Tuition Waiver Program Funding
Youth who have aged out of care and are attending Vancouver Island University can apply for two tuition waiver programs; the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and the Vancouver Island University Tuition Waiver Program (VIU TWP). Student eligibility will first be assessed for the BC Tuition Waiver Program. If a student is not eligible for the BC Tuition Waiver Program, eligibility will then be assessed for the VIU TWP.
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BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program waives tuition fees for BC students attending a BC public post-secondary institution, who are 19 to 26 years of age (inclusive), who were former youth in care for a total of two years or more (consecutive or accumulated) in one or more of the eligible categories. To view the list of eligible categories, see the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program application form.
To view criteria and for more information visit BC Gov: Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
What is covered?
The BC Tuition Waiver Program covers tuition and mandatory fees charged by the institution, that are required in order for you to successfully complete the program/courses your are enrolled in.
This program is not intended to replace existing programs. Other programs that help offset educational and other related costs will continue. Students receiving funding through another program such as the Youth Education Assistance Fund or Agreements with Young Adults are still eligible for a tuition waiver.
VIU Tuition Waiver Program (VIU TWP)
Vancouver Island University is a leader in providing access to post-secondary education for former youth in care. VIU was the first post-secondary institution in British Columbia to launch a Youth in Care Tuition Waiver program.
The VIU Tuition Waiver Program is available to eligible students 19 years of age or older (no age cap) who are living in or have lived as a youth in care in British Columbia for a total of 12 months or more (consecutive or accumulated) in one or more eligible categories.
What is covered?
The VIU Tuition Waiver Program covers tuition and related fees charged by the institution that are required in order for you to successfully complete your first certificate, diploma or degree program.
This program is not intended to replace existing programs. Students accessing funding through other programs are still eligible for a tuition waiver.
Application Deadlines
VIU Tuition Waiver application deadlines are October 30 and March 30. Application deadlines are implemented to allow time for course enrollment. Email late application inquiries to the Financial Aid & Awards office and indicate "Tuition Waiver Program Application" in the subject line.
Email or phone a Recruiter to discuss program options.
By applying, you will complete the following three forms:
- VIU Tuition Waiver Program Application
- Authorization for Release of Information Form
- BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program Application
All three forms must be submitted for your application to be processed.
Other Funding Supports for Former Youth in Care
The Youth Education Assistance Fund makes a difference in the lives of young adults who have spent time in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development or a delegated Aboriginal agency. The fund provides grants to students 19 to 24 years of age attending university, college, university-college, an institute or designated private school. Eligible students can receive up to $5,500 in grants per program year.
Learn more about Youth Educational Assistance Fund
The Youth Education Bursary assists young people that are, or have been in care pursue a career in social, health or education services. Bursaries support students with the financial costs of tuition, books, and supplies for post-secondary academic, technical or vocational training or academic upgrading.
Learn more about the Youth Education Bursary
The Youth Futures Education Fund was established to provide living expenses to youth who have aged out of the foster care system and are attending a post-secondary institution on a tuition waiver.
To apply, email FinancialAidInfo@viu.ca
If you’ve been in foster care or had a Youth Agreement, you may qualify for the Agreements with a Young Adult program to help cover the cost of things like housing, child care, tuition and health care while you go back to school, or attend rehabilitation, vocational or approved life skills program.
TELUS Mobility For Good provides youth (between 19-26 years) who were in permanent or temporary care of Ministry of Children and Family Development/Delegated Aboriginal Agency with access to a TELUS cell phone plan at $0 per month, which will include unlimited across Canada talk and text and up to 3GB of monthly data usage.
AgedOut is for young adults who were in government care in BC. It's an up-to-date warehouse of information on resources and services available to young adults and a learning tool to help people feel empowered as they leave care.
Young people and families involved in the child welfare system can now access support through one of 52 partners across Canada as part of the Foundation’s updated COVID-19 Response Program.
To see if you are eligible for a COVID-19 Support Fund for Former Youth in Care program near you, review the list of partners and connect directly with one of the participating partners.
For more information on available funding for Youth in Care, check out A guide to: Scholarships, bursaries, tuition waivers and awards for Children in and from Government Care in BC.
Important Updates and Information
Support for Youth in Care extended for another year
Youth and young adults set to transition from government care will be able to stay in their living arrangements for up to one additional year as the Province extends COVID-19 emergency measures.
All youth who are set to transition into adulthood at age 19 will continue to receive housing and financial support past their 19th birthday, until March 31, 2022. This means youth who are currently living in foster care, contracted residential agencies or with relatives through an out-of-care arrangement, such as through the extended family program, will be able to stay in their placements, and youth on Independent Living Agreements and Youth Agreements will continue to receive financial support.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of empowered youth who use their lived experience with the government care system to improve the quality of care for BC children and youth. The Council is made up of 18 to 24 members from across the province between the ages of 17 to 29, who are either former or current youth in care. The YAC provides recommendations to government about services and policies affecting children, youth, and families in BC Members consult with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and other government ministries , as well as organizations. Members also decide on projects to work on during their time with the YAC. This is an opportunity to meet and interact with other youth in and from care and advise on policy to help future youth.
Deadline to apply is March 31. For more information, email mcf.yac@gov.bc.ca
Join the VIU Tuition Waiver Program Facebook Group to get access to up-to-date resources, services, and supports on and off campus, including fun events.