Scholarship Information
Ideas for Success
- Volunteerism – community, school (Important to give service/give back to others/ Be creative)
- Leadership activities
- Keep a record of all applications/essays (you can tweak information to use again)
- Terms: Bursary = financial need Scholarship = academic standing
- Reference Letters – from employers, teachers, coaches, close family friends (not relatives!)
Early Scholarships:
- Horatio Algers – $5000 Online application open for Grade 11 students on December 1, 2024. Deadline March 15, 2025.
- LORAN Award – $100,000. School Sponsored Candidates (only 3) – Deadline Oct 11, 2024.The Loran Award supports promising young Canadians who show strength of character and a commitment to service in their communities, challenging them to fully realize their leadership potential. Please see Counsellors for more information about eligibility and how to apply and/or visit loranscholar.ca/becoming-a-scholar
- Schulich Leadership Scholarship – $100,000 STEM programs at post-secondary. Career choices: technology, engineering, entrepreneurship/business, applied scientific research. School Sponsored Candidates (only 1) – complete school application form by January 30, 2025. If selected, complete online application. Deadline: February 20, 2025.
- TD Scholarships for Community Leadership and Indigenous Peoples Scholarship– up to $10,000 for 4 years. Applications Sept 6 – Nov 15, 2024 for this year. Applications for students starting college or university in September 2025 will open in September 2024.
**Click for the School Sponsorship Application for External Scholarships. This form needs to be filled out for both the Loran Award and the Schulich Leadership Scholarship.**
School/School District Based: applications available beginning of Feb 1, 2025 Deadline – March 1, 2025
- District Authority Awards – $1250 voucher
BC Ministry Scholarships:
The Provincial Scholarships Program
- BC Achievement Scholarships – top 8000 students in BC will receive $1250 voucher. No application.
- BC Excellence Scholarship – One student will be nominated by the school (no application). There are 55 scholarships available to recognize well-rounded B.C. graduates. $5,000 voucher.
- Pathway to Teacher Education – $5000 voucher – application due by Feb 1. Must attend an approved K-12 teacher education program at one of BC’s nine Faculties of Education.
Skilled Trades BC (formerly the Industry Training Authority or ITA):
- are registered with a SkilledTradesBC as a youth apprentice
- have a grade 12 Dogwood Diploma or an Adult Dogwood Diploma
- Have successfully completed WRK 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B
- Maintained a C+ average or better in your Grade 12 Courses
- Have 900+ hours reported to the SkilledTradesBC while still of school age
Here are some helpful resources to get you started:
Students Scholarship News letter
Linked you will find a list of 14 Scholarship Programs available to BC students. More than 350 individual scholarships will be distributed through these 14 programs. Students from BC school districts are eligible for all of the awards linked.
Canadian Scholarships: Youth of Canada
- a for-youth-by-youth organization dedicated to connecting students to empowering, inspiring, and worthwhile opportunities. Find your passion, reach your potential, learn from others. These are our goals and what we want to help other youth accomplish. We understand how it can be difficult to find opportunities suited to various needs. That is why we empower and give youth hundreds of leadership and extracurricular opportunities at their fingertips. From scientist summer expeditions to creative writing contests, we’ve got you.
- youthofcanada.ca/scholarships
- Research BC post-secondary programs
- Apply to most BC institutions through this site
- Financial Aid information
Important Upcoming Sessions
- How-To Session – Tips for Post-Secondary Applications (including using BC Transcript Services) will be posted on the school website under Grad Calendar and in the school announcements.
Helpful Websites for Scholarships and Bursaries (PDF)
The Rick & Amanda Hansen Scholarship
About the Scholarships
• Minimum of 3 scholarships available for 2025–2026 academic year.
• Up to $10,000 CAD per year for publicly funded, post-secondary education in Canada
directly payable to the academic institution.
Program Requirements
• No restrictions on the area of study or discipline. Certificate, diploma, trade and
bachelors degree programs are eligible.
• Program must be minimum of 1 year to maximum of 4 years in duration.
Application LINK
Auxiliary Society Bursary Application $2000
Eligibility:
- be graduating from Grade 12 in the Comox Valley or currently be enrolled in a Healthcare program at NIC Comox Valley
- be planning to attend a post-secondary institution to study in a healthcare field, and
- preferably having at least 50 hours of volunteering in a Healthcare related field.
