Funding for Former Youth in Care

As a former youth in care, you may be eligible for the following awards:

• BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
• UBC Post Care Tuition Waiver Program
• Learning for Future Grant
• SAJE (Strengthening abilities and journeys of empowerment)

If you are eligible for both the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and the UBC Post Care Tuition Waiver Program, you will only receive funding through the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program. Both waiver programs fund an undergraduate degree program at UBC.

BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program

The BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program is for eligible students who have lived as a youth in care in British Columbia and covers the cost of an undergraduate degree.

Students who are eligible for the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program may also be eligible to receive the Learning for Future Grant to support other educational costs.

Eligibility requirements

You must meet the BC government criteria to receive this funding.

How to apply

Submit your application at least 4 weeks before the end of your study period.

1. Apply for admission to UBC.
2. Download and complete the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and Learning for Future Grant Application Form (pdf).
3. When you’re admitted to UBC, submit your signed application to es.ubco@ubc.ca.

UBC Post Care Tuition Waiver

The UBC Post Care Tuition Waiver is for eligible students who have lived as a youth in care in British Columbia and covers the cost of a first undergraduate degree. Students who are not eligible to receive the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility requirements

Please review the UBC Post Care Tuition Waiver Application Form (pdf) to find out if you are eligible. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you may submit an appeal by contacting es.ubco@ubc.ca.

How to apply

Submit your application at least 4 weeks before the end of your study period.

1. Apply for admission to UBC.
2. Download and complete the UBC Post Care Tuition Waiver application form (pdf).
3. When you’re admitted to UBC, submit your signed application to es.ubco@ubc.ca.

Learning for Future Grant

The Learning for Future Grant is available to full-time or part-time students who meet the eligibility criteria requirements for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and are enrolled in a program or course that leads, or will lead, to a credential at the undergraduate level.

Find out more at StudentAidBC.

SAJE (Strengthening abilities and journeys of empowerment)

The SAJE Program is for young people with care experience. This program provides support and services until the age of 27.

The SAJE program supports eligible youth in areas such as:

• Housing
• Life skills and training
• Counselling
• Mental wellness and culture connections

You can be eligible for SAJE if you meet one of the following:

• You reached your 19th birthday while on a Youth Agreement, Continuing Custody Order or were under the personal guardianship of a director
• You achieved permanency between the ages of 12 to 19 (i.e., adoption after being in care, or under section 54.1 or 54.01)
• You have 24 months of cumulative time in care between the ages of 12 to 19, in a range of in- and out-of-care statuses
• You were in a comparable arrangement under Indigenous law

Check to see if you’re eligible for the program using the SAJE Eligibility Check.

Additional resources

Youth Agreements

The Youth Agreement program can assist you if you have been in foster care or had a youth agreement. This program can provide assistance, with costs of things such as housing, child care, tuition, and health care while you go back to school, or if you are attending rehabilitation, vocational or approved life skills program.

For more information visit Agreements with Young Adults.

Aged Out

The Aged Out online resource was created by and for youth that have been in care or are currently in care. This interactive website explores topics such as health and wellness, housing, and ID Needs.

UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards

The UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Award program is designed for students transitioning to UBC from secondary school or another post-secondary institution. The program financially supports academically qualified students who show an interest in joining and contributing to the UBC community, but would not be able to attend without significant financial assistance.