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Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries

Introduction

The Scholarship, Award and Bursary Program, coordinated through the Financial Aid & Awards office, provides financial assistance, incentives and rewards to eligible students to encourage them in their pursuit of post-secondary education.

Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries are funded by a combination of University funds, government grants and private donations managed by the Vancouver Island University Foundation.

The application process, final approval of student recipients, and policies governing the Scholarship, Award and Bursary Program are handled by the VIU Awards Committee made up of representatives from across the institution.

There are three types of student awards: Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries

Scholarships reward academic achievement and are generally awarded to students with the highest grades.

Awards reward academic achievement but also require the recipient to demonstrate special qualities that match the priorities of the donor, such as community involvement or financial need.

Bursaries are intended to provide financial assistance and are generally awarded to students who demonstrate financial shortfalls.

The value of awards is subject to change as a result of market fluctuations.

Application Deadlines

There are five application deadlines depending on the type of student award:

Scholarships & Awards:

  • Current VIU Students: January 15th and April 30th
  • Students entering VIU for the first time: March 15th

Bursaries:

  • Current VIU Students: Tuition Bursary - October 31st, General Bursaries - January 31st

Any exceptions to these deadline dates are noted in the description of the award. Please note that additional applications may come available during the year and will be posted in our Bulletin Board section.

Eligibility for Scholarships, Awards, and Bursaries

Enrolment requirements

Students in Academic programs must maintain a minimum course load, as specified below at VIU, in both the semester prior to and the semester during which a scholarship or award is selected. Preference may be given to those who have maintained an 80% course load or higher.

Students with a documented permanent disability must maintain a minimum course load, as specified below, in both the semester prior to and the semester during which a scholarship or award is selected.

Students in Trades & Applied Technology must be enrolled in a program of at least four months duration. Students in Career and Academic Preparation programs must be enrolled in at least two courses per semester.

Scholarships

Students must have achieved a minimum semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 (B+/A- average), and maintain an 80% course load. (60% for students with a documented disability)

Awards

Students must have achieved a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 3.00 (B average), maintain a 60% course load, (40% for students with a documented disability), and meet other criteria as specified by the donor.

Bursaries

Students must have achieved a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 2.00 (C average), maintain a 60% course load, (40% for students with a documented disability), and demonstrate financial need.

 

International Students

International students are eligible to apply for Scholarships & Awards, except those where financial need is a criterion. International students are not eligible to apply for bursaries.

Any exceptions to these eligibility criteria are noted in the description of the award.

Regulations

All scholarships, awards and bursaries, unless otherwise stated, are for use only at Vancouver Island University. In most cases, preference will be given to students who will be returning to Vancouver Island University.

Students must currently be in “good standing” as per the Student Conduct Policy to be considered for, and/or maintain, a Vancouver Island University student award.

Scholarships and awards for continuing students are applied to fall tuition at Vancouver Island University. If the amount of the award is greater than the tuition owing, the excess will be applied to tuition fees for the spring semester. Any balance remaining will be issued in the form of a cheque after the 15th of February.

Candidates are permitted to hold more than one bursary, award, or scholarship only with the permission of the VIU Awards Committee. The winner of a scholarship or award may retain the honour of winning but resign the monetary value of the scholarship or award.

Scholarships, awards, and bursaries may be withheld or cancelled at any time for any one of the following reasons:

  • lack of suitable candidates;
  • cancellation of the award by the donor;
  • withdrawal of student from Vancouver Island University;
  • failure of candidate to meet terms and conditions of the award;
  • failure of candidate to collect the award within the specified time;
  • lack of sufficient income provided by investment funds.

External Awards: Financial Aid & Awards has compiled an extensive list of External Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries not administered by Vancouver Island University. To view this list, go to our External Award section from the menu on the left.

Open doors of opportunity for students by donating to VIU’s Scholarship and Bursary fund

Scholarships and bursaries are the keys that open doors of opportunity for deserving students. They recognize commitment, encourage achievement, and allow students without sufficient means to continue their studies.

You can make a donation for a one-time award, or you can establish a student award fund that would continue in perpetuity—an endowment. Endowment funds are held in trust by the Vancouver Island University Foundation, and the interest is used each year to issue student awards. Some donors prefer to create an endowment through a bequest, or some other form of planned giving. VIU can also establish an award in memory of a loved one. Donations to Vancouver Island University are fully tax deductible.

For further information, or to set up an award or bursary, please contact our VIU Foundation Office at 250-740-6212, or via email at foundation@viu.ca

Gift Certificates make ideal gifts for students

Family and friends can help students through school with Gift Certificates to help pay for tuition fees, and Bookstore purchases. Certificates in a variety of denominations can be obtained from Vancouver Island University’s Finance Department at 250-753-3245, local 2256. Bookstore gift certificates can be obtained directly from the Bookstore, located in Building 305, off of Fourth Avenue at the Nanaimo campus, or by calling 250-740-6200.