VIU Tuition Waiver Program Application

Vancouver Island University’s Tuition Waiver Program (VIU TWP) is an initiative aimed at making post-secondary education more accessible for former youth in care by waiving tuition for eligible students.

Who is Eligible?

Vancouver Island University (VIU) offers the VIU Tuition Waiver Program to eligible students who have lived in care for a minimum of one year (cumulative) in the British Columbia care system as defined by the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA). See the detailed list of eligible categories.

If students are not clear whether they meet any of the criteria, they should contact their former social worker, any Ministry of Children and Family Development office, or any delegated agency for help.

Instructions

You will complete the following three forms:

  • VIU Tuition Waiver Program Application
  • VIU Tuition Waiver Authorization for Release of Information Form
  • BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program Application

All three forms must be submitted for your application to be processed.

If you do not meet any of the criteria outlined above you may provide an explanation under “Extenuating Circumstances” in “Section 3 – Additional Information” of this application.

Application deadlines are March 30 (for the following summer, fall and/or spring term) and October 30 (for the following spring and/or summer term). Applicants will be contacted within 4 weeks of deadline to confirm eligibility and details of funding. Vancouver Island University reserves the right to change criteria based on funding available.

Section 1 - Personal information

Please review the following:

If you DO NOT have a valid photo ID in your student record and are unable to upload one to your student record because you are not yet enrolled in a course or program, please provide a photo of the front of one (1) current, government-issued photo ID here to verify your identity for the purposes of the Tuition Waiver Program. Applications will not be processed if photo ID is missing.

In order to process your application, photo ID is required. Follow the link for instructions on how to get your student ID card during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alternatively, you may upload a copy of your government-issued photo ID (i.e. driver’s license, BCID, etc.)
Files must be less than 10 MB.
Allowed file types: gif jpg jpeg png pdf doc docx odt.
*For more information on the Canada Learning Bond visit https://adm.viu.ca/canada-learning-bond
Note: eligibility will be verified with Accessibility Services for full-time status (6 credits for students with documented disability)
Section 2 – Program Information
Note: select the physical campus you would be attending if courses were not online due to COVID-19
The Tuition Waiver Program does not pay for upgrading courses, you may be eligible for the Adult Upgrading Grant. Review eligibility and download application.
Section 3 - Financial Information
Have you accessed any of the following loans and/or grants
For more information on full time and part time student loans and grants visit www.studentaidbc.ca
For more information on the Youth Education Assistance Fund (YEAF) visit www.studentaidbc.ca
Learn more about Agreements with Young Adults (AYA).
Section 4 – Additional Information
Provide details of your educational goals. (Max 500 words)
Provide details explaining why you should be considered for financial assistance. (Max 500 words)
If you do not meet the criteria outlined in page 1 of this application, provide us with comments supporting why you should be considered for the VIU Tuition Waiver Program. (Max 500 words)
Section 5 – Declaration and Consent (Read and Confirm below)

I understand that:

  1. Answers that are not true or that are misleading may be considered fraud. Fraud is against the law in Canada.
  2. It is my responsibility to make sure the information on this application is true and correct.
  3. All information is subject to audit and verification.
  4. If I do not provide complete, accurate information, I may not receive assistance under the VIU Tuition Waiver Program.
  5. If I receive money and it is then discovered that my application or documents included with it are not accurate, my application will be cancelled and all funding through the VIU Tuition Waiver Program will stop.
  6. I am required to keep VIU informed of my progress and maintain at least a 2.00 (C) overall grade point average.
  7. Approved program eligibility is renewable for a maximum of 5 years. Extensions are dependent on funding available.
  8. If I receive funding under this program I will be issued a T4A tax form by Vancouver Island University.

I understand that my signature below means that:

  1. I have answered all questions on the application that pertain to me.
  2. I am a registered student and will be attending VIU for the upcoming semester.
  3. I will notify VIU in writing of any changes in my contact information, financial situation and enrolment.
  4. I agree to maintain continued contact with the University, Ministry or agency officials who administer the program.
  5. It is my responsibility to ensure that receiving a grant does not impact any current funding I may be receiving, such as Income Assistance, Employment Insurance, or sponsor funding eligibility.
  6. I consent to the collection, use and disclosure of my personal information between, the University, the Ministry of Child & Family Development, and the Ministry of Advanced Education. This consent takes effect when I electronically sign this Declaration by ticking the box below.

Authority to collect: The information included in this form and authorized herein is collected for the purpose of determining eligibility for a benefit under the Vancouver Island University Tuition Waiver Program. Any questions about the collection, use or disclosure of this information should be directed to the AVP, Student Affairs, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 5S5