VIU Scholarships Awards and Bursaries

More than $5 million given to students! 

We gave students more than $5 million in VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries this year. The money came from generous donors and government funding.

Scholarship, award and bursary programs provide money to eligible students. They use it for their post-secondary education.

VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries are funded by the university, government grants and private donations.

The VIU Awards Committee handles the application process. It sets the rules for the VIU scholarship, award and bursary program. It also selects recipients. Representatives from across VIU make up the committee.

Interested?

Check out the criteria on our VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries below.

If you are in Academic and Career Preparation (ABE) courses, you must take more ABE courses or enroll in university courses. We give priority to students who are enrolled in two or more ABE courses.

As a Trades student, you must attend full-time. You must continue until completion to be considered.

International students, we encourage you to complete your SAB profile. We will consider you if you meet the criteria of the scholarship, award or bursary.

VIU scholarship, award and bursary program

The program provides money for your education.

Are you interested in accessing the many VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries?

Complete your Scholarship, Award, and Bursary (SAB) profile for consideration. You must complete your SAB profile each year. The SAB profile is in the Finance tab of your VIU student record.  

Learn how to apply and complete your SAB profile each year. Do this by the two deadlines: October 30 Midnight and March 30 Midnight.

*Important: Your VIU student record information must be accurate and current. It should include your mailing address, email, phone number, photo ID, and security question. 

Criteria

Scholarships reward good grades. They may also require the recipient to show qualities that match the donor's priorities, like community involvement.  To qualify for a scholarship, students must meet the following:

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

Awards recognize academic achievement. They may also require the recipient to show special qualities. These qualities must match the priorities of the donor, such as community involvement or financial need.  To qualify for an award, students must meet the following:

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

Bursaries are for students who demonstrate a financial shortfall and high financial need. To qualify for a bursary, students must meet the following:

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

In all cases, students who are enrolled with a higher course load will be given first consideration for awards.  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