Need help paying for post-secondary? | Vancouver Island University

In the past year and a half, federal and state governments have introduced COVID-19 relief measures to support students – one of the groups most financially affected by the pandemic. What does that mean for you? This gives you more funding options than ever to help you get back to school.

With all of these supports, you might be wondering what to do to get started. Take a look at the following funding options and start making your goals a reality:

Grants, Loans, and Waiver Programs

Canada Student Financial Assistance Program for full- and part-time students

The federal government is doubling Canada Student Grants through the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (formerly Canada Student Loans Program) through July 31, 2023. Scholarships are non-refundable grants, meaning you don’t have to repay them.

Students applying for tuition to study at public post-secondary institutions in BC will be automatically screened for these non-refundable scholarships. BC residents can learn more about applying for the Canadian Student Financial Aid Program by reviewing the BC Government Student Loans and Grants. If you are not a BC resident, you can apply for a student loan through the province where you are a resident.

Applications for student loans for the academic year 2021-22 are now possible – apply here.

BC access grant

Introduced by the BC Government in February 2020, the BC Access Grant will enable more than 40,000 low and middle income students to access, afford, and complete public post-secondary education and training in BC each year. Students applying for grants to study at public post-secondary institutions in BC will be automatically assessed for the BC Access Grant. This non-repayable grant will also be doubled by the end of July 2023.

Adult upgrade grant

The Adult Upgrading Grant is a state government grant that you do not have to repay. It is aimed at students who have enrolled in basic adult education, basic skills training in the workplace, or English as a second language. Anyone who does not receive funding from other sources is eligible to apply. Eligible students must apply before the start of classes. Visit the Adult Upgrade Grant Funding home page to apply.

Canada Student Financial Aid Program Debt Relief and Interest Relief

To ease financial stress for students, the federal government is waiving interest accrual on Canadian student loans and Canadian apprentice loans through March 31, 2022.

Tuition Exemption Program

Teenagers who are no longer cared for and are attending Vancouver Island University can apply for two tuition waiver programs: the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and the Vancouver Island University Tuition Waiver Program. You will find application forms and other funding opportunities for former young people in care on our page for the support of people in need of care in old age.

Employment opportunities

Canada summer jobs

The Canada Summer Jobs program aims to create valuable summer internships to help Canadian youth ages 15-30 save for post-secondary education.

Student work on campus

Hiring students on campus is a fantastic way to gain valuable work experience, build relationships with your professors and others on campus, and earn cash for education costs.

Student employment off campus

Off-campus employment is work that takes place outside the boundaries of the VIU campus and is a great way to access money to cover education and living expenses.

Scholarships, Awards, and Grants

VIU scholarships, awards and grants

The Scholarship, Award, and Scholarship Program, coordinated by the Financial Aid and Awards Office, provides eligible students with financial assistance, incentives, and rewards. You must fill out your profile between the beginning of September and March 31 each year as information is not shared annually. This year, nearly $ 4 million in awards and scholarships will be given to eligible students. So apply! Watch our informative VIU Scholarship, Award, and Scholarship Profile video for step-by-step instructions on how to prepare for the upcoming submission deadlines.

External awards

External awards include scholarships, awards, and grants that are available to all students through agencies that are not affiliated with VIU. Our categorized list of external awards includes more than $ 21.2 million in grants to help minimize student debt. Scholarships are often not awarded because many don’t apply – so don’t miss your chance because this is a great (and possible) way to fund your education!

BC government funding for emergency aid

The recently announced emergency aid is reserved for students attending courses in autumn 2021 and spring 2022. To be considered, students must complete their Scholarship, Scholarship and Scholarship Profile, which is on their student file, which will open on September 1, 2021. Students currently attending VIU and enrolled in summer courses with high financial needs can email financialaidinfo@viu.ca for assistance.

Budgeting tips and tricks

Do you need help preparing a budget? Check out our Budgeting Tips and Resources page to help manage your money and minimize financial stress.

Paying for university can be a challenge. The good news is that there are many options out there to help you manage expenses and cut costs while getting a great university experience. If you have any questions about the information in this article or any other questions or concerns about financial aid, please contact us at financialaidinfo@viu.ca or 250-740-6423.

Angela Meneghetti is a grant access specialist at Vancouver Island University.

source https://collegeeducationnewsllc.com/need-help-paying-for-post-secondary-vancouver-island-university/