The B.C. Government provides programs and funding to help former youth in care pay for post-secondary education. These are grants that you do not have to repay.
Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
The B.C. Provincial Tuition Waiver program provides financial support for tuition and mandatory student fees to former youth in care. No age limits starting Aug. 1, 2023.
“School wasn’t always a positive experience for students who were in foster care but post-secondary education doesn’t have to be that way,” - Helping students thrive, not just survive
Other grants
The Learning for Future Grant
The Learning for Future Grant provides an annual grant of $3,500 per program year (August 1 to July 31) to eligible current or former youth in care students to assist with additional education related costs that are not covered by the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program (e.g. textbooks, computers, supplies, etc.).
Youth Futures Education Fund
The Youth Futures Education Fund provides living expenses to youth who have aged out of the foster care system and are attending a post-secondary institution on a tuition waiver.
Under the Agreements with Young Adult program (AYA)
Youth who leave government care at 19 years of age are eligible for supports to cover living expenses while they finish high school, attend post-secondary training or complete a rehabilitation program.
Contact
Kathryn Russell, Financial Aid Advisor or Megan Pennell, Student Navigator
Cheryl Dyck, Recruitment & Admissions Advisor