Inuit post-secondary students in the Qikiqtani region can now apply for funding through the Kakivak Association to help offset costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With support from the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Kakivak recently launched the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Student Relief Program, a news release said.

The program allocates $263,000 to post-secondary students.

It will cover “approved, eligible expenses” from March 1 to September 30. Reimbursement of expenses prior to that timeframe may be possible with adequate records of the expenses, the news release said.

Eligible expenses include application fees, tuition, books and supplies, computers, connectivity costs, rent and other living expenses, counselling services, child care and travel expenses.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created many additional barriers for post-secondary Inuit students,” QIA President P.J. Akeeagok said in the release. “For these students any additional financial support can make a big difference. This program can be accessed to pay for expenses from rent and tuition to books and childcare.”