Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Important Update for 2025–2026:
British Columbia students apply for provincial and federal student aid through StudentAid BC. One application assesses you for B.C. loans, grants, and some scholarship programs simultaneously. Make sure your income and enrolment information is accurate before submitting.
British Columbia offers one of the most comprehensive student aid systems in Canada. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working adult looking to upgrade your skills, or a student with a disability or dependants, there is a range of provincial programs designed to help you access post-secondary education.
Some of the key B.C. funding options include the B.C. Access Grant, the Adult Upgrading Grant, B.C. Student Loans, and scholarships such as the BC Achievement Scholarship, BC Excellence Scholarship, and the Irving K. Barber Scholarship programs. Federal funding options are also available alongside provincial aid.
Let’s get into the details of British Columbia’s provincial funding programs.
What Kind of Funding Is Available?
Students in B.C. may be able to access several different types of financial support depending on their income, study status, and personal circumstances.
- Student loans to help cover tuition, books, and living costs
- Grants that do not need to be repaid if you remain eligible
- Scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, or community involvement
- Bursaries for students in specific circumstances, including nurses and students with disabilities
- Targeted supports for adults upgrading their skills and students with permanent disabilities
In most cases, StudentAid BC is the main starting point for both provincial and federal post-secondary funding.
Pro Tip:
One StudentAid BC application can assess you for loans, grants, and some bursary programs at the same time. Review all your options carefully before submitting — accurate income information is key to receiving the maximum funding you’re entitled to.
StudentAid BC
StudentAid BC is the province’s main student financial assistance system. It connects eligible students to B.C. loans, grants, and bursaries, as well as federal funding through a single application.
To qualify, you generally need to be a B.C. resident, enrolled in an eligible program at a designated post-secondary institution, and demonstrate financial need. Eligibility requirements vary slightly depending on whether you are studying full-time or part-time.
B.C. Grants
British Columbia offers several non-repayable grant programs for students at different stages and in different circumstances. Grants do not need to be repaid as long as you remain eligible throughout your study period.
B.C. Access Grant for Full-Time Students
For students from low- and middle-income families enrolled full-time at a B.C. public post-secondary institution. Covers undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs. Assessed automatically through your StudentAid BC application.
B.C. Access Grant for Part-Time Students
Provides non-repayable financial aid to part-time students pursuing an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate at a B.C. public post-secondary institution. Not available for master’s or doctoral programs.
B.C. Adult Upgrading Grant
For adults enrolled in eligible skills upgrade or education and training programs in B.C. Covers tuition, books, supplies, transportation, and childcare. Available to students who need to build foundational skills before pursuing further post-secondary education.
B.C. Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
Works alongside provincial student loans to provide financial assistance to full-time students with permanent disabilities. Eligible students receive a grant in place of a portion of their loan amount, reducing the debt they need to repay.
B.C. Assistance Program for Students with Permanent Disabilities
Provides funding to students with permanent disabilities to help pay for education-related services and equipment needed to participate in post-secondary studies — such as assistive technology, interpreters, or specialized support services.
B.C. Student Loans
B.C. student loans help full-time students cover tuition, books, and living expenses while they are in school. Provincial and federal student loans are delivered together as an integrated loan — you make one monthly repayment after graduation, not separate payments to each government.
The amount you receive is based on your assessed financial need, tuition costs, and living expenses. Students with dependants may be eligible for higher weekly loan amounts.
Learn more about B.C. Student Loans for Full-Time Students →
B.C. Scholarships and Awards
British Columbia offers scholarship programs for high-achieving Grade 12 students and dedicated awards for Indigenous learners at B.C. public post-secondary institutions. Most provincial scholarships do not require a separate application — your school submits your records on your behalf.
B.C. Achievement Scholarships
Awarded annually to approximately 8,000 Grade 12 students who have achieved top academic scores in their graduation courses. No application required — schools submit eligible student records to the Ministry each year. Applicable to any post-secondary path including certificates and diplomas.
Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship
For Grade 12 students who intend to pursue a career in education or teaching. Recognizes academic achievement alongside a demonstrated commitment to education and community involvement.
District/Authority Scholarships
Administered at the school district level, these scholarships recognize student achievement across a range of criteria set by individual districts and school authorities. Eligibility and amounts vary by district.
Irving K. Barber — Indigenous Awards
Dedicated awards for Indigenous students studying at B.C. public post-secondary institutions. Recognizes academic achievement and supports Indigenous learners in completing their post-secondary education goals across any eligible program type.
Pro Tip:
Most B.C. provincial scholarships do not require a separate application — your school submits your records automatically. The Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship is an exception and does require a direct application. Watch for application windows in the fall.
B.C. Bursaries
In addition to grants and scholarships, British Columbia offers bursary programs for students in specific circumstances. Like grants, bursaries are non-repayable.
Nurses Education Bursary
For nursing students from difficult socio-economic backgrounds who need financial assistance to continue their studies. Available to full-time students who are B.C. residents, members of the BC Nurses’ Union as students, and intend to work as a nurse in B.C. after graduation.
B.C. Supplemental Bursary for Students with a Permanent Disability
Provides additional non-repayable financial support for both full-time and part-time students with permanent disabilities, helping to ease the financial pressures of pursuing post-secondary education.
B.C. Learning Disability Assessment Bursary
Helps full-time and part-time students cover the upfront cost of a formal learning disability assessment. Available to students enrolled at a designated B.C. public post-secondary institution who are recommended for an assessment by their school’s accessibility services office.
Other Financial Aid Options
In addition to provincial funding, B.C. students may also qualify for federal programs such as Canada Student Grants, Canada Student Loans, Federal Student Scholarships, and Federal Student Bursaries.
Take the time to explore your options, compare schools, and speak with an advisor if you are unsure where to begin. The right mix of loans, grants, scholarships, and bursaries can make post-secondary education much more manageable.
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