February

Notes

This is a scholarship between AFS New Zealand and AFS Canada

Airfare
Airport Pick-up
Host Family Placement
Housing
Meals
School Placement
Individual Contact Person
Medical Insurance
24/7 Emergency Support
School Transport
Assistance with Application Process
Visa Application Assistance
Pre-Departure Orientation
Orientations during your time abroad
Re-entry Orientation
Continuous Support
Worldwide Presence
70 Years Experience

Vaccinations
Visa and Passport Fees
Stipend
School Uniform

About Canada

Population: 38,761,724 (2023 estimate)

Land Mass: 31.416 million sq km

Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)

Capital: Ottawa

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact. This journey will help you maximise your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community, and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad and as you return to your home country. Find out more about our educational expertise here!

This First Nations programme is a partnership between AFS Canada and AFS New Zealand to foster exchange and understanding between our countries' indigenous peoples.