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British Columbia

Education costs

If you're a student or thinking about going back to school, these benefits can help reduce your costs.

Common education costs benefits

British Columbia

If you’ve been in foster care or had a Youth Agreement, you may qualify for the Agreements with a Young Adult (AYA) program — and receive up to $1,250 per month — to help cover the cost of things like housing, childcare, tuition and health care while you go to school or do job training, or attend rehabilitation, mental health, or life skills programs.

Up to $1,250 per month.

Easy application

Tax filing not required

British Columbia

The Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program can help you find skilled employment in BC. You can get help to build an action plan, get workplace experience, and receive financial support to help you upgrade.

Easy application

Tax filing not required

British Columbia

A School Start-Up Supplement is provided to recipients of income assistance, disability assistance and hardship assistance to assist with extra costs associated with schooling for a person under 19 years of age.

Easy application

Tax filing not required

British Columbia

If you are a former BC youth in care between the ages of 19-24 and you are a student, you may be able to get grants of up to $5,500 per program year.

Up to $5,500 per year.

Easy application

Tax filing not required

Federal

This program contributes funding to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).

$500 for the first year and $100 each year the child remains eligible.

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

Federal

If you are 18 to 20 years old and you have not yet gotten the Canada Learning Bond (for example if your parents did not apply for you), you may be able to get up to $2,000 to help pay for the costs of your studies after high school. You do not have to spend this money right away.

Up to $2,000

Easy application

Tax filing not required

Federal

This grant helps students with disabilities pay for each year of school.

$4,000 per year.

Easy application

Tax filing not required

Federal

The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program offers student grants and loans to full-time and part-time students. Grants and loans help students pay for your post-secondary education.

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

Federal

The repayment assistance plan can help you repay your student loan if you are having financial difficulty and cannot make your payments.

 Up to the amount of your student loan.

Easy application

Tax filing not required

Federal

If you have a disability and are having difficulty paying your student loan, you may be eligible for the Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with Disabilities (RAP-D).

Easy application

Tax filing not required