Post Secondary Scholarships & Financial Aid

Scholarships for BC High School Students

Researching Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are several categories of financial aid and scholarships available to Canadian students studying at (typically) Canadian universities. Most academic scholarships are based on high academic achievement and a well-rounded personal profile including extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership experiences.  Scholarships are best understood by category:

Academic - Based on high academic achievement and and also typically a well-rounded personal profile including extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership experiences. 

Affiliation – You or your parent(s) are a member of a specific cultural, religious, or other group.

Corporate – Scholarships provided by organizations including Toronto Dominion, etc.

Athletic – Scholarships awarded to students by athletic organizations, universities or colleges based on participation in formalized athletics.

Provincial Scholarships ­– Awarded based on academic/exam performance (Provincial Examination Scholarships) or achievement in subject or skill area (Dogwood District Scholarships).

Character, experience, service, etc. – Awarded on the basis of citizenship, overcoming a challenge, etc.

University or College Entrance – Scholarships awarded to those students who meet the set criteria for academic achievement upon application to a university or college and accept an offer of admission to attend.

Major University – Large value scholarships for which students are nominated through their schools, e.g. a president’s scholarship.

Financial Aid – Loans or packaged financing (e.g. work study, loan, and bursary) provided by the BC government and/or universities and colleges to students who meet the designated criteria for financial need. A comprehensive calculation is made using tax returns and lists of declared assets and debits to determine who is eligible.

Excellent sources of information about financial aid are available at:  Student Aid BC , and The College Board – CSS Profile (US), and about scholarships at: MacLeans Scholarship Finder ,   Can Learn Canada , and the websites of individual universities and colleges. Information about scholarships at Ontario universities can be found at eInfo  . 

Visit the Student Services link on the VC website for postings about upcoming scholarships at:  http://www.vc.bc.ca/Student-Services/Post-Secondary-Planning/Post-Secondary-Financing (these postings are not intended to be a comprehensive source. Students must also conduct research using the above search engines and individual PSI websites).

Reference Requests for Scholarship Applications

Students must submit a completed Reference Request Form and Student Biography Form to the Counsellor and/or Teacher to whom they are making the request. A minimum of three weeks notice (not including holiday time) from the time of submission of these forms is required. 

Transcript Requests for Scholarship Applications

All transcript requests for current students only must be made using the Transcript Request Form. Students should print and complete two copies of the Transcript Request Form , one for their reference and the other for Ms. Castelino, who processes all transcript requests.

Athletic Scholarships

US Universities and Colleges and SFU:   NCAA:  www.ncaa.com/ (not all sports are included) and PSI websites.  Students must carefully read the eligibility requirements and rules for athletes and coaches on the NCAA website.

Canadian Universities :  CIS: www.cis-sic.ca   and PSI websites.

Students who are interested in varsity athletics should:

·         Ask school and external coaches for advice, guidance, and assistance.

·         Read the guidelines for participation and communication of the governing organization e.g. NCAA, CIS, etc.

·         Contact university and college coaches according to these guidelines by submitting information through the recruit links on team websites, sending an athletic resume, and asking coaches to send video and any other required information.

·         Thoroughly research their post secondary plans independent of where they would like to play a varsity sport and then look for the interface between the ‘best’ post secondary academic program and their preferred varsity team.

For information about writing an athletic resume, visit: http://www.bcathletevoice.ca/Groups/Athlete%20Resources/Athlete%20Resume%20Resource.pdf

Selected Scholarships for BC High School Students (students should also use the search engines available on the VC website to research other scholarships for which they may be eligible).

Aboriginal Canadians Scholarship

A scholarship of $1500 will be awarded to a deserving applicant who is an Aboriginal Canadian child of National Union of Public and General Employee members. Applicants must be planning to enter their first year of a Canadian public post secondary institution full time in the fall of 2013. Application materials and additional information is available at:  www.nupge.ca.  The application deadline is June 30, 2013.

AES Engineers Scholarship (Not restricted to engineering students)

The AES Engineers Scholarship is awarded on the basis of character, as determined by the essays that are submitted.  Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study.  The award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post secondary educational facility.  Students are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible. The deadline for application is October 5th. Information and applications can be found at:  www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm .

