B.C. Access Grant helps students afford post-secondary education

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The Province is celebrating five years of the B.C. Access Grant, a program that has helped tens of thousands of students throughout B.C. afford post-secondary education.

Launched in 2020, the B.C. Access Grant was the first new post-secondary grant program introduced in the province in 15 years.

The grant has helped more than 88,000 students in accessing post-secondary education and training, and saved students and their families up to $8,000.

The needs-based, upfront and non-repayable grant has provided more than $178 million in financial assistance to low- and middle-income students, future workers and their families. This eases financial pressures and improves access to education and training opportunities throughout B.C.

In a rapidly changing and dynamic global economy, this grant ensures that students will have access to education and skills training that is affordable, accessible and responsive to the needs of today’s changing economy.

The grant is available to eligible students attending any of B.C.’s 25 public post-secondary institutions and can be used to help cover the costs for tuition, living expenses or any education-related costs students may have during their studies.

Students enrolled in full-time studies can apply for up to $4,000 per year. Those in part-time studies can receive up to $1,000 per year.

Students will be automatically assessed for eligibility for the B.C. Access Grant when they apply for financial assistance through StudentAidBC.

The funds may be used for tuition, living expenses or any eligible education-related costs students may have while working on their post-secondary education.

To learn more about the B.C. Access Grant, visit: https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/bc-access-grant-full-time