A Financial Options Checklist
Educational costs can be challenging. The good news is there are lots of options available to help you manage expenses and reduce costs while having a great university experience. Below is a list of funding options you will want to look into to help finance your educational costs.
Existing Funds
These are resources you already have, including savings, investments, gifts, etc.
Family Contributions
Other family members may be able to lend or gift you money to assist with your education.
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) An investment plan used by parents and/or caregivers to save for their learner's post-secondary education.
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
Students enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies for at least three months of the year can make tax-free withdrawals from RRSPs of up to $10,000 per year up to a maximum of $20,000 over four years. Repayments must be made over 10 years, starting the year after the last year of your enrollment or six years after the first withdrawal (whichever comes first).
Assets
Review your assets and determine what you could potentially sell off to use funds for your education.
Jobs
Save funds from summer and/or part-time jobs. Check out VIU's on-campus student jobs and off-campus student employment. The Canada Summer Jobs program is another way to earn work experience and funds for youth between 15 and 30 years old.
Higher Ed Points
Through Higher Ed Points, students can use anyone's loyalty points to fund tuition and student loans.
Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries
The Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries program, coordinated through the Financial Aid and Awards office, provides financial assistance, incentives and rewards to eligible students. You must complete your profile each year between early September and March 30, as information is not brought forward annually.
Learn more about Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries.
External Awards
External awards include scholarships, awards and bursaries that are available to all students through agencies unaffiliated with VIU. Our categorized list of external awards contains more than $21.2 million in funding to help minimize student debt. A lot of times, scholarships are not given out because many don't apply. Don't miss out as this is a great (and possible) way to fund your education!
Learn more about External Awards.
Bank Loans
Many financial institutions offer student lines of credit.
Student Loans and Grants
The federal government is doubling Canada Student Grants via the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (formerly Canada Student Loans Program) until July 31, 2023. Grants are non-repayable awards, which means that you do not need to pay them back.
Students applying for student aid to study at BC public post-secondary institutions will automatically be assessed for these non-repayable grants.
BC Residents can apply for student loans at StudentAid BC. If you are not a BC Resident, you can apply for a student loan through the province in which you are a resident.
Loan applications are typically available beginning June 1 of each year and usually take 4-6 weeks to process, so ensure that you apply early.
Adult Upgrading Grant
The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) is funding from the provincial government that you do not pay back. It is for students enrolled in Adult Basic Education (ABE), Workplace Essential Skills Training (WEST) or English as a Second Language (ESL).
Learn more about Adult Upgrading Grant Funding.
Canada Learning Bond
The Canada Learning Bond helps you start saving for your child's education after high school. For more information, CLB@viu.ca
Student Loan Estimators
The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program has custom planners and estimators to help you figure out how much school will cost, how much you could receive in government loans to pay for school and how much you might have to pay back when you are done. The types of estimator tools include:
- Education Savings Calculator Parental Contribution Calculator
- Student Financial Assistance Estimator Loan Repayment Estimator
- Repayment Assistance Estimator
Former Youth in Care
Vancouver Island University is excited to announce that former youth in care in BC of all ages will now have their tuition waived for post-secondary education, as the BC government takes action to remove the age requirement for the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program for former youth in care and make it available for a lifetime.
In 2017, the B.C. government developed the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program that waived tuition and fees for former youth in care between 19 and 26. Effective Aug. 1, 2023, this expanded tuition waiver will be made available to all B.C. former youth in care at any age as part of StrongerBC’s Future Ready plan to make education and training more accessible and affordable.
To apply for the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program, obtain more information, and review other funding options for Former Youth in Care, check out Youth Aged out of Care Funding.
Financial Aid and Awards
The VIU Financial Aid and Awards Office is committed to supporting students in their search for financial assistance including provincial and federal loans, grants, internal and external scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Got questions? Email FinancialAidInfo@viu.ca
Other Services
Transitioning to university is a big step. Check out some of the supports VIU offers to make your transition here as smooth as possible.
Academic Advising
Students may want to see an Academic Advisor to discover, plan and work toward their educational goals. Students can achieve a more fulfilling educational experience through an advising relationship. Academic Advisors are available to answer questions or steer students in the right direction when questions arise.
Contact an Academic Advisor at Advising@viu.ca.
Accessibility Services
Accessibility Services provide information, support services and reasonable accommodation to students with documented disabilities.
For more information, email AccessibilityServices@viu.ca.
Counselling
VIU counsellors are available for counselling in person, by phone, and by Zoom. This is a free service to VIU students.
For more information call 250.740.6416
Off-Campus Housing
Off-Campus Housing is private, rented accommodation. Students coming to Nanaimo search for accommodation and sign a legal contract with a local landlord. VIU does not communicate directly with landlords to find accommodation but we will support you with resources and local information. There are different types of accommodation to choose from and choices to make about your budget. The housing market in Nanaimo can be a challenge to navigate and it may take time finding your new home. We recommend getting to know the local market and learning about renting in British Columbia as soon as possible.
For more information email housing@viu.ca.
Services for Aboriginal Students
Services for Aboriginal Students provides culturally appropriate services to Indigenous students with one-on-one in-person appointments, phone calls and emails for: advising, first level counselling, financial aid, scholarships, funding options, career counselling, daycare and housing.
For more information email SAS@viu.ca.
Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement
Indigenous Education Navigators are here to provide outreach to new and current Indigenous students to create seamless transitions into Vancouver Island University.