Your application for emergency funding has been received by our office. We do our best to reply to all applications within 7-10 business days, but processing time can take up to 3 weeks depending on how many requests we have received and the number of staff available.
When we review your application, we look at a number of factors, including but not limited to:
- Your financial need – based on urgency, StudentAid information, monthly income, other funding sources, family support, and any other internal funding received to date.
- Have you used up all other funding options available to you – such as StudentAid BC, Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG), Tuition Waiver Program (TWP), Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement (OIEE) funding, etc.
- What funding have you received from VIU to date.
- What funding VIU has available. This is based on yearly allowance and student population. VIU has a limited amount of funding to be spread among all students in need.
- Your enrolment and successful progression through your courses and program.
If we require more information to be able to assess your application, we will contact you.
Once we have reviewed your application you will receive an email letting you know if you have been awarded any funding or not. We do our best to support as many students as possible, but please note that funding is NOT guaranteed. We encourage you to also explore other resources that may be available to you, and we list some possible options below.
If you have questions, please contact our office. But please know that repeated enquiries can slow down processing time as it increases the volume of calls and emails we are dealing with.
Thank you,
Financial Aid and Awards
financialaidinfo@viu.ca
250-740-6423
Financial Supports
Bank Student Loan/Line of Credit:
Many financial institutions offer student lines of credit and loans. You can reach out to your bank or other credit institutions directly to explore the options available to you.
VIU internal scholarships, awards, bursaries:
Every year VIU gives out over 3 million dollars in scholarships, awards, and bursaries. There is one application for you to complete in order to be considered for all of these. The portal is open from Sept 1st until Apr 30th.
For more info, check here: https://services.viu.ca/financial-aid-awards/deadlines-and-processes
StudentAidBC Government Student Loans and Grants:
This is the platform for applying for government student loans/grants. The Federal and Provincial Governments have eliminated interest on student loans and there are a number of grants available to students (which don’t have to be re-paid), so this can be a great way to fund your schooling. It’s one application to be assessed for both loans and grants.
To get more information or to apply for student loans/grants, check out our BC Government Student Loans & Grants page.
External Awards:
Our External Awards page is a categorized list of various awards unaffiliated with VIU. We recommend that you check this page out at least 3-4 times a year, as deadlines and submission guidelines vary.
Financial Options Checklist:
Check out this list for other possible options to help cover costs while you are a student. https://services.viu.ca/financial-aid-awards/paying-university
Housing and Living Costs
BC Rent Bank: This is an organization that provides interest free loans directly to landlords and/or utility providers on behalf of eligible tenants.
You can find more information about the program here: https://bcrentbank.ca/
You can apply for the program here: https://apply.bcrentbank.ca/apply/john-howard-society-nanaimo-region
BC Housing: Provides a number of different assistance programs to assist individuals and families in securing and maintaining housing.
You can find more information here: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance
Credit Counselling Society: This is a registered non-profit service which provides free credit counselling.
You can find more information here: https://nomoredebts.org/
Telus for Good: Telus provides options for low-cost internet, mobility, and technology services for low-income families, low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and youth leaving foster care.
You can find more information here: https://www.telus.com/en/social-impact/connecting-canada/connecting-for-good-programs
Food Security Resources
On Campus
- VIU ‘Care Closets’ (Food Pantries): VIU runs a few small food pantries for students in need. These are subject to availability, and are located at:
- Shq’apthut – more info here: https://indigenous.viu.ca/shqapthut
- B356 (3rd floor)
- B345 (outside dean’s office)
- VIUSU Breakfast Bar: The student union runs a small breakfast bar every weekday from 9:30-3:30.
More info here: https://www.viusu.ca/services-for-members - Good Food Box: This is a program where you can order a low-cost box of produce on a weekly basis. They have a pick-up location at VIU at the students’ union.
You can find more information here: https://nanaimogoodfoodbox.com/ - VIU Food Security Club: A student run club meant to help VIU students find free and low-cost food events.
More info here: https://wordpress.viu.ca/viufsc/
Off Campus
- Nanaimo Food Bank: Community food bank services provided by Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes.
You can find more information here: https://www.nanaimoloavesandfishes.org/ - Nanaimo FoodShare: Community organization that runs a number of food accessibility, education, and security programs.
You can find more info here: https://nanaimofoodshare.ca/ - Farmer’s Market Nutrition Coupons: Nanaimo Foodshare partners with Nanaimo’s farmer’s market to provide coupons for low-income folks.
More info here: https://nanaimofoodshare.ca/programs/bc-farmers-market-nutrition-coupon-program/ - Grocery Store Flyer App: Flipp is an app to browse local grocery store flyers for current offers.
More info here: Flipp: Flyers & Shopping Deals on the App Store - Grocery Store Discounted Food: Flashfood is an app to browse local grocery stores for short dated and discounted food.
More info here: Flashfood - Grocery deals on the App Store
Personal Supports
VIU Counselling:
VIU has personal counselling services available on campus which are free for all students.
If you would like to make an appointment, please call: 250.740.6416
You can find out more info here: https://services.viu.ca/counselling
Community and Crisis Supports
- Brooks Landing Walk-In Counselling Clinic (Mental Health and Addictions)
Open Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 5:15 pm
Unit 203, 2000 Island Highway North
Phone: 250-739-5710 - Here2Talk (24/7, free and confidential)
For all students registered at a BC post-secondary institution.
