BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
The BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program is for former youth in care in BC, and is now available to former youth in care for your lifetime.
This program covers a wide range of undergraduate study options. They include courses leading to a certificate, diploma or undergraduate degree. It also includes non-credit courses, apprenticeships and continuing education.
BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
The BC government launched the provincial tuition waiver program to help former youth in care access post-secondary education and trades training.
- What is covered?
The Program provides tuition and mandatory fee waivers while attending an eligible BC post-secondary institution.
This program is not intended to replace existing programs. Other programs that help offset educational and other related costs will continue. For example, if you receive funding through the Youth Education Assistance Fund or Agreements with Young Adults, you are still eligible for the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver.
1. Apply to be a VIU Student.
2. Apply for the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program. Complete the application form, then email or drop off your completed BC Tuition Waiver Program application to Financial Aid & Awards for processing.
Are you a BC Tuition Waiver Program Approved student transferring to VIU?
- Tell VIU Financial Aid & Awards and Registration that you are an approved BC TWP student.
- Tell the BC Tuition Waiver Program Systems Navigator. Ask them to transfer your BC TWP Sponsorship to VIU.
Got questions? Check out the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program FAQ for answers.
Other funding supports for former Youth in Care
You can get the grant if you are a full-time or part-time student who meet the eligibility criteria for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program. You must also be enrolled in a program or course that leads, or will lead, to an undergraduate credential.
To learn more and to apply, see Learning for Future Grant | StudentAid BC
You can get the bursary if you qualify for the BC Provincial Waiver Program. It's for those who want to pursue a careers in social, health or education services.
Learn more about the Youth Education Bursary
The fund was set up to pay living expenses for youth who have aged out of the foster care. They are are attending a post-secondary institution on a tuition waiver.
To apply, see Youth Futures Education Fund
You may qualify if you were in foster care or had a Youth Agreement. This funding 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. Contact Financial Aid and Awards
TELUS Mobility For Good provides youth (between 19-26 years) who were in permanent or temporary care of MCFD or Delegated Aboriginal Agency with access to a TELUS cell phone plan at $0 per month. The plan includes 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. It covers resources and services available to young adults. It's also a learning tool to help people feel empowered as they leave care.
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.
Learn more about Housing Supports for Young Adults
MCFD is working to improve housing supports for young adults. We want young people to have the supports, tools and networks they need to thrive.
Stay up to date with important changes to Temporary Housing and Support Agreements. Learn more about MCFD's Rent Supplement program. Eligible youth (aged 19-26) may apply for a $600-a-month rent supplement for up to 2 years. To learn more: SAJE Housing Supports - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Important updates and information
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of empowered youth. They use their lived experience with the government care system to improve the quality of care for BC children and youth.
The Council consists 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. The recommendations are about services and policies affecting children, youth, and families in BC. Members consult with MCFD and other government ministries. They also consult with other organizations. Members also decide on projects to work on during their time with the YAC. This is a chance to meet with other youth in and from care. You will 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 -Every Child Matters Facebook group for up-to-date resources, services, and supports on and off campus, including fun events.