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
- You will be assessed automatically for this bursary if you have previously submitted verification of your disability to StudentAid BC.
- It provides $800 for full-time study or $400 for part-time study.
- Official Information: B.C. Supplemental Bursary for Students with Disabilities
B.C. Assistance Program for Students with Disabilities
- This program helps students with disabilities pay for exceptional education-related services and adaptive equipment.
- Official Information: B.C. Assistance Program for Students with Disabilities
Learning Disability Assessment Bursary
- This bursary program helps part-time or full-time students with the up-front costs of a learning disabilities assessment.
- Official Information: 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)
- This program provides upfront, non-repayable financial assistance to low- and middle-income students enrolled in full-time studies at B.C. public post-secondary institutions.
- Official Information: B.C. Access Grant (Full-Time)
B.C. Access Grant (Part-Time)
- This program provides upfront, non-repayable financial assistance to low- and middle-income students enrolled in part-time studies at B.C. public post-secondary institutions.
- Official Information: B.C. Access Grant (Part-Time)
B.C. Access Grant for Deaf Students
- This grant helps deaf and hard of hearing students with the additional costs incurred while attending specialized post-secondary institutions where curriculum is delivered in American Sign Language.
- Official Information: B.C. Access Grant for Deaf Students
Adult Upgrading Grant
- This program helps adults demonstrating financial need who are enrolled in skills upgrading, education and training courses.
- Official Information: 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: Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
Youth Futures Education Fund
- The Youth Futures Education Fund has been established to provide a grant to recipients of the Former Youth in Care Provincial Tuition Waiver, to assist with supplemental educational funding for expenses such as books, housing, utilities, or emergency situations.
- Official Information: Youth Futures Education Fund
B.C. Loan Forgiveness Program
- If you qualify for the B.C. Loan Forgiveness Program, the Province of British Columbia will forgive the outstanding B.C. portion of your Canada-B.C. integrated student loan debt at a rate of up to a maximum of 20% per year for up to five years.
- Official Information: 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: Learning for Future Grant
Learning Fund for Young Adults
- Helps young people with care experience access learning opportunities.
- Official Information: Learning Fund for Young Adults
Provincial Scholarships Program
- The provincial scholarships program recognizes student achievement and encourages students to pursue post‑secondary education.
- Official Information: Provincial Scholarships Program
B.C. Scholarship Society – Indigenous Students Awards
- The B.C. Scholarship Society provides scholarships for students attending public post-secondary institutions.
- Official Information: B.C. Scholarship Society – Indigenous Students Awards
Health Program Bursaries – Indigenous Student Recruitment Bursary
- This bursary has been developed through the Ministry of Health’s Health Human Resource Strategy and is designed to support Indigenous student enrollment and retention in priority health education programs across B.C.
- Official Information: Health Program Bursaries – Indigenous Student Recruitment Bursary
Health Program Bursaries – Student Recruitment and Retention Bursary
- This bursary has been developed through the Ministry of Health’s Health Human Resource Strategy and is designed to attract students to priority health education programs and help fill key health workforce gaps across the province.
- Official Information: 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: Bursary for Full-Time Students – Post-Secondary Education in French
Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Program for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation
- This medal program recognizes students who have demonstrated one or more of the following: Diversity and Inclusion, Democracy and/or Reconciliation.
- Official Information: Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Program for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation
Pacific Leaders Programs for Public Service Employees
- Through scholarships, loan forgiveness and grants, we invest in our public service by supporting the education & growth of talented and dedicated staff.
- Official Information: 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: BC Epilepsy Society Bursary
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC Education Bursary
- For BC residents with cerebral palsy.
- Official Information: 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: Mykel Frank-Rothenburger Bursary Fund
Joint Diversity Scholarship
- Save-On-Foods is proud to have partnered with UFCW Local 1518 to establish a Joint Diversity and Training Trust to support and maintain a respectful and positive working environment.
- Official Information: Joint Diversity Scholarship
Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada (SBHAC) Bursary
- The SBHAC Bursary is available to students who are registered members of SBHAC. Amount: Varies Up to $1000.
- Official Information: 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
- This page lists all the scholarships available to disabled students attending Royal Roads University.
- Official Information: Royal Roads University Scholarships
Simon Fraser University Scholarships
- This page lists all the scholarships available to disabled students attending Simon Fraser University.
- Official Information: Simon Fraser University Scholarships
Vancouver Island University Scholarships
- This page lists all the scholarships available to disabled students attending Vancouver Island University.
- Official Information: 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: Assistive Technology B.C. (ATBC)
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: Centre for Accessible Post-secondary Education Resources (CAPER)
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: Resource Directory of Programs and Services
Post Secondary Communication Access Services (PCAS)
- A province-wide service to support students with hearing loss.
- Official Information: Post Secondary Communication Access Services (PCAS)
Chinese Government Scholarship Program
- This program provides the opportunity to study at a Chinese university on scholarships from the Chinese Government.
- Official Information: 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.).
