Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program supports B.C. students who are former youth in care who are attending either full-time or part-time studies at a B.C. public post-secondary institution, Native Education College or one of 10 eligible union trades training centres (see full list below).
What is available?
If you meet the eligibility requirements below, your tuition and mandatory fees charged by your institution could be waived so you do not have to pay them. This includes any deposits that an institution may require to secure admission or space in a program or class.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program, students must be:
- Residents of B.C.; or
- Have been placed in another province under a Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or Delegated Aboriginal Agency (DAA) Interprovincial Placement Agreement;
- Studying full- or part-time at a B.C. public post-secondary institution; the Native Education College or one of 10 approved trades training providers (see below for a full list of eligible institutions);
- Between the ages of 19-26 (inclusive) or
- 17 or 18 years of age, and have graduated from high school and are no longer in care of MCFD; and
- Formerly in any B.C. MCFD or DAA Legal Status or Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Child in Home of Relative program for at least 24 months or 730 days (consecutive or accumulated in any combination).
Eligible Programs of Study:
- The program covers a wide range of study programs:
- Credit and non-credit courses leading to a certificate, diploma, credential or undergraduate degree
- Courses taken during unclassified qualifying years, non-credit-based trades programs and continuing education programs eligible for student financial assistance
- Apprenticeship training
- Any non-credit courses associated with lifelong learning or competencies related to the labour market
- The program does not apply to Masters, PhD or post-graduate courses or programs or any Adult Basic Education programs and/or fees.
| Eligible post-secondary institutions: | |
|---|---|
| British Columbia Institute of Technology | Thompson Rivers University |
| Camosun College | University of British Columbia |
| Capilano University | University of Northern British Columbia |
| College of New Caledonia | University of the Fraser Valley |
| College of the Rockies | University of Victoria |
| Douglas College | Vancouver Community College |
| Emily Carr University of Art and Design | Vancouver Island University |
| Justice Institute of British Columbia | Native Education College |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Boilermaker Training Centre |
| Langara College | Construction and Specialized Workers |
| Nicola Valley Institute of Technology | D.C. 38 Joint Trade Society |
| North Island College | Electrical Joint Training Committee |
| Northern Lights College | Floorlayers Union |
| Coast Mountain College | IUOE Local 115 Training Association |
| Okanagan College | Pile Drivers Local 2404 |
| Royal Roads University | Piping Industry Apprenticeship Board |
| Selkirk College | Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre Society |
| Simon Fraser University | Trowel Trades Training Association |
How do I apply?
Students must submit a Provincial Tuition Waiver Program Application form through the financial aid office at their post-secondary institution.
Instructions
- 1 Download the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program Application form and complete Sections 1 and 3.
- 2 Visit your institution's financial aid office and bring your application form to them so they can validate your eligibility and complete Section 2.
- 3 Your institution will submit your application form to the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training who verifies your time-in-care with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The verification process can take up to 6 weeks depending on the complexity of your records search.
- 4 If you are eligible, your institution will not collect any tuition fees or registration deposits from you. If you have already paid your fees, your tuition fees will be reimbursed by the institution.
For further information, please review the Tuition Waiver Frequently Asked Questions or contact the System Navigator at tuitionwaiver@gov.bc.ca