Application Requirements LINK
SCHOLARSHIP PACKAGE
- Dave Gifford Memorial & BCSS Zone Scholarship
- Bert & Greta Quartermaine Badminton Scholarship
- BCSS Indigenous Student-Athlete Scholarship
- BC Dairy Scholarship
Applications will only be accepted by email to info@bcschoolsports.ca. Please scan all required
documents into ONE PDF document for each application being submitted. Please name the file
as follows: Last Name, First Name, Scholarship Name. Once received, BC School Sports will send a
confirmation receipt. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. For more information please follow the LINK to BC School Sports website.
Prestige Student Scholarship Program
Graduating Class photographed by Prestige Photography can apply for a scholarship by sharing their Prestige Photography experience in a formal one-page essay. A total of 3 scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded between United States and Canada. Essays may be used to promote Prestige Photography. The essay topic is as follows:
“Tell us what grad year means to you and how your Prestige pictures help celebrate your achievements.”
How do I apply? Simply complete the application form and submit your one-page formal essay. Next, print and mail your application and essay to Prestige College Scholarship Program, Lifetouch National School Studios, Attn: Prestige Marketing, 11000 Viking Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.
BCAHA Tribute Bursary Fund
The BCAHA Tribute Bursary Fund exists to assist in the education of deserving youth or adult students enrolled in post-secondary education, at a recognized British Columbia institution, in a human healthcare field. This bursary is funded by member auxiliaries, businesses and private individuals who share the value in financially supporting future healthcare professionals in our province.
Four $1000 bursaries will be awarded in any healthcare related program.
Public Guardian and Trustee Educational Assistance Fund
The Public Guardian and Trustee Educational Assistance Fund was established in June 1989. The Fund was derived from the generous donations of three private benefactors. The charitable intention of all three benefactors was to financially assist British Columbians in pursuing educational development for their future careers. In establishing the Fund, the government of British Columbia has attempted to reflect the charitable intentions of the original benefactors. Since 1989, the Fund has provided annual bursaries to individuals who meet the requirements of the terms of the trust document and demonstrate a strong desire to develop a future career path through their educational goals.
The purpose of the Fund, as set out in the trust document is, “to assist any beneficiary selected under the provisions of the Trust to further his or her educational goals, whether academic or vocational, provided that the bursary shall not be used as a sole means of support but rather as a supplement to existing funding to cover shortfalls in fees, books, maintenance, and/or transportation which might otherwise cause the individual affected to terminate his or her studies prematurely”.
For more information and to apply for this Bursary, click here
Application LINK
Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC
Scholarship and Bursary available for studies in Occupational Health and Safety. The Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC is pleased to offer a $2500 scholarship and $500 bursary to students pursuing education in occupational health and safety.
The Daneen Skilling Scholarship is an annual award to honour Ms. Daneen Skilling, a dedicated and professional business and community leader in ensuring workplaces are safe and healthy. This award also includes support in obtaining a secondary practicum opportunity following successful completion of an accredited OHS degree, diploma, or certificate program with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
In memory of safety auditor Julie Cole, a new bursary will be awarded for the first time in 2021 to a student with demonstrated financial need.
For more information and to apply for this scholarship, click here.
EFMABC Bursaries
The Educational Facility Managers Association of British Columbia is pleased to offer five $1,000.00 bursaries to graduates of the this school year. Our association is comprised of administrative and management personnel of school districts who are responsible for construction, maintenance and custodial services, etc.
These bursaries are offered to secondary students completing their grade 12 year who will enter a recognized post secondary educational institution in the 2023/2024 term. Bursaries will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement and/or special needs.
Preference will be given to students entering the fields of engineering, architecture, or building technology. Should there not be suitable applications received in these fields, students in other courses of study will be considered, however, all applicants MUST be dependents of school district employees in the school facilities area (i.e. Maintenance or Custodial).
Application forms, available from your school Counsellor, or your district’s Maintenance EFMABC member, are to be completed in full and submitted to:
EFMABC Bursary Committee
Ken Janzen, Co-Chair
School District #41 Burnaby
3350 Norland Avenue
Burnaby, BC
V5B 3A6
Cintha Winters, Co-Chair
School District #36 Surrey
6700 – 144th Street
Surrey, BC
V3W 5R5
2025 BCGEU Scholarships – BCGEU
As of December 15 2024, applications for the 2024 BCGEU Scholarship program are now being accepted, and will close on February 15th 2025 at midnight.
Our annual scholarship program of up to $85,000 offers awards of $2,000 for full-time students and $1,000 for part-time students. Scholarships are funded by the dues of our members.
