BC scholarships are for anyone who wants to attend any of the universities in BC, but they are not limited to students from British Columbia. You can apply for any of the BC scholarships you are eligible for, as they cater to several different groups and categories from BC scholarships for Canadian and international students, to scholarships for minorities, Indigenous students and women. While the University of British Columbia is one of the most prestigious universities in Canada, and the largest in BC, we’ll be exploring more than UBC scholarships, and include BC scholarships for anyone who is planning to attend any post-secondary institution in the province.
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BC Scholarships: Canadian Students
Award Amount: $5000
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Exceptional academic achievement, school/community involvement
Applicant Criteria: BC residents graduating from high school
BC Excellence Scholarships recognize the outstanding achievements of high school graduates in the province. These BC scholarships aim to encourage academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. You must be nominated by your secondary school and then complete an application that includes submitting a high school resume, a single college essay, and two letters of reference.
Award Amount: $1250
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: High academic achievement in grades 10-12
Applicant Criteria: Open to all Canadian students in BC
The BC Achievement Scholarship recognizes exceptional academic performance, providing a financial boost to motivated students in BC. This merit-based BC scholarship is available to all Canadian students within the province, encouraging and rewarding their commitment to educational excellence. You have to have at least a 73% grade average for your final courses in high school, and be a BC resident for at least twelve consecutive months. You do not have to apply for this BC scholarship, as it is a no-essay scholarship in Canada and you will be automatically considered if you meet the initial GPA requirements.
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3. BC Hydro Aboriginal Scholarships
Award Amount: $2000 - $5000
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Aboriginal ancestry, academic excellence, community involvement
Applicant Criteria: Indigenous students in BC pursuing post-secondary education
BC Hydro Aboriginal Scholarships support Indigenous students in BC by recognizing their academic achievements and community contributions. These BC scholarships cover all types of education from university to colleges and trades schools. There are various amounts and eligibility requirements, but the most high-value BC scholarship for Indigenous student is the Randy Brandt Award that gives qualified students a one-time scholarship of $8,000, as long as they are of Indigenous origin, have excellent student engagement activities for college, and are planning on a career at BC Hydro.
Award Amount: $2,500-$3,500
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Interest in technology, academic achievement
Applicant Criteria: BC residents pursuing technology-related studies
The BC Tech Scholarship aims to help students interested in STEM fields by providing financial assistance to study at any post-secondary institution in BC, including the Kwantlen Polytechnic University or the British Columbia Institute of Technology. This BC scholarship aims to fuel innovation and growth in BC's tech sector, supporting the next generation of tech professionals. You can apply for this BC scholarship either as a continuing undergraduate or a high-school graduate. In both cases, you must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, and express your interest in career in the technology sector through a college interest statement.
5. BC Hospitality Foundation Scholarship
Award Amount: $2500
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Pursuing hospitality-related studies, academic achievement
Applicant Criteria: BC residents in hospitality education programs
The BC Hospitality Foundation Scholarship supports students in hospitality-related studies, recognizing their dedication to the vibrant hospitality industry in British Columbia. There are several BC scholarships available depending on the sector you’re involved in, from Wine and Culinary Development to Hospitality and Legacy awards for the children of service professionals. You must apply directly to these unique Canadian scholarships by submitting a scholarship essay, and committing to working for a period in the industry, if you win the scholarship.
6. BC Youth in Agriculture Foundation Scholarship
Award Amount: $500 to $10,000
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Academic achievement, involvement in agricultural activities
Applicant Criteria: BC residents pursuing agricultural studies, residents of remote areas
The BC Youth in Agriculture Foundation Scholarship aims to bring more young people into farming and agriculture by offering financial assistance for post-secondary studies. This BC scholarship rewards students passionate about agriculture and farming studies, encouraging them to contribute positively to agriculture in the province. You can apply to universities, colleges and vocational schools, as long as they are related to agricultural sciences and education. This is not one of the easiest scholarships in Canada, as you must submit essays, a budget of all your expenses, a list of extracurriculars for college, and three letters of reference.
