VIU Scholarships Awards and Bursaries

Over $4.3 million available for VIU Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries!

The Scholarship, Award and Bursary Program, coordinated through the Financial Aid and Awards office, provides financial assistance, incentives and rewards to eligible students to assist in their pursuit of post-secondary education.

Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries are funded by a combination of VIU University funds, government grants and private donations managed by the Vancouver Island University Community Partnerships office.

The application process, final approval of student recipients and policies governing the Scholarship, Award and Bursary Program are handled by the VIU Awards Committee made up of representatives from across the institution.

Students enrolled in a full time Trades Program must be full-time and continuing to completion.

Students enrolled in Academic and Career Preparation courses must be continuing to either ABE courses or University studies. Priority is given to those enrolled in two or more ABE courses.

Please note: International students are eligible to apply for Scholarships and Awards.

View VIU Scholarships, Awards, and Bursaries Rack Card 

VIU Scholarship, Award and Bursary Program

People, Place, Potential – VIU’s Strategic Plan (2021-2026) includes ongoing commitment to deepening access for all learners.  In line with VIU’s mandate as an open access institution, applicants interested in accessing a wide range of VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries are encouraged to complete their Scholarship, Award, and Bursary Profile for consideration. This includes a change to past practice where high school principals would submit scholarship nomination forms.  Students now control information by completing and submitting supporting information through their personal VIU online scholarship, award, and bursary profile. We are excited about this change as it supports greater access and opportunities for all VIU students.

The VIU Scholarship, Award and Bursary Program is an application/profile that provides eligible VIU students the opportunity to be considered for a variety of internal scholarships, awards and bursaries every year. 

To apply for VIU Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries, students must complete their Scholarship, Award & Bursary Profile from their student record between early September and March 30 each year as information is not brought forward annually.  

Learn how to apply and complete your profile each year by the two deadlines of October 30 Midnight and March 30 Midnight.

Important: Your VIU student record information must be accurate and current, including your mailing address, email, phone number, photo ID and security question. Keeping this information accurate is important.

Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries

Scholarships reward academic excellence and may also require the recipient to demonstrate special qualities that match the priorities of the donor, such as community involvement.  To qualify for a scholarship, students must meet the following:

  • Achieve a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 3.50 (A- average)
  • Maintain a minimum semester course load of 80% (12 credits for most programs)
  • Students with a documented permanent disability may have a reduced course load of 60% (9 credits for most programs)

Awards reward academic achievement, and may also require the recipient to demonstrate special qualities that match the priorities of the donor, such as community involvement and/or financial need.  To qualify for an award, students must meet the following:

  • Achieve a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B+ average)
  • Maintain a minimum semester course load of 60% (9 credits for most programs)
  • Students with a documented permanent disability may have a reduced course load of 40% (6 credits for most programs)

Bursaries are intended to provide financial assistance and are generally awarded to students who demonstrate a financial shortfall and high financial need. To qualify for a bursary, students must meet the following:

  • Achieve a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C average)
  • Maintain a minimum semester course load of 60% (9 credits for most programs)
  • Students with a documented permanent disability may have a reduced course load of 40% (6 credits for most programs)

In all cases, preference may be given to students who have maintained a higher course load during the semester in which selections are being considered. Split enrollments do not qualify as part of the required course load.

If you have received an award, you must contact the Financial Aid Office if you make any enrolment changes or withdraw from any classes.

Interested in donating funds for students?

Please contact our Advancement and Alumni Relations Office