The First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program provides financial awards to Indigenous students enrolled in post-secondary education. Bursaries between $700-$1,200 are awarded to students who meet all eligibility requirements and who demonstrate significant financial need. Students apply for the bursary after they successfully complete a semester of post-secondary school.
The Province of British Columbia funds the First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program while the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres administers it. Both parties are honored to support Indigenous students in pursuing educational opportunities at the post-secondary level.
Please be advised that funding is limited and that not all applicants will be approved for a bursary.
Who is Eligible?
Post-secondary students of Indigenous ancestry (status, non-status, Métis, Inuit) who are:
permanent residents of British Columbia
registered in a BC recognized post-secondary institution
with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or a C+ grade equivalent
* Please note: students are not eligible to receive a bursary to repeat a course or academic year.
A complete application includes:
Applications must be completed and submitted to the Education Coordinator by 5pm on the application deadline. Students must submit a new application for each semester.
Application Form – completed and signed
A copy of your Status Card (if applicable) – front and back
If you are non-status, you must provide a copy of your birth certificate and a copy of your parent(s) status card, or other supporting evidence/documentation of Indigenous ancestry.
Proof of Registration/Enrollment – from the post-secondary institution you attend
Cost of tuition, Books, and Fees – documentation from your school that states tuition costs for the semester that you are applying for
Unofficial Transcripts/Grades – including your most recent semester/schooling
A Letter of Recommendation from a recognized Indigenous organization – speaking to your character, community involvement, or otherwise supporting your FCF application
A Personal Letter – self-written letter on family background, ancestry, education and employment history, and career and personal goals
For applicants completing graduatestudies – if you do not have transcripts, please submit a letter from your supervisor confirming that you are demonstrating satisfactory progress in your program
If you are a successful candidate, you must submit your Official Transcripts including your most recent schooling as soon as they are made available.
September 15th, 2022 – for students applying for the Summer 2022 semester (May-August)
January 15th, 2023 – for students applying for the Fall 2022 semester (September-December)
May 15th, 2023 – for students applying for the Winter 2023 Semester (January-April)
*This bursary is awarded after the successful completion of semester; therefore, please submit your application within a few weeks of the end of the semester for which you are applying.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications from eligible students will be assessed based on financial need, giving priority to those who do not receive other financial support for their education. Other factors will be taken into consideration such as excellent grades, excellent personal letter, single parents, number of dependents.
Please note: funding is limited, not all applicants may be awarded a bursary, and we cannot guarantee consecutive or multiple bursaries per student.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please forward all applications, correspondence, inquiries, and official transcripts to the following:
BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres – Education
551 Chatham Street
Victoria, BC V8T 1E1
*Please forward applications digitally if possible. If you are not able to submit them digitally, mail them as soon as possible and account for mailing time.
