What We Cover:
1. Government Student Loans & Grants
2. External Funding
a. Assistance with Band Funding
b. Other Public/Private Funding Agencies
c. Financial Institutions
3. Funding for Upgrading
a. University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP)
b. Adult Upgrading Grant
c. STSC 101 Bursary
4. Tuition Waiver Programs
a. Provincial Tuition Waiver
b. NVIT Youth in Care
5. Funding and Services for Students with Disabilities
a. Shyanne-Lee Clarke Inclusive Post-Secondary Education
b. Student Aid BC
6. Awards, Bursaries, & Scholarships
a. Entrance Awards
b. Year-End Internal Awards
c. External Awards
7. Emergency Aid
8. Fee Deferral
Financial Aid
1. Government Student Loans & Grants
Student loans are government-funded financial assistance that you repay after completing your studies. Student loans are beneficial because while you are registered in full-time studies you are not required to make payments on your loan. Instead, the government pays your interest during this time. This means you can focus on your education instead of managing your debt.
How do you apply?
You apply directly to the government assistance provider in your home province (where you have been living before starting full-time post-secondary education). This is a one-stop process that considers you for both federal and provincial assistance. Please see the list below for information on student loans in your home province.
For BC Residents, StudentAid BC helps eligible students with the cost of their post-secondary education through loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships and special programs. It also has programs for borrowers who need help repaying their loans.
If you reside in another province 12 months before starting classes, you must fill in a student loan package from your home province. Here are some links to other Canadian Financial Aid Programs throughout Canada.
Alberta
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut Territory
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
2. External Funding
a. Assistance with Band Funding
i. Academic and Financial Planners are available to help students with Band Funding applications. They can assist with the application process and provide estimated program costs, detailed proof of enrolment letters once registered, cost breakdowns for registered students, and registration statements.
b. Public/Private Funding Agencies
Various public and private agencies are willing to sponsor students in full-time or part-time studies. These funding agencies can cover costs such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and even living allowances. Here are some examples of funding agencies:
ISETS: ISETS offices around the province can help fund students to meet their educational goals. ISETS may be able to help status and self-identifying Indigenous students with tuition, books, equipment and supplies as well as living supports, transportation and childcare.
CAPS: The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples also offers funding through ISETS specifically targeted at non-status First Nations, Métis, and Southern Inuit living off-reserve in Canada. Please connect with an Academic and Financial Planner about applying for this funding.
Work BC: The Skills Training for Employment Program provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to help them obtain the skills training they need to re-enter the labour market and secure employment. These individuals will arrange and pay for their own training with the financial assistance provided by Skills Development.
Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP): The Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) allows individuals to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to finance training or education for themselves or their spouse or common-law partner.
National Research Council Co-op Program: The NRC Co-op Program provides practical career-related experience in terms of work to promising students in science, engineering, and technology. Work terms are also offered in the fields of business, public relations, communications, library sciences, marketing, and administration.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC): The Post-Secondary Student Support Program provides financial assistance to First Nation and Inuit students pursuing post-secondary education. Financial assistance includes funds for tuition fees and travel and living expenses.
Registered Education Savings Plans: Save for a child’s post-secondary education. A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is an account registered with the Government of Canada to help you save for a child’s post-secondary education.
c. Financial Institutions
The government is only one of many sources of loans; some banks and credit unions offer direct loans, credit cards or lines of credit, especially for students. Talk to your financial institution to find out what’s available.
3. Funding for Upgrading
a. StudentAid BC also offers the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG), which helps with fees, books, supplies, transportation, and unsubsidized childcare costs. It also supports the cost of tuition for Adult Special Education programs. The AUG program is designed for adult learners who have not completed high school or need to review their academic skills before advancing to post-secondary level study. Students enrolled in the following programs of study qualify for AUG based on the student’s current income level: College Readiness, Bridging to Trades, Literacy, Employment Skills Access, and English as a Second Language.
b. STSC 101 Bursary is open to learners enrolled in the College Readiness program being delivered at the NVIT Merritt Campus. NVIT will cover the cost of the tuition, fees and books for the STSC 101 course. Learners can request the STSC 101 bursary from an Academic and Financial Planner. All requests must be made before the add/drop dates.
c. University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) aims to enable First Nations students to attain the academic level required for entrance into degree and diploma credit programs, as prioritized and directed by First Nations. Financial assistance may be provided in the following areas for a maximum of one year of studies: Tuition support for part-time and full-time students may include fees for registration, tuition and the cost of books and supplies required for courses—travel support for full-time students who must leave their permanent place of residence to attend college or university. Students may qualify for funding to return home twice per academic year. Living expenses for full-time students to help cover the costs of food, shelter, transportation and daycare.