This year, applicants are asked to submit an essay, video, song or infographic in response to one of three questions:
- The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized the right to strike as an “indispensable component” of collective bargaining. Why is this important?
- The current state of the world poses many challenges. How do you remain hopeful? How can a democratic labour movement bring forth change?
- Why is accessible, well-funded childcare important?
For more information on application eligibility and to apply for a scholarship, click here.
NATIONAL / PROVINCIAL SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST)
Scholarships:
Youth Leadership Award Scholarships
We have 8 Youth Leadership Award Scholarships to hand out before the end of the year! These scholarships are for female* students in grades 10-12 that love STEM and want to share their passion with others.
Successful applicants will create a project of their own design that promotes careers in STEM. Examples include creating paintings, infographics, photo essays, short stories — or something else entirely!
The successful candidates will receive a $500 honorarium for supplies to start the project and the remaining $500 honorarium upon completion of the project.
Learn more and apply at: https://scwist.ca/forms/youth-leadership-award-application-form/
Youth Skills Development Scholarships
We also have 16 Youth Skills Development Scholarships to hand out before the end of the year!
These scholarships are for female* students ages 16-21 in Canada that would like to cover the costs of professional development, such as attending a Science Fair or participating in science-related camps or courses.
The successful candidates will receive $500 that must be used to cover professional development expenses of equal or greater value, including associated costs or attendance fees..
Learn more and apply at: https://scwist.ca/forms/youth-skills-development-scholarship/
*Please note that we use the terms female, women and girls with a broad meaning that includes people who identify themselves as women, girls, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender questioning.
Upcoming event:
Technology Quantum Leaps Conference Series
SCWIST Quantum Leaps Tech Conference – Please check out link for conference infomation
https://scwist-quantum-leaps.eventbrite.ca/ |
2025 Indigenous Awards Program
The Society offers Indigenous Award programs for students pursuing post-secondary education in BC. They are available to students who identify as Indigenous – First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Métis or Inuit. All are renewable in order to provide sustained funding over multiple years.
Indigenous Student Awards: $1000-$5000 (renewable annually) for students pursuing trades training, apprenticeship, diploma, certificates, degree or post-degree programs.
Application Deadline: Program re-opens January 2025 LINK
Am I Eligible?
In March of every year, North Island College offers hundreds of bursaries to students. If you are planning on attending, you can access these awards at this LINK. There are over 200 awards specific to entering students (dual admission are still considered entering) The average award this year is $1300. One application allows students to potentially get more than on award.
BCSSA Grade 12 Scholarships
The British Columbia School Superintendents Association will award six regional scholarships to students planning to pursue post-secondary studies.
Students wishing to be considered for a scholarship must be currently enrolled in their final year of studies at a public secondary school in British Columbia and expected to graduate in June. One recipient will be chosen from each of the six BCSSA provincial chapters (Fraser Valley, Kootenay-Boundary, Metro, Vancouver Island, Northern, Thompson-Okanagan). Each recipient will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
In selecting the recipients for this year’s awards, the scholarship committees will consider demonstrated distinctive leadership that has made significant impacts to the social, ethical and collaborative fabric and practice of school(s) and community. Letters of reference will be required affirming the applicant’s accomplishments and efforts to improve the quality of life and foster diversity, equity and inclusion. The applicant must submit a short description (450 words maximum) of how their leadership has made a difference in the life or lives of others in their school and/or community. Leadership examples may include, but are not limited to, the following domains: arts, trades, physicality, scholastics, social justice, equity, well-being, diversity, advocacy, and cultural responsiveness.
Application maybe down loaded at www.bcssa.org. The recipients will be announced in late spring 2025.
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Helping Canadians access upskilling and reskilling.
We understand that it has never been more important for Canadians to gain the skills and education they need to advance their careers and gain stability. Yet for many students this can be out of reach financially. That’s why Coast Capital is working to support people to access the education and skills training they need to prepare them for the jobs of the future.
Accessing post-secondary education is a big financial commitment and we’re here to remove one more obstacle on young people on their path to a better financial future. www.coastcapitalsavings.com/about-us/education-awards
BC School Sports Scholarship Fund
The Member Schools of BC School Sports are pleased to announce this year’s BC School Sports Scholarship Fund. The association is dedicated to assisting worthy student athletes in their desire to attend an accredited Canadian University or College. BC School Sports Scholarships reward excellence in both scholastic and athletic pursuits. The Successful applicants will be student athletes who have balanced their high academic achievements with significant success as school athletes and contributions to their community.
