SDG 1: No Poverty

The Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund assists Indigenous students who are experiencing an unexpected financial emergency that may impact their ability to finish their studies. Students who access emergency funding do not have to repay it. Indigenous students wishing to apply for this funding can do so with help from Indigenous Initiatives.

The BCIT Youth in Care Tuition Waiver Program provides up to $5,000 to each of five students, who grew up in the BC care system, and are currently enrolled in, or students accepted to enter a full-time BCIT program. The tuition waiver will be used to cover costs of program tuition, BCIT Student Association activity and health & dental fees, other fees and lab, material or certification fees.

Download the Application Form [PDF]

Bursaries are a non-repayable award granted to a full-time student who is progressing satisfactorily in their BCIT credential program and who demonstrates that they are in need of financial assistance.

Eligibility criteria and how to apply

BCIT students experiencing financial pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic benefited from a one-time investment of $140,000 in emergency financial assistance thanks to the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

The government investment was earmarked to support BC students who experienced an unexpected financial emergency that may have affected their ability to finish their studies and handle expenses. This non-repayable emergency assistance was used to help with a broad range of costs, including living expenses, food, travel, portable computers and other supports for students who were not already able to study remotely.

Read the BCIT News article

U-Pass BC is a student transit program offered in partnership by the BCIT Student Association, Translink, the Province of British Columbia and BCIT. U-Pass BC enables eligible students to receive a three-zone pass at a reduced cost valid for all TransLink Bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus services throughout Metro Vancouver.

The BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) operates a Food Support Hub for all BCIT students to access support. Food insecurity has severe implications for one’s health and well-being. Post-secondary students are particularly vulnerable, with over 50% of students at Canadian post-secondary institutions experiencing moderate to severe levels of food insecurity. These services include several different avenues, including a Food Pantry and Community Fridge where students can access nutritional food items on a drop-in basis.

Read more about the Food Hub at SDG 2: Zero Hunger

BCIT prioritizes student success and well-being, and recognizes the critical role we play in maintaining a positive and healthy learning environment for all students. A variety of social protection systems are provided for students:

• Free and confidential counselling services available to all students.
• Student Health Services medical clinic at the Burnaby Campus.
• Early Assist is a confidential online platform that provides employees and students an opportunity to identify students who may be struggling personally or academically, and offer them appropriate support and services at an early stage.
• The BCIT Student Association offers an Extended Health & Dental Plan for full-time students providing protection and security to minimize the effect of injuries or ailments.

Learn more at SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being