7. “From Seed to Root” Scholarship
Award Amount: $2000
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Interest in organic agriculture, academic achievement
Applicant Criteria: BC residents pursuing organic agriculture studies
The “From Seed to Root” Scholarship is a private, BC scholarship sponsored by Origin Organic Farms and is intended for students dedicated to sustainable agriculture practices. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence and a passion for organic agriculture, fostering innovation and environmental stewardship in BC's agricultural sector. You must complete an online application and list your community engagement activities, as well as a 500-word essay explaining your career goals in agriculture, food or environmental sciences.
8. Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship
Award Amount: $5000
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Exceptional academic achievement, commitment to pursuing a career in teaching
Applicant Criteria: High school graduates planning to enter a BC teaching education program
The Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to support aspiring educators in British Columbia. Valued at $5000, this BC scholarship recognizes outstanding high school graduates who exhibit exceptional academic performance and a strong dedication to pursuing a career in teaching. This BC scholarship is also sponsored by the provincial government, and you must have minimum of 73% average in your final two years of high school; submit a personal statement; and three letters of recommendation.
9. BC Aboriginal Student Award
Award Amount: $1000 - $5000
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Aboriginal ancestry, academic achievement, community involvement
Applicant Criteria: Indigenous students in BC pursuing post-secondary education
The BC Aboriginal Student Award recognizes the academic excellence and community engagement of Indigenous students in the province. These BC scholarships empower Indigenous youth to pursue higher education whether at a university, college, technical and vocational schools. You must be from a registered First Nation, be a BC resident for up to 12 consecutive months, and be enrolled or planning to enroll in a school in British Columbia.
10. West Vancouver Foundation Scholarships
Award Amount: $1,000-$6,000
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Interest in sports, arts, music, environmental studies, academic achievement
Applicant Criteria: West Vancouver residents pursuing post-secondary studies
The West Vancouver Foundation sponsors several BC scholarships that can used at universities in Vancouver, as well as the rest of the province. The main eligibility requirement is that you are a resident of West Vancouver and are a graduate of specific high schools within this district. But that is not the only requirement. There are scholarships for rugby students (Jeremy Dalton Rugby Endowment), hockey players (Michael Sharp "Sharpie" Hockey Scholarship) and students interested in Architecture or Engineering (Vanee Scholarship Fund). The other requirements include having a specific grade average (75%) as well as writing essays related to your studies or answering the question of tell me about yourself.
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BC Scholarships: International Students
1. Vantage One Excellence Award
Award Amount: Varies (Multiple awards available)
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Exceptional academic achievement, acceptance into the Vantage One program at UBC
Applicant Criteria: International students joining the Vantage One program
The Vantage One Excellence Award at the University of British Columbia (UBC) stands as a testament to UBC's commitment to empowering international students. This prestigious BC scholarship is specifically for students entering UBC's Vantage One program, an innovative pathway that prepares international students for their undergraduate studies by helping them improve their English language proficiency. You must demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement and leadership skills to be considered.
2. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Award Amount: Full tuition coverage + living expenses
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Exceptional academic achievements
Applicant Criteria: Demonstrated leadership skills
The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at UBC provides comprehensive financial support to international students exhibiting outstanding academic performance and strong leadership qualities. You must be an exceptional student not only academically, but must have a long list of extracurriculars for college such as participating in summer programs for high school students, or having participated in arts, music or STEM competitions.