APEGBC Post Secondary Entrance Scholarships

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Foundation offers scholarships to graduating students entering UBC, SFU, UVic, BCIT or UNBC and pursuing a degree program in engineering or geoscience.  Each scholarship is valued at $2500. Selection is based on grade 12 academic achievement, extracurricular activities, references, financial need, and the student's written statement outlining reasons for entering the profession. Applications are available at www.apeg.bc.ca and must be completed by June 25th.

BC Association of Health and Auxiliaries Scholarship

Awarded to a BC student enrolling as a first year student in a human healthcare field at a Canadian post secondary institution.  www.bcaux.ca .

BC Hockey Scholarships

Awarded to current registered members of BC Hockey who demonstrate academic achievement, sportsmanship, high quality of participation and contribution in hockey, and school and community participation and service.  www.bchockey.net/awards/scholarships.aspx .

BC Hydro Power Pioneers Community Service Award

Offered to BC high school students who have made oustanding contributions in their community for a considerable amount of time; or a one time project that the volunteer intiated, organized, and contributed to significantly.  www.powerpioneers.com .

BC Ministry of Education's Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship

 
The Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship is a $5000 annual scholarship that recognizes exceptional grade 12 students planning to enter the field of teaching. The scholarship will be awarded to 20 graduating students intending to enter a BC faculty of education program.  Applications for this scholarship will be accepted until March 31, 2013.  Application materials can be accessed at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards>.

BC Sports Hall of Fame Jack Farley Youth Sports Achievement Awards

Awarded to one outstanding male and one outstanding female amateur athlete graduating from a BC secondary school.  These students will excel in a particular sport and exemplify the values, commitment, and contribution to the community held by Jack Farley, an honoured member of the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.   www.bcsportshalloffame.come/about-us/scholarships

BCGEU Scholarship Awards

The BC Government and Service Employees' Union is offering $45,000 in scholarship awards, $3,000 for full-time students and $2,000 for part-time students who are BCGEU members or relatives of BCGEU members or staff. For more information please visit:  www.bcgeu.ca . Click 'for members', 'member programs', and then 'scholarships.

Better Business Bureau Student Ethics Award Program

Recognizes students who personify high ethics demonstrated through leadership, community service, and overall personal integrity and academic history.  www.mbc.bbb.org/studentethics/award .

Burger King Scholars Program

Awarded to student who have a cummulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and who plan to enrol in a full time post secondary program for two or four years.  www.haveityourwayfoundation.org/bksp_scholarship_eligibility.html

Chinese Government Scholarship

The purpose of the Chinese Government Scholarship is "to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people from the whole world, and to develop cooperation and exchange in the fields of education, science, culture, economy, and trade between China and other countries".  Full and partial scholarships are offered to successful applicants to study in China.  The language of instruction is primarily Chinese; however, the program may sponsor and recommend remedial Chinese studies for applicants who are not applying for the Chinese language study program.  Information and applications are available at:
www.bced.gov.bc.ca/studyabroad/financial.htm .

Chinese Government Scholarships

The Chinese Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is offering scholarships for eligible B.C. students to study abroad. The purpose of the scholarships is to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people from the whole world, and to develop cooperation and exchange in the fields of education, science, culture, economy and trade between China and other countries. Full and partial scholarships are offered to successful applicants to study in China. B.C. high school graduates, post-secondary students and scholars wishing to participate in Chinese language studies, academic study at the undergraduate or graduate level, or research are all eligible. The language of instruction is primarily Chinese; however, the program may sponsor and recommend remedial Chinese language studies for applicants who are not applying for the Chinese language study program. For information on e ligibility criteria, application forms and procedures visit:  http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/offshore_schools/os_scholar.htm . 

Coast Capital Savings Credit Union Education Awards

Standing Tall Awards:  Awarded to students who are working hard to overcome significant personal challenges to achieve their dreams. Citizenship Awards:  Awarded to students who are taking a leadership role in their communities while successfully balancing their academic and personal lives.  Interested students can apply online at:  http://www.coastcapitalsavings.com/awards .

Confratellanza Italo-Canadese Scholarship

Open to students of Italian origin i.e. having at least one parent or grandparent of direct Italian decent and have an academic standing sufficient to qualify for entry into the post secondary institution of their choice. Information on this year's Confratellanza Italo-Canadese Scholarship will be posted once received.

Corpus Christi College

Step into Leadership Nominated Excellence Award – Awarded to one student per high school who exemplifies academic excellence, service to community, and commitment to leadership. Students will be awarded with full tuition for one year and commit to be an ambassador for CCC.