Access by app, phone (604-642-5212 or toll free 1-877-857-3397), or web.
VIU’s HWC can provide private space for students to call if we are unable to accommodate them immediately in an urgent counselling session. - Vancouver Island Crisis Line – 1-888-494-3888 (24/7)
Crisis chat: VI Crisis
Text: 250-800-3806 (6–10 pm, daily)
Note: chat/text may be unavailable at times due to staff shortage - 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline - available 24/7 nationwide (phone or text)
- Kuu-us Indigenous Crisis Line (24/7)
Adults/Elders: 250-723-4050
Child/Youth: 250-723-2040
Toll Free: 1-800-588-8717
Food Security Resources
On Campus
- VIU ‘Care Closets’ (Food Pantries): VIU runs a food pantry for students in need. There is a food pantry and fridge located in the Learning Commons at the Cowichan Campus.
Off Campus
You can find a large list of local Cowichan area food security resources here: Cowichan Valley Food and Community Resources for Students
Personal Supports
On Campus
Student Support Services
VIU’s Cowichan Campus has a number of resources available to support students, including personal counselling, academic advising, accessibility services, and more.
To make an appointment call 250.746.3509
To learn more: Student Support Services at Cowichan campus
Off Campus
Community and Personal Supports:
You can find a list of community and personal supports located online and/or in the Cowichan Valley area listed here: Cowichan Valley Food and Community Resources for Students
Food Security Resources
On Campus
- VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ Food Pantry in the Library Commons - VIU runs a food pantry for students in need. These are subject to availability.
- VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ Student Breakfast: Wednesdays at 10am in the Student Lounge
- Meet with tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus Student Services Staff for one-on-one supports. Email tc.student@viu.ca
Off Campus
- Powell River Food Bank: 6816B Alberni St, 604-485-9166
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 AM – 2 PM
You can find more info here: https://powellriverfoodbank.com/ - Lunch @ Community Resource Centre: Monday to Thursdays at 12pm (4752 Joyce Ave)
- The Salvation Army | 4500 Joyce
Monday and Friday 12:30pm, Wednesday at 11:30am
Food Hampers: Call to Request @ Salvation Army | 604-485-6067 - Seventh Day Adventist
SUNDAY | 2:30 | FOOD PICK UP @ 4880 Joyce
604-485-7106 - Good Food Box
https://www.food.liftcommunityservices.org/
604-344-0531
Personal Supports
VIU Counselling:
VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus has personal counselling services available on campus which are free for all students.
If you would like to make an appointment, please email tc.students@viu.ca or call 604-485-2878.
Community and Crisis Supports
- qathet Mental Health and Substance Use
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
5000 Joyce Ave, Third floor Powell River, BC
Phone: 250-739-5710 - Here2Talk (24/7, free and confidential)
For all students registered at a BC post-secondary institution.
Access by app, phone (604-642-5212 or toll free 1-877-857-3397), or web.
VIU’s HWC can provide private space for students to call if we are unable to accommodate them immediately in an urgent counselling session. - Crisis Centre BC
310-6789 - BC Mental Health & Crisis Response / no area code needed
1-800-SUICIDE / 1-800-784-2433 - BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line
https://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/ - Trans Lifeline’s Peer Support Hotline
1-877-330-6366
24/7 support and resources for trans people, supported by trans-identified peer operators. - Grace House Crisis Line
Call 24/7: (604) 485-9773
Victim Services: 604-485-2620
Stopping the Violence: 604-485-6965 - 310 Mental Health Support
Call 24/7: 310-6789 (no area code)
https://www.crisislines.bc.ca/services - Health Link BC 811
Phone: 811
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/more/contact-us/8-1-1 - VCH Public Health
604-485-3310 - BC 211 (24/7)
Phone: 211
Information and referrals to basic needs like food and shelter, mental health and substance use support, & legal and financial assistance.
Website: https://bc.211.ca/ - qathet Community Justice
604-414-4203
https://qathetcj.org/ - Danielle’s Helping Hands Fund
Offered by the United Way qathet.
Prompt, one-time grants to help low-income individuals and families with emergency expenses (rent, bills, vehicle repairs, health costs, etc.)
Phone: 604-485-2132 - Overdose Prevention Site
Open 4-8 PM 7 days / week
Side of Community Resource Centre (4752 Joyce Ave) - FETCH: For Everything That’s Community Health
Searchable hub for resources, programs, services and supports related to community health.
http://powellriver.fetchbc.ca/index.html
Housing Supports
- COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE
Public access computers, public telephone, laundry facilities
Monday - Thursday 12-4PM, 4752 Joyce Ave
Phone: 604-485-0992 - OVERNIGHT SHELTER
9:30pm to 7:45am. You can also call the CRC for more information.
Address: Beside the CRC at 4752 Joyce Ave
Phone: 604-578-0633 - THE POVERTY LAW ADVOCACY PROGRAM
604-485-0950 Monday to Friday.
Please leave a detailed message on voicemail and someone will return your call.
Email: 12overtllaw@telus.net - TENANT RESOURCE & ADVISORY CENTRE
https://tenants.bc.ca
Call: 604-255-0546 or 1-800-665-1185 - POWELL RIVER INCLUSIVE HOUSING SOCIETY
604-485-6411
Email: info@inclusionpr.ca
Website: https://inclusionpr.ca/subsidiaries/ - LIFECYCLES HOUSING
Life Cycle Housing
604-485-6006 / Mon - Thurs 9-4PM