Scholarships shall be awarded to students enrolled in member schools who apply, and who meet all of the criteria.
The BC Excellence Scholarship
The BC Excellence scholarship is awarded to 55 well-rounded high school graduates who have demonstrated service and leadership, both at school and in their communities, and who show aptitude for and commitment to their chosen career or area of post-secondary study.
NEW in 2023: applicants are no longer required to have a specific career goal to qualify for the BC Excellence scholarship. Students can demonstrate career or post-secondary study goals. This more inclusive approach recognizes many students finish high school before they’ve decided on a career path.
Successful recipients are awarded a $5,000 scholarship voucher from the Ministry of Education and Child Care that they can use to be reimbursed for tuition paid after they are attending a post-secondary institution that is designated by the Province of B.C. (i.e., approved for Canada Student Loans) or a program provider that is approved by the Industry Training Authority.
Students have five years to redeem their BC Excellence scholarship vouchers; an expiry date is printed on each voucher and extensions are not possible.
Key dates
- February , 2025: online applications due by 2:59pm PST
- Early June 2025: conditional recipients and their schools notified by email
- September 2025: conditional recipients checked against eligibility requirements
- October 2025: paper scholarship vouchers mailed to confirmed recipients
Pathway To Teacher Education Scholarship
The Pathway to Teacher Education scholarship is awarded to 20 outstanding high school graduates who have demonstrated a commitment to and aptitude for a career in K-12 teaching.
Recipients receive a $5000 scholarship voucher that they can redeem with the Ministry of Education after they are attending an approved K-12 teacher education program at one of BC’s nine Faculties of Education.
Students have seven years to redeem their Pathway to Teacher Education scholarship vouchers; an expiry date is printed on each voucher and extensions are not possible.
KEY DATES
- February, 2025: applications due by 11:59 pm PST
- Early June 2025: conditional recipients and their schools notified by email
- September 2025: conditional recipients checked against eligibility requirements
- Fall 2025: paper scholarship vouchers mailed to confirmed recipients
Schulich Leader Scholarships are the largest and most prestigious undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarships in Canada, with a value of up to $100,000 each. Fifty students receive this celebrated award each year – a top student can win from your school! Last year, 70% of winning recipients came from schools that had never produced a Schulich Leader before.
- Every high school in Canada may nominate one student per academic year
- Nomination deadline is January, 2025
- Nominee submits scholarship application
- Universities make offers
See Student Service office, the Counselling Centre for more information.
The Loran Scholars Foundation is beginning its search for the 31st class of Loran Scholars, and we need your help to identify students who demonstrate strength of character, dedication to serving others in the community, and the promise of leadership potential.
The individuals we seek possess integrity, courage, compassion, intellectual curiosity, as well as a high level of personal autonomy and self-motivation.
Valued at up to $100,000, the Loran Award includes study at one of our 25 partner universities, summer internships, mentorship, and participation in a community of supporters and alumni working towards a better country and world.
Important Dates:
The deadline for school sponsored applications is October, 2023 at 8:00pm (Eastern Time).
- Each high school may sponsor up to three students.
- Additional students may submit direct pool applications (without sponsorship) by October, 2024 at 8:00pm (Eastern Time).
RE/MAX 2025 Quest for Excellence®
The Quest for Excellence program is a bursary program for grade 12 students in Western Canada. It was established by RE/MAX of Western Canada to recognize the success and ongoing pursuits of Western Canadian students in regard to leadership and community contribution initiatives.
What is Awarded?
RE/MAX of Western Canada will award 16 bursaries of $1,000 each to qualifying Grade 12 students. In addition, each award includes a Certificate of Excellence signed by the Regional Executive Vice President of RE/MAX of Western Canada. Winners will be notified in April 2023.
Who Can Participate?
The Quest for Excellence is open to all Grade 12 students attending high school from September 2023 – June 2024. Grade 12 students may not have participated in graduation commencement ceremonies in the past. Applicants must be a resident of one of the following provinces/territories.
What is Required?
Students are to convey the contributions they have made to their communities in a short online essay, maximum 1,250 words. Key qualities students should demonstrate are leadership, motivation and communication skills. Other attributes may include volunteering, participation in charitable events or fundraising, and contributions that enrich the lives of others and their communities. Essays should be submitted online from September, 2024 until March, 2025.
