Provincial Tuition Waiver Program

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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?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are a resident of B.C.;
  • Are studying full-time or part-time;
  • Are attending a B.C. public post-secondary institution, Native Education College or one of 10 approved trades training providers (see below for full list of eligible institutions);
  • Are between the ages of 19-26 (inclusive); or
  • Are 17 or 18 years of age, have graduated high school and are no longer in care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development or Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction; and
  • Were formerly in any Ministry of Children and Family Development Legal status or The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction’s Child in Home of Relative Program for at least 24 months or 730 days (consecutive or accumulated in any combination)

Please read Chapter 5 Section 7 of the StudentAid BC Policy Manual for more information.

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 Waiver Application form through the financial aid office at their post-secondary institution.

Instructions

  1. 1 Visit your institution's financial aid office and complete a Waiver Application form to enable your institution to disclose information, verify your identity, and validate your eligibility.
  2. 2 Your institution will submit your consent form to the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training who verifies your time-in-care with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The verification process can take up to 4-6 weeks depending on the complexity of your records search.
  3. 3 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