If you’re paying for education in British Columbia, grants can reduce or even eliminate upfront costs. For the 2025–26 school year, BC education grants include federal student grants, provincial grants, Grade 12 scholarships, and RESP-based funding — many of them non‑repayable. StudentAid BC confirms applications are open for study periods between Aug 1, 2025 and Jul 31, 2026.
How this guide is different: GrantHub already has a general “BC education grants” page. This hub is fully updated for 2025–26, organized by audience, and focused on what you can get, how much, and when to apply.
Below are the main BC education grants you should know about, grouped by who they’re for.
Most students access grants through StudentAid BC, which assesses you for both federal and provincial funding with one application.
Canada Student Grant (Full‑Time)
Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities
B.C. Access Grant (Full‑Time and Part‑Time)
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter education grants by BC location, program type, and student status in seconds.
BC offers several provincial scholarships for graduating students. These are not income‑based and can be combined with student grants later.
BC Achievement Scholarship
District / Authority Scholarship
BC Excellence Scholarship
These scholarships are often overlooked because they’re administered through schools, not StudentAid BC.
If you have a child born in BC, there is a one‑time provincial education grant that many families miss.
B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant (BCTESG)
This grant can later be used alongside federal RESP incentives and student grants.
Most post‑secondary grants follow the same process:
Grade 12 scholarships are handled separately through schools and the BC Ministry of Education.
Missing the study period window
StudentAid BC funding is tied to your exact study dates. Applying for the wrong period can delay or reduce funding.
Assuming grants must be repaid
Most BC education grants, including the BC Access Grant and Canada Student Grants, are non‑repayable.
Not applying because you think you earn too much
Many grants cover middle‑income households, not just low‑income students.
Forgetting RESP‑based grants
The BCTESG is often missed because it’s not part of StudentAid BC.
Q: Are BC education grants loans?
No. Grants do not need to be repaid as long as you remain eligible and complete your study period.
Q: Can I receive both federal and BC grants at the same time?
Yes. Most students receive a combination of Canada Student Grants and BC grants through one StudentAid BC application.
Q: Do part‑time students qualify for BC education grants?
Yes. Both the Canada Student Grant and BC Access Grant have part‑time options, depending on income and course load.
Q: Can Grade 12 scholarships be combined with StudentAid BC later?
Yes. Provincial scholarships do not reduce your eligibility for future student grants.
Q: Are education grants available for trades or apprenticeships?
Yes. Trades students can qualify for the same student grants and may also access apprentice grants in BC depending on their program.
You may also want to explore:
BC education grants change every year, and eligibility depends on your age, income, school, and program type. GrantHub tracks 2,500+ active grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your business or student profile. It’s the fastest way to see what you qualify for before deadlines close.
Was this guide helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.