B.C. brings in more emergency supports for Indigenous students (Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training)— Government is providing an additional $1.5 million to supplement the Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund, which assists Indigenous students who are experiencing an unexpected financial emergency that may affect their ability to finish their studies. Support is available through all 25 public post-secondary institutions in B.C., as well as Native Education College (NEC).
A moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans – Effective March 30, 2020, the Government of Canada placed a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all student loan borrowers. No payment will be required and interest will not accrue during this time. Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP)—(ages 19 to 29, all Indigenous students) a government run 12-month paid internship program for Indigenous students living in British Columbia.
Indigenous Bursary Search Tool—look for additional bursaries that you may be eligible for.
AgedOut.com—resources for youth in and from government care in BC.
“Thank you for the wonderful bursary. Your gift has gone to pay for spring semester and the cost of living while being a student. For your generous gift, I will forever be grateful. I will repay you with the work I will be doing in community as a result.”
“Thank you for your continued support of my education by endowing me with a student bursary. This bursary has gone towards my tuition at law school. It will help me to work towards my goal of Indigenous self determination and equality.”
“I just wanted to say thank you to the BCAAFC. I am now finished my Business Degree program and am interested in Sustainability Management. I would like to start my own business in green house gas measurement and accountability and provide solutions to one of the biggest problems of our time: climate change. I hope to one day hire, employ, and restore the land that First Nations people roam and enjoy.”
“My time at university has taught me to trust in my abilities to tackle any problem set before me, while my education has motivated me to be a life-long learner. I cannot thank you enough for your financial support in making my education a reality. I would certainly not be where I am today without your support.”
