Funding for skills training
The StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG) is open to British Columbians aged 19 years or older and covers up to $3,500 towards designated short-term skills training programs at public post-secondary institutions. Funding is limited and not guaranteed.
Funding update
The StrongerBC future skills grant is now available for select VIU programs and courses that start in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. Funding opportunities are now available for eligible applicants. Jumpstart your future - apply now.
For more information about the grant, email: futureskillsgrant@gov.bc.ca.
Who can apply
- Must be 19 years or older or have graduated high school by the start of your course or program.
- Must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person entitled to study in Canada
- Must be a BC resident currently living in BC
- Must provide consent for VIU to disclose your information to the Province of BC
- You are not receiving duplicate and/or overlapping funding to cover eligible costs. This includes grants, loans, scholarships, or other funding that covers the same program costs as the StrongerBC future skills grant, such as the BC Tuition Waiver Program
What does the future skills grant pay for?
- a lifetime maximum of $3,500 of eligible costs.
- tuition
- mandatory fees
- course materials such as textbooks
Not eligible: childcare, living allowances, and transportation.
If the grant does not cover your full tuition costs, ensure you can cover the remaining balance.
What else should I know?
- FSG benefits may have tax implications.
- The FSG is subject to a lifetime maximum of $3,500.
- If you are receiving any federal or provincial benefit, such as Employment Insurance (EI), or BC Employment Assistance (BCEA) or BC Tuition Waiver Program, you must seek approval from the appropriate government body before you participate in a program.
- If the grant does not cover your full tuition costs, ensure you can cover the remaining balance.
- The amount of FSG funding you receive is subject to review and audit.
As a recipient of this funding, you will be required to complete the form below to confirm that you have not exceeded your lifetime future skills grant funding of $3,500.
How do I apply?
- Check your eligibility
Visit the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant website to confirm both your eligibility and your program’s eligibility. - Set up your BC Services Card Account
This digital ID is required to access the application portal. Learn how to set the BC Services Card Account. - Apply to your program
Apply for your chosen course or program through Vancouver Island University or your selected institution. - Apply for the grant
- Log in to the StrongerBC future skills grant portal using your BC Services Card account.
- Complete your profile (a short form with eligibility questions and a declaration).
- Once your profile is complete, search for your course by selecting Vancouver Island University and your program from the drop-down menu.
- Submit your application.
If your tuition is more than the amount covered by the grant, you are responsible for paying the difference by the tuition deadline.
Which programs can I apply to?
- Activity Assistant - 4 months | full time
- Advanced Foot Care for Nurses - weekends | 8 sessions
- Agriculture Micro-credential Certificate - 4 to 10 weeks | part time
- Basic Elements of Bookkeeping Certificate - 6 months | part time
- Building Service Worker - weekends | 4 days
- Environmental Technician Certificate Program - Courses with varied delivery models
- Interpersonal and Employment Skills for Health Care Workers - 1 month | part time
- Management Skills for Supervisors Certificate - 12 days | part time
- Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology - 60 hours | part time
- Nursing Unit Assistant - 7 months | part time
- Orthodontic Module - 2 months | part time
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if your course requires textbooks, the cost may be covered.
You must submit your receipts to financialaid.cowichan@viu.ca
Deadline: No later than 10 days after the course start date.
You must officially withdraw by contacting VIU Admissions.
If you withdraw within 7 days of the course start date, no refund will be available.
Yes. You may receive:
- A T4A slip from VIU (for the grant amount received of $500 or more)
- A T2202 slip (for tuition paid)
For tax questions, please consult the Canada Revenue Agency. VIU is not authorized to give tax advice.
This is your digital ID used to access government services online. It is not the physical card in your wallet.
Set up the app on your phone and follow the instructions in the BC Services Card Setup Guide
If you don’t have your physical card, you can still set up your account using other government-issued ID.
Yes, as long as you have not exceeded your lifetime maximum of $3,500.
If your remaining grant balance doesn’t cover full tuition, you must pay the difference by the tuition due date.