The role of the Canadian federal government in financing Canadian post-secondary education is described. Current policies have their origins in the 1967 establishment of a federal/provincial shared-cost arrangement. Later, a change in policy diminished the federal presence in post-secondary educational finance and placed institutions in competition with health services for funds from the provinces. Specific funding from the federal government is still available through grants and contributions from specific federal ministries. Of the 46 ministries, the following 15 are providing direct support for various research and educational projects in 1991-92: Indian Affairs and Northern Development; Industry, Science and Technology; Justice; National Defence; National Health and Welfare; Transport; Secretary of State of Canada; Solicitor General of Canada; Agriculture; Employment and Immigration; Energy, Mines and Resources; Environment; External Affairs; Finance; and Forestry. In addition, the Privy Council Department (one of nine bodies making up the Privy Council) also make funds available to post-secondary institutions, while the National Science and Engineering Research Council, the Medical Research Council, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council allocate funds for post-secondary education totaling $795 million. Overall, though reduced, the federal presence in post-secondary education is still significant. The extent and nature of the involvement of each ministry is detailed in the paper. Nine references are included. (JB)