Bursaries in British Columbia
Bursaries in British Columbia stack three sources of free, non-repayable funding: the BC Access Grant (up to $4,000/year), the federal Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students (up to $4,200/year), and institutional bursaries from BC's public universities and colleges. A BC student with high demonstrated need can routinely receive $10,000+ per year in bursary funding alone.
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The BC Access Grant is the cornerstone of BC's bursary system. Up to $4,000 per year for students from low- and middle-income families enrolled at public BC post-secondary institutions. No separate application — assessed automatically when you apply through StudentAid BC.
- Up to $4,000/year, non-repayable
- For domestic students at BC public colleges, universities, and institutes
- Family income generally under $60,000 for the maximum amount
- Stackable with the federal Canada Student Grant — a low-income BC student can receive $8,000+ in combined grants
Every BC public university maintains its own bursary fund for students with unmet financial need. Apply via your school's financial aid or awards office, usually by October or November each year.
- UBC: General Bursary, Need-Based Award, Emergency Bursary
- Simon Fraser University: General Bursary, Returning Student Bursary
- University of Victoria: UVic General Bursary, Indigenous bursaries
- BCIT, Capilano, Langara: General bursaries plus program-specific funds
BC has substantial dedicated bursary funding for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, both through the province and through major foundations.
- Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund — short-turnaround crisis bursary
- Irving K. Barber BC Indigenous Student Award
- Indspire Building Brighter Futures (national, with BC streams)
- Each university also maintains Indigenous-specific bursary streams
Frequently asked questions
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