Money shouldn’t stop you from moving forward with your education. These awards and loans help you upgrade your skills and reach your goals. Some are non-repayable, meaning they don’t have to be paid back.
Adult upgrading grant
A government-funded grant that helps cover the costs of upgrading your education. It’s designed for adults in basic, special, or English as a Second Language (ESL) education courses. This grant does not need to be repaid.
Tuition, student fees, books, supplies, childcare, and transportation.
Students in Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Special Education (ASE), or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Eligibility is based on financial need. In your application, please include your living arrangement and the size of your family. Funding also depends on completing previously funded courses.
A Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency, your Social Insurance Number, and, if applicable, your Permanent Resident card
- Download and fill out the application form
- Gather your documents (CRA Notice of Assessment, SIN, PR card if needed)
- Bring everything to the VCC Financial Aid office
Visit the StudentAid BC upgrading grant page.
Developmental program area awards
A one-time award that recognizes VCC students in Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English as a Second Language (ESL) who have shown dedication and commitment to their studies.
$500
Current VCC students in Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.
- Contact VCC Financial Aid office
- Confirm your eligibility (a staff recommendation may be needed)
- Submit any documents requested by Financial Aid
Former Youth in Care
A provincial program that waives tuition fees for eligible students who were in government care in B.C.
Full tuition waiver
B.C. residents aged 19–26 who lived in care for at least 24 months.
- Apply to your VCC program of choice
- Download and complete the tuition waiver form
- Submit the form to the VCC Financial Aid office
Visit the StudentAid BC Former Youth in Care webpage.
StudentAid BC
A provincial and federal loan program that helps B.C. students pay for post-secondary education. While these loans must be repaid, they are interest-free while you’re in full-time studies.
B.C. student loans, Canada student loans, part-time student loans, and grants.
Loans are interest-free while studying full-time; repayment begins six months after finishing studies.
- Full-time: At least 60% of a full course load (40% for students with disabilities) for at least six weeks
- Part-time: 20–59% of a course load (20–39% for students with disabilities)
After applying, you’ll receive a Notification of Award letter in the mail with your funding amount.
Up to $4,000 per training period, interest-free until your training ends. Learn more at the Canada Apprentice Loan website.
- Visit StudentAid BC
- Complete the online application
- Submit your financial and program information
- Watch for your Notification of Award in the mail
Use VCC’s tuition cost calculator to estimate your program costs before applying.
Contact us
Need a hand with the application process?
Phone: 604.871.7046
Email: financialaid@vcc.ca
Broadway campus – Level 4, Building A
- Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Downtown campus – Level 1
- Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.