4. Tuition Waiver Programs
a. Former Youth in Care Provincial Tuition Waiver
The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program waives tuition and eligible fees for B.C students who are current or former youth in care studying full- or part-time at the undergraduate level.
For the purpose of the program, a youth in care is defined as an individual who is a resident of British Columbia and is living or has lived as a youth in care in British Columbia under one of the following conditions as defined by the Child, Family, and Community Service Act (CFCSA):
- a Continuing Custody Order for a minimum of one year [pursuant to sections 41(1)(d), 42.2(4)(d) or (7) or 49(4), (5) or 10(a)];
- an Agreement with Youth [pursuant to section 12.2]; or
- a Transfer of Custody Order [pursuant to section 54.1].
If students are still determining whether they meet the above criteria, they should contact their former social worker, Ministry of Children and Family Development office, or a delegated Aboriginal Child and Family Services agency for help.
Starting August 1st, 2023, the program has expanded to improve supports for former youth in care by:
- Opening the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program (PTWP) for former youth in care of any age.
- Enhancing PTWP eligibility to include those former youth in care who were on any care status when they turned 19, regardless of their time in care.
- Introducing a new annual grant of up to $3,500 to help students who are recipients of the provincial tuition waiver pay for additional costs such as books, computers, and internet services.
Tuition and fees will be waived for youth in care of any age attending a post-secondary undergraduate credential who meet specific criteria.
This program is open to current and prospective NVIT learners across all programs and courses delivered at the NVIT Merritt or Vancouver Campuses who are or have been youth in care.
5. Funding and Services for Students with Disabilities
NVIT is committed to creating a welcoming and accessible community where learners can participate fully and are supported in realizing their potential. Students with Permanent Disabilities are eligible for a variety of funding and services.
Shyanne-Lee Clarke Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Tuition Waiver
In recognition of Shyanne-Lee Clarke, and in partnership with STEPS Forward, NVIT is committed to the implementation of the Shyanne-Lee Clarke Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Tuition Waiver. This Tuition Waiver is open to both current and prospective NVIT students enrolled through the Inclusive Post-Secondary Education partnership with STEPS Forward across all programs/courses delivered at the Merritt campus.
StudentAid BC has grants and funding for students with disabilities.
For the purposes of student Financial Aid disability programs:
A Permanent Disability is defined as:“any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment – or a functional limitation – that restricts the ability of a person to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a postsecondary school level or to participate in the labour force and that is expected to remain with the person for the person’s expected life.”
A Persistent or Prolonged Disability is defined as: “any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment – or a functional limitation – that restricts the ability of a person to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a postsecondary school level or to participate in the labour force and has lasted, or is expected to last, for a period of at least 12 months but is not expected to remain with the person for the person’s expected life.”
6. Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships
7. Emergency Aid
At NVIT, we understand that unexpected financial challenges can arise, and we are committed to supporting our students in times of need through our Emergency Aid program. Emergency Aid is a specialized, one-time financial assistance initiative designed to provide relief for unforeseen circumstances that may hinder a student’s academic progress. Whether facing unexpected medical expenses, housing emergencies, or other unforeseen financial burdens, NVIT’s Emergency Aid is here to help you navigate these challenges.
To access Emergency Aid, we encourage students to reach out to our dedicated Academic & Financial Planners, who will assess the situation and guide them through the application process. Setting up an appointment with one of our experienced advisors is the first step towards securing the support you need. Our team is here to listen, understand your unique circumstances, and work collaboratively to find the most suitable solution. At NVIT, we prioritize the well-being and success of our students, and our Emergency Aid program reflects our commitment to ensuring that financial obstacles do not hinder your educational journey.
8. Fee Deferral
Fee Deferrals are for students who cannot pay tuition and fees by the first day of classes. Students can arrange a Fee Deferral and payment plan with an Academic and Financial Planner. These are for exceptional circumstances only.