Corpus Christi offers a number of other entrance awards. Information and applications are available at: www.corpuschristi.ca.

Dogwood District Authority Awards

Grade 12 students interested in applying for the Dogwood District/Authority Awards which acknowledge superior achievement (minimum 80%) in fine arts, applied skills, physical activity or sports leadership, and second languages are invited to speak to their specialty teacher or an external teacher or coach if appropriate.  The purpose of the Dogwood District/Authority Awards is to acknowledge superior achievement (minimum 80%) in the following specialty areas:  fine arts, applied skills, physical activity, sports leadership, and second languages. Dogwood Scholarship applications are now available from Ms. Beck and Mr. Accili.

Earth Day Scholarship Program

Toyota Earth Day Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding environmental commitment, community service, and leadership through the course of their studies, have maintained a high level of achievement, have a record of participation in volunteerism and extracurriculars at school and in the community, and have demonstrated a capacity for leadership.  www.earthday.ca/scholarships .

Father Emmanuele Roasaia Scholarship

Two scholarships of $1500 each will be awarded in the name of Father Emmanuele Rosaia, a Franciscan Missionary Priest who gave unselfishly of his time and energy to many a person and to the Italian community in particular. Applicants must be Roman Catholic and of Italian-Canadian origin, expected to graduate with a B grade point average or higher and have plans to attend a university or community college where studies will lead to a university degree in Canada or another country.  Applicants must submit a word processed letter of no more than 400 words, double spaced, with full contact information, explaining why they deserve to be the recipients of the scholarship.  Applicants must also submit no less than three letters of reference, one of which must be written by the applicant's parish priest and one of which must be writen by a current teacher of the applicant, supporting the scholarship application explaining why he is an appropriate candidate for the scholarship.  The deadline for application is August 31, 2012. All correspondence should be forwarded to:  The Father Rosaia Scholarship Committee, c/o 12059 188A Street, Pitt Meadows, BC, V3Y 1W3.  The selection committee will put particular focus on the following:  strong academic achievement, the strength of Christian character of the candidate, especially leadership and citizenship qualities, as well as community services rendered within the candidate's own community and school.  Applicants, who in their studies, have a leaning towards the humanities:  languages, literature, philosophy, history, psychology, fine arts, etc.  This does not, however, exclude applicants whose academic focus is in the sciences.

W. Garfield Weston Awards

The Garfield Weston awards recognize and support the outstanding college-ound student who is passionate about his or her field of study; curious, courageous, and willing to try new things; and community minded and truly committed to being involved and making a difference in society. www.garfieldwestonawards.ca/

Loran Award

The Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation awards 30 Loran Awards each year to deserving students. Criteria for eligibility include an 85% minimum average calculated on the most recent three years of final grades, strong academic performance and moral character, commitment to serving others, great potential as a leader, independent thinking, and a willingness to take meaningful risks. The Loran Award (renewable for up to four years) includes an annual tuition waiver, a stipend of $8000, access to funding and internships through their summer program, and mentorship opportunities. Deadlines for sponsored applicants (supported by school recommendations are:  October 17th deadline for all documents to be received by Loran Scholars Program and October 1st for requests to be sponsored (including a completed Student Biography Form and a letter of interest).  Requests can be made to Ms. Beck or Mr. Accili) .  The deadline for direct pool applicants only is October 24th. Late requests will not be considered. More information and applications can be found on the Loran website at:  www.loranaward.ca .

The Lovison Family Memorial Scholarship is meant to encourage and support young people of the Catholic faith who strive for excellence in post-secondary education.  It exists to honour the memory of three members of the Lovison family who have passed away. The Lovison Family Memorial Scholarship serves to honour their memory by assisting two promising young candidates with their post-secondary studies by granting them scholarships of $800 each. Applicants must be Roman Catholic residents of the Lower Mainland who are in grade 12, expect to graduate with a B average or higher and are poised to begin attending full time at a university, community college or technical institute in pursuit of a degree or diploma.  Application packages must contain:  a double spaced, word processed letter of application of no more than 400 words explaining why the candidate is a fitting candidate for the scholarship and containing full contact information, including a telephone number and an email address, letters of support from a parish priest, a teacher or school administrator, and a third person, a B.C. Ministry of Education transcript, and proof of acceptance into a post-secondary institution. Lovison Family Memorial Scholarship, c/o 5576 Argyle Street, Vancouver, B.C., V5P 3J6.  Evidence of strength of Christian character, a proven track record of community service, and sportsmanship and team building qualities will figure prominently in the selection of candidates.