3. BCIT International Scholarships
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Admission to a BCIT program
Applicant Criteria: Academic excellence, community involvement
BCIT International Scholarships supports high-achieving international students enrolled in BCIT programs, recognizing their academic prowess and community contributions. You’re eligible for these BC scholarships if you have the highest GPA of all recent international students after your first year at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
4. Capilano University International Student Entrance Award
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Acceptance into Capilano University
Applicant Criteria: Outstanding academic achievements, community engagement
Capilano University International Student Entrance Scholarships are awarded to international students displaying exceptional academic abilities and active involvement in community initiatives upon admission to the university. You must meet the admission criteria to be admitted to the university, as well as have a lot of extracurricular activities on your application, and based on these factors, you may be selected for this award without a separate application.
5. SFU International Freshman Presidential Scholarship
Award Amount: $10,000
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Admission as a freshman at Simon Fraser University
Applicant Criteria: Academic excellence, extracurricular involvement
SFU International Freshman Presidential Scholarship recognizes the academic and extracurricular achievements of outstanding international students joining Simon Fraser University as freshmen. This BC scholarship does not require an application and is based on your country of origin, as well as your academic record.
6. Greg and Tanya Kuhn International Student Award
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Acceptance into UVic programs either the Faculty of Science or Faculty of Humanities
Applicant Criteria: Exceptional academic performance
University of Victoria International Entrance Scholarship is designed for international students with exceptional academic records admitted to UVic programs, supporting their educational journey. You only need to have been accepted into an undergraduate program, along with having a high academic average, to be eligible for this BC scholarship.
7. Trinity Western University International Student Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Admission to Trinity Western University
Applicant Criteria: Academic excellence, community service
Trinity Western University International Student Scholarship honors international students demonstrating outstanding academics and a strong commitment to community service upon acceptance into the university. This BC scholarship is open to all types of students, including US students, and graduates of IB programs. You’ll be assessed based on your academic record, and if you have a GPA in the range of 3.73- 4.0 for US students, or a 31+ for IB students, you’ll be eligible for the President’s scholarship, which means you can win a $6,000 scholarship.
8. OC International Students Award
Award Amount: $750
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Admission to Okanagan College
Applicant Criteria: Strong academic dedication, minimum GPA, international student
Okanagan College International Student Awards are free scholarships in Canada, as there is no application required. You must only be an international student enrolled full-time at Okanagan College, and have a minimum grade average 70%. You must also have completed at least one year at Okanagan College and demonstrate financial need.
9. Francisco de la Cajiga Entrance Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Acceptance into Emily Carr University programs
Applicant Criteria: Passion for creative arts, academic excellence, Mexican citizen
The Francisco de la Cajiga Entrance Scholarship is offered to exceptional international students from Mexico who have won admittance to Emily Carr University of Art + Design. This is an entrance Canadian scholarship so you do not have to submit a separate application.
10. Royal Roads Scholarship for Outstanding Children of International Alumni
Award Amount: $2,000
Type: Merit-based
Application Requirements: Admission to Royal Roads University, child of a Royal Roads alumnus
Applicant Criteria: High academic achievement
Royal Roads Scholarship for Outstanding Children of International Alumni are granted to international students showcasing outstanding academic performance upon acceptance into Royal Roads University programs. But these students must also be the children of Royal Roads alumnus who attended programs sponsored by the university overseas, in countries such as Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, or Taiwan. You also have to have an exceptional academic record, but also demonstrate they understand how to study in Canada as an international student, as you’ll have to submit an essay detailing your future educational and academic plans.
How to Get BC Scholarships
1. Make Sure You Excel Academically
To increase your chances of receiving a BC scholarship, academic excellence is key. Not only do you have to ensure you meet the academic requirements of your program, but getting a high GPA can also help you get entrance scholarships. Some of these BC scholarships are awarded automatically to exceptional students, so you don’t even have to apply for them. If you’re not sure how to get into college with a low GPA, you should start making changes early. Get additional help from your teachers or private tutors to make sure you understand the material. You should also focus on subjects you have a natural ability with, while also actively participate in class, and participate in advanced courses or independent projects, such as research undergraduate programs or summer undergraduate research fellowships, if they take high school students.
