British Columbia Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities

For students in British Columbia pursuing post-secondary education, a wide array of financial support is available. This guide details the core provincial programs, specialized grants, scholarships from universities and external organizations, and key support services designed specifically for students with disabilities. All funding is integrated through a single application to StudentAid BC.

Core B.C. Disability Funding Programs

These programs form the foundation of provincial support for students with disabilities.

B.C. Supplemental Bursary for Students with Disabilities

B.C. Assistance Program for Students with Disabilities

Learning Disability Assessment Bursary

Additional Provincial Grants and Bursaries

The B.C. government offers several other grants that support students with diverse needs.

B.C. Access Grant (Full-Time)

B.C. Access Grant (Part-Time)

B.C. Access Grant for Deaf Students

Adult Upgrading Grant

Provincial Tuition Waiver Program

  • The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program waives domestic tuition and eligible fees for B.C. students who are current and former children or youth in care studying full-time or part-time, below the graduate level, at a B.C. public post-secondary institution, the Native Education College, or an approved union-based trades training provider.
  • Official Information: https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/provincial-tuition-waiver-program

Youth Futures Education Fund

B.C. Loan Forgiveness Program

Learning for Future Grant

  • The Learning for Future Grant is available to full-time or part-time students who meet the eligibility criteria for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and are enrolled in a program or course below the graduate level that leads, or will lead, to a credential (citation, certificate, diploma or degree).
  • Official Information: https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/learning-future-grant

Learning Fund for Young Adults

Provincial Scholarships Program

B.C. Scholarship Society – Indigenous Students Awards

Health Program Bursaries – Indigenous Student Recruitment Bursary

Health Program Bursaries – Student Recruitment and Retention Bursary

Bursary for Full-Time Students – Post-Secondary Education in French

  • Many post-secondary institutions in B.C. offer courses in French or courses on French language and literature. Please see Education Planner BC for more information.
  • Education Planner BC: https://www.educationplannerbc.ca

Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Program for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation

Pacific Leaders Programs for Public Service Employees

Condition-Specific Scholarships and Bursaries in B.C.

BC Epilepsy Society Bursary

  • The BC Epilepsy Society offers bursaries to students in British Columbia living with epilepsy who currently attend or plan to attend a post-secondary institution. Amount: $1,000. Number Available: 3.
  • Official Information: https://bcepilepsy.com/programs/bursary/

Cerebral Palsy Association of BC Education Bursary

Mykel Frank-Rothenburger Bursary Fund

  • This bursary is available to graduating students in BC School District #58, #73 or #74 or a separate school in these regions, who have experienced ADHD and mental health challenges. Amount: $1,000. Number Available: 1. Deadline: May 1st, annually.
  • Official Information: https://disabilityawards.ca/mykel-frank-rothenburger-bursary-fund/

Joint Diversity Scholarship

Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada (SBHAC) Bursary

Spinal Cord Injury BC Scholarships

  • BCPF provides bursaries of varying amounts each fall to individuals with a spinal cord injury to support them with their post-secondary education at universities and colleges in British Columbia.
  • Official Information: https://sci-bc.ca/scholarships/

University-Specific Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Royal Roads University Scholarships

Simon Fraser University Scholarships

Vancouver Island University Scholarships

National Scholarships Accessible to B.C. Students

RE/MAX Quest for Excellence Scholarship Program

  • The RE/MAX Quest for Excellence scholarship program offers another avenue for support. This program recognizes students across Canada (except Québec) for their community contributions and leadership pursuits. It awards 40 scholarships of $1,000 each.
  • For more information and to apply for the RE/MAX scholarship, you can visit the official RE/MAX Quest for Excellence page.

Key Support Services and Resources

Assistive Technology B.C. (ATBC)

  • Provides assistive technology services to support post-secondary students or employees who have a disability.
  • Official Information: https://atbc.ca/

Centre for Accessible Post-secondary Education Resources (CAPER)

  • Provides accessible learning and teaching materials to students and instructors who cannot use conventional print because of disabilities.
  • Official Information: https://caperbc.ca/

Resource Directory of Programs and Services

  • Provides information for potential students and their counselors, families, and referral agencies on programs and services for students with disabilities at public post-secondary institutions.
  • Official Information: https://www.bccampus.ca/resource-directory/

Post Secondary Communication Access Services (PCAS)

  • A province-wide service to support students with hearing loss.
  • Official Information: https://pcas.bc.ca/

Chinese Government Scholarship Program

Important Note on Application: For most of the provincial grants and bursaries listed above, you apply through the main StudentAid BC application. Begin your process by visiting their website to start your application and get assessed for multiple programs at once.

How to Build Your Funding Strategy

  1. Start with StudentAid BC: Your first step should always be to complete the integrated Canada-BC student aid application. This single form is your gateway to the federal Canada Student Grants (like the Grant for Students with Disabilities and the Grant for Services and Equipment) and the core B.C. programs like the Supplemental Bursary and Assistance Program.
  2. Contact Your School’s Offices: Immediately connect with two offices at your university or college:
    • Financial Aid Office: They can provide details on institution-specific bursaries and help you understand your overall aid package.
    • Accessibility Services Office: This office is critical for accessing disability-related grants (like the B.C. Assistance Program). They help confirm your needs for services and equipment and often manage the documentation process.
  3. Apply for External Scholarships: Use the list of condition-specific and university awards provided. Pay close attention to deadlines, as they vary throughout the year.
  4. Explore Support Services: Register with services like Assistive Technology B.C. (ATBC) and Post Secondary Communication Access Services (PCAS) if they are relevant to your needs. These services can be funded through your provincial aid.

Final Checklist for Success

  • Gather all necessary documents (medical verification, tax information, academic records).
  • Complete the StudentAid BC application as early as possible.
  • Meet with your school’s Financial Aid and Accessibility Services advisors.
  • Apply for relevant condition-specific scholarships before their deadlines.
  • Explore and register for support services (ATBC, PCAS, etc.).

Always check official program websites for the most current information, as details and deadlines can change.

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