Several funding supports are available for students who are former youth in care. NIC’s financial aid advisors can help you explore funding options available to you.
Tuition Waiver Program Funding
If you are a former youth in care, aged 19 – 26, who have been in care for a minimum total of 24 months and are attending a BC post-secondary institution, you may be eligible for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program. The program was created to improve access, services and educational outcomes for former youth in care.
Who is eligible?
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Canadian citizens from British Columbia
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Between the ages of 19 to 26 years of age
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Must have been in care for a minimum total of 24 months (see FAQs for definition)
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Attend a BC public post-secondary institution, Native Education College or one of ten Union Institutes
Having financial support through the Tuition Waiver program allowed me to take the program I wanted without having to worry about tuition. It gave me the freedom to say, `These are the courses I want to take and what I want to do with my life,’ and then be able to do it. I would encourage any other former youth in care to take advantage of this support.
Andrew Parker
Former youth in care and NIC Heavy Duty Apprenticeship student
Eligible programs at NIC
The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program applies to a wide range of programs at NIC, including certificate, diploma or degree programs. It also includes Trades and Apprenticeship training and many Continuing Education courses leading to employment.
Students may claim reimbursement at any time during the study period (a study period is defined as the first day of classes to the final class or exam, whichever is later) or apply before their classes begin.
Tuition Waiver Student Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply for admission to NIC
Step 2: Contact an NIC financial aid advisor to discuss this funding options.
Step 3: Complete the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program Application and return it to the financial aid advisor directly or send it to forms@nic.bc.ca
Step 4: Once your eligibility has been confirmed, a financial aid advisor will be in touch to discuss next steps
Additional financial supports for former youth in care
The Youth Educational Assistance Fund (YEAF)
The Youth Educational Assistance Fund (YEAF) program supports post-secondary education and training for former youth in care through bursaries of $5,500 per educational year, up to a maximum of four years, to help with tuition, books and fees.
Youth Futures Education Fund
The Youth Futures Education Fund has been established to provide a grant to recipients of the Former Youth in Care Provincial Tuition Waiver, to assist with supplemental educational funding for expenses such as books, housing, utilities, or emergency situations.
Contact an NIC financial aid advisor at one of our campuses for more information or assistance.