Miller Thomson Foundation – National Scholarships Program

The purpose of the Miller Thomson Foundation National Scholarship is to encourage and promote the attainment of higher educational goals for individuals who have demonstrated a high level of academic involvement, have a made a positive contribution to their school through involvement in extracurricular activities, have a high level of academic achievement (overall average of 87%) and have made significant contributions of time and energy to community service programs.  Deadline for application is March 1st and information and application forms are available at  www.millerthomson.com .

Overwaitea Food Group/UFCW Local 1518 Joint Diversity Scholarship

 
Ten $1000 scholarships are available and will be awarded to applicants who have demonstrated involvement in diversity initiatives and have not previously received the Joint Diversity Scholarship.  Applicants are asked to demonstrate how they promote diversity awareness and acceptance in their community.  This could include:  participating in clubs that promote cooperation between cultures, volunteering with organizations to assist  persons with disabilities, assisting programs that support seniors, helping
new Canadians learn about their community, and/or fundraising to support diversity awareness, e.g. cultural awareness, homelessness, elder care, etc. Go to www.owfg.com/diversity http://www.owfg.com/diversity  to apply.

Passport to Education Award

Awarded by the school on the basis of academic achievement, effort, work habits, citizenship, and school and community involvement.  Application forms will be made available through Ms. Castelino and announced.

Provincial Scholarships

The Ministry of Education recently announced that all optional provincial exams beyond the five which are mandated (English10, Mathematics 10, Science 10, Social Studies 11, and English 12) will be discontinued.  Provincial exam scholarships will now be based on the following criteria:  a blended grade of 'B' in English 12, and one 'A' and three 'B' grades in four of the five required exams.  Students in grades 11 and 12 will be allowed to rewrite grade 10 exams to improve their marks, if they wish to do so. For more information or to register please see Mr. Accili

Queen's Chancellor Scholarship

Queen's University offers a Chancellor Sholarship of $9,000 per year to outstanding students who have applied to study at Queen's. Eligibility criteria include an academic average of 90% and above, superior academic ability, creative and original thinking, and proven leadership qualities. More information and application materials are available at: http://www.queensu.ca/studentawards/financialassistance/admissionscholarships/major/major_entrance_awards_app_fw11-12.pdf .   Students nominated for this scholarship are also eligible to apply to the Queen's University Accelerated Route to Medical School Program which allows students to fast track entry to the Queen's School of Medicine after two years of undergraduate study in the Faculty of Arts and Science. The school is permitted to nominate one candidate for this scholarship. The deadline for receipt of all materials by Queen's is December 1st. The deadline for receipt of letters of interest and Student Biography forms from students at VC to either Mr. Accili or Ms. Beck is November 10th. No late requests will be considered.

ReMax Quest for Excellence

ReMax of Western Canada are offering (16) $1000 bursaries to recognize grade 12 students who have demonstrated significant leadership and community contribution initiatives. More information and applications are available at http://www.remax-western.ca/quest-excellence .  The deadline for submissions is March 11, 2013. Entries must be online.

RBC Royal Bank Scholarship Awards for Undergraduates

Available to RBC clients who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents who will be enrolled in a full time post secondary program at a publicly funded Canadian university or college and who have a 70% or higher cummulative GPA. http://scholarships.rbc.com/Undergraduate.aspx

Schulich Leader Scholarships

Students enrolling in post secondary programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are eligible to request to be nominated for the Schulich Leader Scholarships. Scholarship criteria include two of the following:  exceptional high grades, demonstrated leadership in school life and community life, or evidence of entrepreneurial talent, and/or financial need. The school is able to nominate one student for the scholarship.  Interested students are asked to submit a letter outlining why they are an outstanding candidate for nomination to either Ms. Beck or Mr. Accili by January 15th.  For detailed information about the program, please visit: www.schulichleaders.com. 

Simon Fraser University Major Entrance Scholarship

Only high school students with an average of 90% and above should apply.  These awards recognize students with a high level of academic achievement. Some awards also require extraordinary leadership, community service, citizenship, and involvement in the arts or athletics. www.students.sfu.ca/entrancescholarships/canadian.html . 

