Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program supports B.C. students who are former youth in care by providing tuition and mandatory fee waivers while attending an eligible B.C. post-secondary institution.
Starting on August 1st, 2023, StudentAid BC is improving the supports for former youth in care by:
- Opening the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program (PTWP) to former youth in care of any age.
- Enhancing eligibility for those on any care status when they turn(ed) 19 regardless of their time in care.
- Introducing the new annual $3,500 Learning for Future Grant to help recipients of the PTWP pay for additional costs like textbooks and a computer.
For more information about the enhancements to the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program, please read the following Frequently Asked Questions.
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:
- Studying full- or part-time in an eligible undergraduate level program at a B.C. public post-secondary institution; the Native Education College or one of 10 approved trades training providers (see below for more information on eligible programs and a full list of eligible institutions);
- Between the ages of 19-26 (inclusive) at the time of tuition waiver application or;
- 17 or 18 years of age and not receiving educational supports through the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or an Indigenous Child and Family Service Agency (ICFSA); and,
- Adopted through B.C. MCFD or an ICFSA; or
- Formerly in the B.C. Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Child in Home of Relative Program; or
- Formerly in any B.C. MCFD or ICFSA Legal Status (either while living in B.C. or while placed by MCFD or an ICFSA on an Interprovincial Placement Agreement [IPPA]) for at least 24 months or (730 days) (consecutive or accumulated in any combination).
Eligible Programs of Study:
The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program covers a wide range of undergraduate study options:
- 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
Masters, PhD or post-graduate courses or programs, or any Adult Basic Education programs and/or fees, are not eligible.
| 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 |
For applicants with exceptional circumstances
The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program may on a case-by-case basis approve exceptions to program eligibility through a review of exceptional circumstances. To request a review, contact the Ministry System Navigator at tuitionwaiver@gov.bc.ca.
The System Navigator at the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills consults with partner agencies, post-secondary institutions, students, and stakeholders around tuition waivers for former youth in care.
Categories Eligible for Review
Time in Care/Legal Status A student can request a review of their individual circumstances in this category when they believe their time in care is incorrect, or their experience in government care is not represented in the legal statuses listed in the program eligibility criteria. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills may require specific supporting documentation on a case-by-case basis. All other program eligibility criteria must be met.
Location of Study A student can request a review of their individual circumstances in this category if they were placed in another Canadian province or territory as part of an MCFD or ICFSA permanency plan or interprovincial agreement and they wish to study in the province or territory they were placed in. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills may require specific supporting documentation on a case-by-case basis. All other program eligibility criteria must be met.
Age A student can request a review in this category for exceptional circumstances that led to a delay in attending post secondary. An exceptional circumstance in this category must be unexpected and beyond the control of the applicant. The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program - Age Exception Attestation Form must be completed by a qualified assessor. All other program eligibility criteria must be met.
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 Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills 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 Provincial Tuition Waiver Program - Frequently Asked Questions or contact the program at tuitionwaiver@gov.bc.ca.