Bursaries are non-repayable awards that are allocated primarily on the basis of financial need. In 2023, we distributed over $1.38 million in bursaries.
Eligibility for the Bursary Program
To be considered for bursary support, you must meet these criteria:
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status
- apply for the Bursary Program by the deadline
- be receiving full-time Canadian government student loans in the same session you are applying for bursary support
- have your enrolment confirmed for your Canadian government student loans by the bursary deadline
- have an assessed unmet financial need using the provincial need assessment calculation based on StudentAid BC policies regarding income and assets
- be enrolled in an eligible program studying in a full-time course load
All bursary funding is subject to financial reviews and audits performed by Enrolment Services. If you are selected for a financial review, you may be asked to provide some or all of these documents: lease agreement for students living away from home, bank statement (student and/or parent), tax returns, child care receipts, and other similar documents evidencing financial need. Failure to provide the requested documents in a timely manner may result in the cancellation of your bursary funding.
Your student loans must be confirmed by the bursary deadline of September 15 (Winter) or June 1 (Summer) to be eligible for the Bursary Program. To make sure you meet this deadline, we strongly recommend that you apply by July 15 for Winter session and March 31 for Summer session.
Applying for the Bursary Program
You must apply to the Bursary Program to be considered.
Winter bursary application dates
- Opens August 15
- Deadline September 15
Summer bursary application dates
- Opens May 1
- Deadline June 1
How bursaries are calculated
- Your unmet need is determined using the provincial need assessment calculation based on StudentAid BC policies
- The unmet need of other bursary applicants and bursary-eligible students
- The eligibility of your program and the bursary funding available for your program, as mandated by Policy 72 - Access to University of British Columbia
Bursary Program Calculator
The Bursary Program Calculator can assist with your financial planning each year by estimating the amount of assistance you could potentially receive through the Bursary Program.
Launch the Bursary Program Calculator
Notification and accepting your offer
We will notify bursary recipients in late November, early December by email to the email address they provide on the SSC.
You must accept your offer(s) on the SSC in the Finances section. Your funding will not be disbursed until you have accepted.
Changes to Your Financial Situation
- If you are facing unexpected financial distress or have had a significant change to your financial situation, contact an Enrolment Services Advisor (ESA). They can help you through this difficult time and make sure you get the support you need.
- If you have been awarded a bursary and have recently come into additional resources not reported on your bursary application, you must report this to an Enrolment Services Advisor (ESA).