Scholarship Value $16,000

Number of Scholarships 50

Description

The First Nation Scholarships, Bursaries, and Grants program provides targeted financial support to British Columbia First Nations students pursuing post‑secondary education. Its purpose is to remove financial barriers so students can concentrate on studies, reduce stress, and improve academic success. The program includes two broad award types: bursaries for vocational and shorter programs, and scholarships for degree‑level study. Support is intended to help students reach their full potential across colleges, trades programs, universities and other accredited institutions.

Key takeaways

• Supports BC First Nations students in post‑secondary study.
• Aims to reduce financial stress and improve academic outcomes.
• Includes both bursaries and scholarships for different program levels.
• Available to students attending accredited institutions worldwide (with nursing exceptions).

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined by community membership, program type, and enrollment status. General awards are open to First Nation (status or non‑status) members of a B.C. First Nation community who plan to attend an accredited post‑secondary institution full‑time. Nursing awards have separate eligibility: they are available to First Nations (status or non‑status), Métis, or Inuit students enrolled full‑time in an accredited nursing program within British Columbia. Applicants should confirm community membership and program accreditation before applying.

Key takeaways

• General awards: First Nation membership (status or non‑status) and full‑time enrollment.
• Nursing awards: First Nations, Métis, or Inuit; must be in an accredited BC nursing program.
• Applicants must attend accredited post‑secondary institutions.
• Verify eligibility details with program announcements before applying.

Award Types and Levels

The program differentiates awards by level and purpose. Bursaries are intended for Certificates, Diplomas, Trades and Associate degree programs—typically shorter or skills‑based studies. Scholarships are aimed at degree‑level study, including Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctorate programs. Award amounts vary by the award type, student need, and available funding rather than being a single fixed stipend.

Key takeaways

• Bursaries: Certificates, Diplomas, Trades, Associate degrees.
• Scholarships: Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctorate levels.
• Award amounts vary by need and program; not a fixed universal amount.
• Type of award aligns with program level and academic goals.

Eligible Expenses

Funding is designed to be flexible so students can focus on studies without needing additional employment. Eligible uses include direct academic costs (tuition, fees, books, supplies, technology) and essential living needs (housing, childcare, transportation, groceries). The program also recognizes health and wellness expenses and basic connectivity needs as valid uses of funds to support student success.

Key takeaways

• Covers tuition and student fees, books, supplies, and technology.
• Supports housing, living expenses, childcare, and transportation.
• Permits health and wellness costs (e.g., counseling, gym memberships).
• Covers food, internet/phone bills, and other personal/academic needs.

Application Timeline and Disbursement

The program operates with scheduled application intakes each year; applicants must monitor official announcements for exact dates. There are typically two intake periods annually; the primary summer intake opens May 13 and closes by the early August deadline (confirm each year). Applications submitted during the summer intake are usually reviewed over late summer, with awarded students receiving funds in September and October once required documentation is submitted and verified.

Key takeaways

• Two application intakes are held each year; check announcements for dates.
• Primary summer intake opens May 13 and closes in early August (annual confirmation required).
• Award decisions and disbursements generally occur in September–October.
• Timely submission of required documents accelerates funding.

Enrollment Status and Part‑time Exceptions

Awards are intended for full‑time students to ensure consistent academic progress and equitable allocation of funds. Part‑time awards are not regularly offered; however, exceptions can be made for students with documented medical or health‑related circumstances who have formal permission from their institution to be considered full‑time while enrolled part‑time. Students with special circumstances should contact the program before applying to confirm eligibility and the documentation required.

Key takeaways

• Standard requirement: full‑time enrollment.
• Part‑time awards are not routinely available.
• Medical or health exceptions may be considered with institutional approval.
• Contact the program to confirm special‑circumstance eligibility before applying.

History and Purpose of the Program

The program was established to improve access to post‑secondary education for BC First Nations students and to close gaps caused by financial barriers. Its ongoing purpose is to promote educational attainment, support student well‑being, and build capacity within First Nations communities through targeted financial assistance. By funding a broad range of costs, the program helps students focus on studies and achieve long‑term academic and career goals.

Key takeaways

• Created to increase post‑secondary access for BC First Nations students.
• Focuses on removing financial barriers and supporting student success.
• Supports community capacity‑building through education.
• Provides flexible funding to address a wide range of student needs.

For application details, required documentation, or the most current intake dates, consult the program’s official announcements and funding guidelines prior to applying.