2. Write and Rewrite Compelling Personal Statements and Essays
Crafting compelling personal statements and essays is crucial when applying for any type of scholarship, from scholarships in Canada for international students to unknown and unclaimed scholarships in Canada. As many of these BC scholarships do not interview, they ask you for a personal statement outlining your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. Don’t be afraid to talk about your genuine goals and aspirations, or mention any challenges you’ve overcome, no matter how personal and tragic it may be. But you should also remember the guidelines set out by the BC scholarship. Some will ask about your future plans or ideas; while others will ask what you plan to do with the scholarship or within your academic program. Tailor each essay to the specific scholarship, emphasizing how your skills and aspirations align with the scholarship's objectives. Take the time to edit and proofread your essays meticulously, ensuring they reflect your passion and dedication.
3. Participate in the Right Extracurricular Activities
Engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities demonstrates your well-roundedness and commitment beyond academics. But it’s not so much about having the “right” extracurriculars in terms of volunteering for a high-profile or well-known organization. The “right” extracurricular activity is the one that you are most passionate about. This can mean anything from participating in student clubs, sports, community service, or student organizations that align with your interests and values. The longer you spend with an organization the more likely you are to have had a leadership role, which is something that scholarship committees look for. Quality involvement in extracurriculars can set you apart from other applicants and strengthen your scholarship application.
4. Get Good Letters of Recommendation
Getting letters of recommendation is another oft-required element of applying for certain BC scholarships. They serve the same purpose for getting a scholarship as the college recommendation letters do for getting into a professional or graduate school, as they provide valuable insights into your character and abilities. If you’re asked to get a recommendation letter to receive a BC scholarship, you should choose recommenders who know you well, such as teachers, mentors, or employers, and can attest to your academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. However, if you do not have any such recommenders, you can ask former teachers or mentors, and provide them with your application materials, talk about the requirements, and explain to them why you believe you’re a strong candidate for the scholarships.
FAQs
1. What are BC scholarships?
BC scholarships are financial awards available to Canadian and international student who want to attend post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.
2. How many BC scholarships are there?
There are thousands of different BC scholarships available to all types of students, and which are offered by universities in BC or private, non-educational organizations such as BC Hydro or Origin Organic Farms.
3. What are BC scholarships worth?
BC scholarships can range in value from $300 to full-tuition waivers and stipends that cover all your living and studying costs while attending a university in BC.
4. How can I apply for a BC scholarship?
Some admission and entrance scholarships do not require an application, as your application for admission to the university will be what determines whether you receive a scholarship. Other, more lucrative scholarships will require a separate scholarship that you must submit to the faculty, university department or external sponsor who organizes the scholarship.
5. What do I have to do to get a BC scholarship?
BC scholarships have various requirements. Some are only available to Canadian students who are enrolled in specific institutions, while others are only for Black or Indigenous students. Others are only for students entering specific fields and programs, such as agriculture, environmental sciences or humanities. But, in general, you must also excel academically, have a long record of community involvement, demonstrate financial need and have excellent letters of recommendation.
6. Are there any spending restrictions for BC scholarships?
BC scholarships awarded by universities or post-secondary institutions are often credited to your student account to cover your outstanding balances. Private BC scholarships may also be credited to your account, or direct deposited, but you should create a budget to make sure you only spend the money on your cost-of-living expenses.
7. Do I have to be a BC resident to get a BC scholarship?
For some BC scholarships, yes, you must be a resident of the province and plan on attending a school in British Columbia. For other scholarships, you do not have to be a BC resident, or Canadian citizen, but have other applicant qualities such as a having an excellent academic record.
8. Is it hard to get a BC scholarship?
All scholarships are competitive because that is the nature of scholarships. BC scholarships are just as competitive and you have to make sure you meet the applicant criteria, have excellent GPA, are able to write excellent personal statements and letters, and have good letters of recommendation.
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