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Post-Secondary Funding

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
 

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Helpful Hints

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  • Start researching scholarship options during grade 11 as the scholarship process begins early in your grade 12 year

  • Begin volunteering on a regular basis as many scholarships require a strong/consistent history of involvement as part of the eligibility

  • Each award has unique criteria. You may have to complete an essay and/or provide school transcripts and references

  • Consider a variety of smaller scholarships/awards as they may attract fewer applicants

  • Have an updated resume and cover letter, that you can change for a specific scholarship

  • Dedicate a specific time each week for your scholarship research

  • Pay close attention to application deadline date/time, particularly if sending hardcopy documents

 


Types of Scholarships/Awards


Post-Secondary Scholarship Options


These scholarships are contingent on accepting the offer of admission for that specific institution. The applications for these scholarships may be:

  • Automatic (you are not required to submit a separate scholarship application) such as an Entrance Award

  • General scholarship application may be required

  • Faculty specific (e.g.  only for Engineering students)

  • Nominated (each school may nominate a limited number of students)

  • Based on financial need (bursary)

 


Association and Community Scholarship Options


Many groups offer scholarship/bursary opportunities to high school students such as unions, clubs, businesses, associations, organizations and so on. Students should consider their individual situation to see if any opportunities are available through their skills, involvement or family. Criteria for each of these opportunities varies including artistic ability, academic performance, community service, leadership, athletics, financial need, etc.

 


Find a Match


Some websites will match a student with a variety of awards in their database. Register online for this option at:
https://yconic.com/?redirect_from=studentawards
http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/
https://scholartree.ca/

 


Tuition Waiver Program – Former Youth in Care (British Columbia)


The BC Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training (AEST) in conjunction with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) have announced a tuition waiver program for former British Columbia youth in care who wish to attend any public post-secondary school in BC.  Students must apply for admission at the school of their choice, self-identify as a former youth in care to that school, and complete a declaration form to be considered for the government tuition waiver program.
 
Youth in Care Canada
 https://youthincare.ca/british-columbia/
Resource for Scholarships and Bursaries for Youth in/from care as well as a comprehensive list of post-secondary institutions that waive tuition or have reduced tuition for former youth in care.
 
StudentAid BC – Youth Educational Assistance Fund for Former Youth in Care
This program provides grants of up to $5,500 per program year to former B.C. youth in care students between 19 and 24 years of age. Students may receive a maximum of four grants.  See website for details:
https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/youth-educational-assistance-fund-former-youth-care#Am_I_eligible?
 
KEN DRYDEN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is named after the man who got it started and who is determined to keep it going: Ken Dryden, author, consultant on education, child and youth issues, lawyer, former NHL hockey star, and past President of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey club.   ​Youth in Care Canada has administered this scholarship program in partnership with Ken Dryden since 1995. Each scholarship covers up to $3,000 or 80% of the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less, and is renewable annually, based on reasonable progress toward the completion of a first undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate from an accredited publicly funded post-secondary education institution.  As a young person in/from care, all you need do is apply. As a child welfare worker, foster parent or friend, please tell any eligible young person of this scholarship opportunity, and offer your help.  
The 2019 application will be available in January 2019.
https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/youth-educational-assistance-fund-former-youth-care#Am_I_eligible?

StudentAid BC ~ Student Loan Information
The StudentAidBC process has changed as of March 2018.
To receive student financial assistance, you must meet all of these basic eligibility criteria:

 

Applications for fall semester start dates open in June. For full details visit:
https://studentaidbc.ca/news/general/important-information-students-applying-20172018-program-year


Questions? Toll-free Canada/USA: 1-800-561-1818,  Monday to Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm

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