Society of St. Vincent De Paul Vancouver Archdiocesan Central Council:  The Betty O'Flynn Memorial Fund Bursary

The Society offers a $500.00 bursary for full time post secondary studies directed towards a career - which in the opinion of the Memorial Fund Committee members - supports life issues.  Applications should be submitted to the Society's address marked for the attention of the Bursary Fund Committee and must be received by July 15th.  Applicants should be Vincentians, family members of Vincentians, or (past or present) beneficiaries of the society; must be residents (or studying) in B.C., and must submit with their application a letter of support from a member of the Society to whom they are not related.  Applications are available from Ms. Beck.

Steve Cowan Memorial Scholarship

The Steve Cowan Memorial Scholarship encourages and promotes the attainment of higher educational goals for youth who have made a positive contribution to their school and/or local or global community.  The value of the award is $500.00.  Detailed information and application forms are available at:  www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/about-us/scholarship/

TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership

TD Canada Trust awards scholarships, valued up to $70,000 each, are awarded to selected students who have shown exceptional initiative in making a meaningful and lasting difference in their community.  Each scholarship includes full tuition at any approved university or college in Canada, $7500 a year towards living expenses and an offer of summer employment at TD.  The focus of these scholarships in not primarily on rewarding the highest marks. The key criterion is outstanding community leadership, in balance with the student's academic performance. More information and application materials are available at  http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/products-services/banking/student-life/index.jsp . The deadline for requests for letters of reference at VC for the TD scholarship is November 16th, and for receipt of documents to TD Canada Trust, December 7th.

Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program

The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program recognizes students who demonstrate the highest ideals and qualities of citizenship, as well as courage in overcoming obstacles, involvement in humanitarian service and participation in sport, fitness, and community service. Each award is valued at up to $7000 annually, for a maximum of four years or until a degree is obtained.  Additional information and application forms are available at www.terryfoxawards.ca .

Top 20 Under 20 National Awards and Mentoring Program

The Top 20 Under 20 National Award recognizes and awards youth under the age of twenty who have demonstrated significant levels of innovation, leadership, and achievement, in all disciplines and fields.  Be it through business, philanthropy, charitable works, government, or entrepreneurship, Top 20 Under 20 alumni have shown that young Canadians can make a difference.  For more information and application instructions visit:  www.Top20Under20.ca .

University of British Columbia Major Entrance Scholarship

Awarded to academically outstanding students who show an ability to lead (directly or by example) in at least one of the following areas:  artistic endeavours, original intellectual pursuits, community service, athletics, or school activities.  UBC has now ammended its process so that students are automatically considered for this scholarship with their application to the university. Schools are no longer required to nominate students.

University of Toronto Scholarship Program

The University of Toronto offers a National Scolarship which covers tuition and incidental fees for four years of undergraduate study, residence support for the first year and an additional renewable monetary award.  Scholarship eligibility criteria include exceptional academic and extracurricular achievement, demonstrated superior academic performance, original and creative thought, enthusiasm for intellectual exploration, and involvement in the life of the school and community. More information and application materials are available at www.adm.utoronto.ca/ns .

University of Western Ontario National Scholarship Program

National Scholarships are designed to recognize all-round excellence. They are awarded on the basis of outstanding academic performance to candidates who demonstrate ability for creative and innovative thought and a passion for the pursuit of learning. National Scholarships also recognize exceptional achievement in extracurricular activities such as the arts and athletics. A special emphasis is placed on a candidate's commitment to community service through ongoing contributions to school and community life

President’s Entrance Scholarships
Total value approx. $50,000
TEN at $40,000; payable $10,000 per academic year for a period of four years, and up to $10,000 towards first-year residence room and board.

Faculty Entrance Scholarships
Total value approx. $30,000
TEN at $24,000; payable $6,000 per academic year for a period of four years and $6,000 for first-year residence room and board.

Beryl Ivey Continuing Entrance Award
Total value: $64,000
ONE at $64,000; payable $16,000 per academic year for a period of four years.

National Merit Awards
Those students who are interviewed for a National Scholarship but not offered a scholarship and accepting offer of admission to main campus will receive a one-year National Merit Award valued at $2,000. Recipients will also retain eligibility for an Admission Scholarship ranging in value from $1,000 to $10,000

The school can nominate four students who have a minimum average of 90% in all grade 12 courses and who have applied to the University of Western Ontario.  For detailed information about the program, please visit:  www.registrar.uwo.ca/index.cfm/student-finances/scholarships-awards/national-scholarship/ .  Students must attend the University of Western Ontario in order to receive a scholarship.

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