British Columbia

Youth Educational Assistance Fund for Former Youth in Care

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Youth Educational Assistance Fund for Former Youth in Care program gives grants of up to $5,500 per program year to former BC youth in care students between 19 and 24 years of age. The grant helps with expenses related to your education and can be given for up to 4 years. Grants of up to $5,500 are available for eligible applicants per program year. Students may receive a maximum of four grants.

The Youth Educational Assistance Fund for Former Youth in Care grant does not have to be repaid unless you withdraw from studies (or drop below a 60% course load, 40% for people with disabilities) during your study period.

To be eligible for this grant you must meet 1 of the following legal criteria:

You must be a former BC youth in continuing custody:

Who was:

  1. In the continuing custody of a director designated under Section 91 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) pursuant to that act; or
  2. Under the guardianship of a director pursuant to section 51(1)(a) of the Infants Act; or
  3. Under the guardianship of a director of adoption pursuant to the Adoption Act: Until you turned 19 years of age or for at least five years immediately prior to your adoption or permanent transfer of custody to a person other than a parent under s.54.1 of the CFCSA.

If you are not sure if you meet the above legal criteria, you should contact your former social worker, any Ministry of Children and Family Development office or any delegated Aboriginal agency for help.

In addition to the above criteria, you must also be:

  • A full-time student or a student with a permanent disability studying at a 40% course load.
  • Registered to take post-secondary-level courses from a designated post-secondary institution in an eligible program leading to a certificate, diploma or degree that is at least 12 weeks long. A complete list of designated schools is available at StudentAid BC.
  • Between 19 and 24 years old.

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

  • Complete the application form and attach a letter from any Ministry of Children and Family Development office or delegated Aboriginal agency stating you are a former youth-in-care.
  • Mail your completed application package to:
    StudentAid BC
    Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training Directed Programs
    Unit PO Box 9173 Stn Prov Govt Victoria,
    B.C. V8W 9H7
  • If you are not applying for financial assistance through StudentAid BC, a financial aid officer at your school must also complete a confirmation of enrolment form.
  • If you are denied funding and want to appeal, complete an appeal form and submit it along with the documentation listed on the form to StudentAid BC.

For more information contact StudentAid BC or the Ministry of Children and Family Development office.

Last updated: March 30, 2021