2022 Quest for Excellence Application
Judy Bourne Memorial Scholarship (M’akola Development Services)
This $2 500 award (12 available) was created to support students of Indigenous ancestry in recognition of Judy Bourne, an inspirational woman of Cree Ancestry. Judy was a devoted wife and mother of six children who was well known for her athletic and coaching abilities, particularly as a nationally and internationally recognized volleyball coach.
Please see the attached link for specific criteria and an online application: http://makoladevelopment.com/awards/
Tom Finnie Indigenous Trades Bursary
This bursary is in memory of Tom Finnie, who was a former board member of M’akola. Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His life was one of total service to his country via the Navy. Every community he lived in was enriched by his presence; each life he touched made better because he cared and let them know they were special. Amount awarded $2 500 (six available)
Please see the attached link for specific criteria and an online application: http://makoladevelopment.com/awards/
Cmolik Scholarship – up to $40,000 per recipient
Who should apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a resident of BC
- Have lived in Canada for a minimum of 7 years
- Plan to graduate from a BC secondary school
- Plan to attend and study full time at a post secondary university, college or trade school
- Be ineligible for the BC Tuition Waiver Program (for former youth in care)
- Have experienced adversity or hardship
- Have exhibited a good work ethic
- Have demonstrated financial need
- Evidence of leadership involvement
Applications due Feb 7 of each year. Apply here.
Beedie Luminaries is a social-profit enterprise designed to help remove barriers to education and provide wrap-around support for promising students who are facing financial adversity. Students who are smart, but constrained by circumstance. Students who are ready to rise above their circumstances and achieve their dreams.
Our scholarship provides access to BC public universities, colleges and trade schools and enables promising Grade 12 BC students to achieve their dreams.
- 140 scholarships offered in 2023
- $44,000 per student / 4-year undergraduate degree
- $22,000 per student / 2-year college or trade-school diploma
- “Stay on Track” student support
- Peer Support Groups
- Access to mentors
- Summer paid internship opportunities
How it works
November 13 Launch till January 13 (9 a.m.) applications
March – April – Selection process
Late April/May – Interview
Late May/June – Awarded
Apply here.
Storwell Self Storage has re-launched our Foster Children Bursary and we are looking to connect with educational institutions to help expand awareness of the program so that we can provide scholarships to foster children who are working on building a better life for themselves.
Storwell offers an annual bursary of $2,000 to support foster children as they pursue their post-secondary education and to help them as they progress into a new and exciting stage of their lives.
This is the direct link to the online application, which outlines all eligibility requirements: http://www.storwell.com/bursary-application
Pride Education Network
We have established a Scholarship Fund for GSA members and LGBTQ youth leaders who intend to further their education. We will review applications in May of each year. The amount of each scholarship will depend on the number of qualified applicants. Check out the link below for application and encourage any youth from your school to apply.
Criteria:
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Applicants must be graduating from a British Columbia secondary school with a minimum B standing. They must be planning to attend a recognized, publicly funded Canadian post-secondary education institution.
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Applicants must be a member of their school’s GSA and have played a significant role in diversity initiatives in their school or local community.
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Applicants must have a demonstrated financial need.
Application form PDF
Scholarships Canada
Scholarships Canada is a free website with an extensive database (80,000+ scholarships!) that lists numerous scholarship opportunities in detail. When you register you will provide information ranging from your year of study to your hobbies, which will be used as keywords to run through their system.
At the end of the process, you will have an inbox of awards that are appropriate for you based on the information you supplied. In addition, they have a number of sister websites that provide a comprehensive system for guiding students through the post-secondary experience: School Finder, Study in Canada and Grad School Finder. Scholarships Canada also offers online webinars on a number of different topics and newsletters.
Yconic
This is also a free website where you complete a registration process and an inbox of scholarships is created for you. yconic also has an online community, where you can interact with other students.
In the event that you are wondering whether recipients have been contacted regarding a certain scholarship or if you are interested in hearing other students’ experience with a particular program, you can post a thread on the forum to ask other students or browse through first as the question may have already been asked and answered.
BOB FREER, ERNIE FREER, JACK MUMM, SYD THOMPSON & BILL WILSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Please see link for application guidelines – LINK
Student Financial Assistance Website
This Student Financial Assistance website is run by the Government of Canada. This resource provides information on Canadian post-secondary education.
Education Planner BC
If you live in British Columbia or are planning to study in British Columbia, Education Planner BC can help you compare post-secondary options.
Student Budget Calculators
There are a number of online calculators that can help you build a budget for post-secondary expenses. Below are links to several options: