The Office of Indigenous Initiatives and First Nations Centre recognize that financial barriers can significantly impact Indigenous students' ability to pursue higher education. Understanding the various funding options available is crucial for both students seeking support and organizations interested in sponsoring Indigenous students. This section provides comprehensive information about funding mechanisms and processes to support Indigenous student success at UNBC. 

Third Party Funding 

Third party sponsorship is a collaborative funding arrangement where an individual student's tuition and other fees are billed directly to an outside agency, such as a First Nation, Indigenous organization, government department, or other sponsor. This process creates a direct financial relationship between the sponsoring organization and UNBC while ensuring students receive the support they need to pursue their educational goals. Forms and information for band-sponsored students can be found on the Finance website under Third Party Sponsorships. Some of these awards include:

Alliance Pipeline Indigenous Student Awards
Admission deadline: July 15
Amount: Up to $2,000
Eligibility: Member of an Indigenous community (band or settlement). Residents of British Columbia, Alberta or Saskatchewan. Relevancy of the program to the oil and gas industry and Alliance Pipeline.

ATCO Indigenous Education Awards Program
Admission deadline: July 15
Amount: Up to $1,500
Eligibility: Indigenous students enrolled in full-time post-secondary.

AUCC Scholarship Program for Indigenous Students (Husky Energy)
Admission deadline: May 31
Amount: Up to $5,000
Eligibility: An Indigenous student studying Business, Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental Studies, Computer Sciences, Law, or skilled trades, including power engineering and instrumentation technician courses.

BC Hydro Indigenous Scholarships and Bursaries
Admission deadline: May 15
Amount: Up to $5,000
Eligibility: Indigenous student who are residents of British Columbia enrolled in full-time post-secondary.

Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) - J. Michael Waldram Memorial Model Forest Fellowship
Admission deadline: May 1
Amount: Up to $1,000
Eligibility: Indigenous student under 30 years old studying in the Natural Resource Management filed.

Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) - Golder Scholarship for Indigenous Students in Water
Admission deadline: February 14
Amount: $2,000
Eligibility: Indigenous graduate student whose research focuses on applied, natural, or social science aspects of water resources.

Chief Joe Mathias British Columbia Aboriginal Scholarship Fund
Admission deadline: June 15
Amount: Based on financial need
Eligibility: Members of a B.C. First Nations Band enrolled in a full-time post-secondary.

Ch'nook Scholars Program
Admission deadline: October 5
Amount: Up to $2,000
Eligibility: Indigenous students studying full-time in a business program at a college or university in B.C. (inclusive of status and non-status First Nations, Inuit and Métis students).

First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program
Admission deadline: January 31
Amount: Visit website
Eligibility: Indigenous (status, non-status, Métis, and Inuit) post-secondary students that are in financial need and registered full-time in a minimum two-year academic program at any B.C. recognized post-secondary institution.

Health Sciences Association of B.C. Indigenous Bursary Award
Amount: Up to $1,000
Eligibility: Indigenous Students in the fields of: Dentistry; Health Careers and Services; Medicine; Social Services.

Indspire - Bursaries and Scholarship Awards (Indigenous Education, Canada's Future)
Admission deadlines:  February 1, August 1, November 1
Amount: View on website
Eligibility: Bursary and Scholarship awards for Indigenous students/applicants. 

Irving K. Barber Indigenous Scholarships
Admission deadline: March 31
Amount: Up to $5,000
Eligibility: Various award programs for Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education in B.C.  Available to First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Métis, or Inuit.

Jim Bourque Scholarship
Admission deadline: July 13
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Indigenous student enrolled in post-secondary training in Education, Environmental Studies, Traditional Knowledge or Telecommunications.

Kleanza Awards
Admission deadlines: September 15, October 31
Amount: Various
Eligibility: View on website

KPMG Indigenous Student Awards
Admission deadlines: February 1, August 1, November 1
Amount: Various
Eligibility: Indigenous student enrolled in post-secondary training in Commerce, Business Administration, Masters of Accounting / Administration and Management, Masters of Accounting / Taxation, Economics, International Business, Masters of Finance / Administration, Computer Sciences, Information Systems, Bachelor of Technology (BTech), Masters of Information Technology, Communications, Marketing and Business Administration, Human Resources / Organizational Management, or Masters of Marketing.

New Relationship Trust Foundation Scholarships
Admission deadline: April
Amount: $5,000 - $20,000
Eligibility: Indigenous student (First Nations, Métis (Métis Nation of B.C. verified), and Inuit) residing in British Columbia.

NWAC Helen Bassett Commemorative Student Award
Amount: $1,000 
Eligibility: Indigenous women enrolled in full-time post-secondary under the age of 31. Priority is given to students who are studying law or are in a law-related field. Demonstrate a commitment to improving the situation of Indigenous women and youth in Canada politically, culturally, economically or otherwise.

Pacific Association of First Nations Women
Admission deadline:  February 28
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Indigenous women in post-secondary.

Post-Secondary Student Support Program
Admission deadline:  April 30, August 31, December 31
Amount: Visit website
Eligibility: Indigenous Northwest Territory or Nunavut Inuit students who have been residing in British Columbia for 12 consecutive months.

RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth
Admission deadline:  December 8
Amount: Up to $10,000
Eligibility: Indigenous students (status and non-status First Nations, Inuit or Métis).

Storwell Foster Children Bursary Program
Admission deadline: December 31
Amount: $2,000
Eligibility: Full-time student who is a former foster child with a Canadian or American foster care program. Must be 24 years of age or less at the time of application.

Student Responsibilities and Process 

Students participating in third party sponsorship arrangements play an active role in ensuring the funding process works smoothly for everyone involved. While your sponsor will handle the direct payment to UNBC, you remain responsible for understanding your sponsorship terms, maintaining communication with your sponsor, and ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed on time. Remember that you are ultimately responsible for your student account, so staying informed and proactive is essential for your academic success. 

The FNC's Indigenous Student Life Navigator is available to assist you with questions about the third-party sponsorship process and can help you navigate any challenges that may arise during your academic journey.

Steps for Students: 

1. Contact your sponsor early - Begin discussions with your potential sponsor well before your intended start date to understand what they will and will not cover under the sponsorship agreement. Many sponsors have different application deadlines and limited funding available, so it is best to apply as early as possible prior to your program start to ensure sponsorship funding is available when you need it. 

2. Submit authorization at least one month early - Ensure your sponsor's authorization to invoice is received by UNBC's Accounts Receivable Office at least one month before your semester begins. 

3. Complete the Third Party Release Form - Sign and submit this form to give UNBC permission to share your account information with your sponsor. Without this form, the university cannot legally communicate with your sponsor about your account. (add form here) 

4. Confirm sponsorship details at least 3 weeks before classes start - Contact your sponsor (such as your Nation's Education Coordinator) at minimum 3 weeks prior to the semester start date to confirm that all required forms have been submitted correctly to UNBC. Use this time to clearly understand what expenses are covered by your sponsorship and what costs you will be personally responsible for, as every sponsor has different policies and coverage levels. You remain liable for all charges, so don't delay payments for uncovered fees while waiting for sponsorship confirmation. 

5. Know your sponsorship terms - Read and understand exactly what your sponsor will cover. Keep a copy of your sponsorship agreement and know what expenses you may be responsible for. You can find more information including the list of responsibilities for the sponsor and for the sponsored student 

6. Monitor your account regularly - Check your student account online to stay informed about your balance and any charges. 

7. Handle health and dental coverage - If your sponsor doesn't cover the NUGSS Health & Dental Plan, you must opt out annually. The opt-out period ends approximately the third week of every semester, and you are required to complete this process during that timeframe. Opt out online or contact NUGSS at (250) 960-6427 if you have questions about the process. 

8. Provide required documentation - Share grades, transcripts, or other information with your sponsor as required by your agreement. 

9. Request refunds if needed - If you prepay and later receive sponsorship, contact the Cashier's Office to request a refund of any credit balance. 

Sponsor Responsibilities and Process 

Sponsoring organizations provide vital support to Indigenous students by removing financial barriers to education. As a sponsor, you create a direct billing relationship with UNBC that allows students to focus on their studies rather than financial concerns. Your role involves providing clear authorization about what you will cover, maintaining communication with both the student and university, and ensuring timely payment of approved charges. 

The FNC's Indigenous Student Life Navigator is available to assist sponsors with questions about the third party sponsorship process and can help facilitate communication between sponsors, students, and the university. 

Steps for Sponsorship: 

1. Submit detailed sponsorship information - Provide UNBC with comprehensive details including the student's information, what terms or years you'll cover, specific dollar amounts if applicable, and exactly which types of charges you'll pay. Use your organization's letterhead or complete the SPONSORSHIP/Third Party Billing Application Form. 

2. Email authorization to the right place - Send your completed sponsorship letter only to accountsreceivable@unbc.ca to ensure proper processing. 

3. Include the privacy release form - Ensure the Third Party Release Form is included with your sponsorship letter so UNBC can legally share account information with your organization. 

4. Specify health and dental coverage - If you're covering the Extended Health and Dental Fee, clearly state this in your sponsorship letter. If not, the student must opt out of this plan. 

5. Wait for official invoices - Only pay official invoices, not regular account statements. Quote the invoice number and your sponsor ID when making payments for faster processing. 

6. Understand the billing timeline - Billing begins after the last day to add or drop classes without penalty, typically after the first two weeks of each semester. 

7. Maintain contact information - Keep your contact information current with UNBC and respond promptly to any questions about charges or payments. 

8. Contact support when needed - For questions or concerns about the sponsorship process, contact the Accounts Receivable Office at (250) 960-6390. Otherwise, information about the process and the responsibilities of the sponsor, as well as the sponsored student   

Student Awards 

Student awards represent an important funding opportunity that can significantly reduce the financial burden of pursuing higher education. There are two main categories of awards available to Indigenous students at UNBC: Internal UNBC Awards and External Awards. Internal Awards are UNBC-specific funding opportunities that require only one application through the university's online system, making them streamlined and accessible for students. External Awards are offered by individual sponsors outside the university and will have their own unique application deadlines, processes, and requirements. These external awards can be based on academic achievement, specific programs of study, or components of personal background such as Indigenous ancestry. 

UNBC Internal Awards 

UNBC offers various internal awards with different eligibility criteria and application deadlines. These are important deadline dates that must be met to be considered for funding. Each year, students can apply for In-Course Undergraduate Awards, General Awards or Graduate Awards. Apply online through the awards application found in the myUNBC student portal. Here are the key opportunities available: 

Undergraduate Students: 

Early Entrance Awards: January 15th deadline. Must have applied for admission and received an admission decision by this date. Only awards with a leadership component require the "UNBC Leadership Awards" online application 

Entrance Awards: April 1st deadline. Must have applied for admission and received an admission decision by this date. Requires an online application 

In-Course Undergraduate Awards: April 1st deadline. For students who have completed or transferred more than 17 credits. Requires an online awards application 

General Awards: April 1st deadline. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Requires an online awards application 

Graduate Students (Master's/PhD)

Graduate Awards: April 1st deadline. Available for both Master's and PhD students. Requires an online awards application 

General Awards: April 1st deadline. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Requires an online awards application 

BC Graduate Scholarship Applications: April 1st deadline. For Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents only. Requires a PDF fillable application (not the online system) 

How to Apply for UNBC Awards: 

Applying for UNBC awards is straightforward and can make a significant difference in your educational journey. To get started, log into your myUNBC Student Account and click on the 'Awards and Financial Aid' and 'Award Application' links. Select the type of application that matches your situation (such as Entrance, General, Undergraduate, etc.) and follow the step-by-step application process. 

Take your time to complete all sections of the application thoroughly, as this is your opportunity to showcase your achievements and goals. Make sure to agree to the terms and conditions in the Declaration section, then continue past the last page where you'll find important reminders about supporting documentation deadlines. Remember, you only need to submit ONE application for each type of award, making the process manageable and efficient. 

Helpful Tip: Keep a copy of the information you submit in your awards application for future reference. Create a file on your computer that includes all your application details plus any new achievements you accomplish throughout the year. This ongoing record should include your high school details, a list of achievements and honors, extracurricular activities, clubs, work experience, and volunteer experience—similar to maintaining an updated resume. This way, when you apply for awards each year, you won't have to search for information or try to remember accomplishments from memory. It can be difficult to talk about yourself and your achievements, but award applications are the perfect time to highlight your hard work, accomplishments, and determination. 

Any supporting documentation must be submitted to the Awards and Financial Aid Unit via awards@unbc.ca on or before the applicable deadline. Note that reference letters must come directly from the referee to awards@unbc.ca. For more information, check out the Awards and Financial Aid website. 

Important Award Requirements: 

• Enrollment Requirements: Undergraduate students must be registered in at least 9 credit hours per semester to receive awards (unless receiving a 'part-time' studies award). Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours or in a thesis/project to be considered full-time. 

• Award Limits: The undergraduate award ceiling is $10,000 per academic year and the graduate award ceiling is $15,000 per academic year. These limits apply only to UNBC awards and do not include external awards, but don't let that stop you from applying for more than the limit. 

• Registration Verification: The Awards & Financial Aid Unit will check your registration status to confirm full-time enrollment up until the last add/drop date within the semester the award is to be disbursed. Once this date has passed, you will not receive your award if you are not registered full-time. 

• Application Access: Students must have a UNBC Student ID number (beginning with "23") with user ID and PIN to access online applications. International graduate students must pay their International Tuition Deposit before accessing online awards applications. Undergraduate students must have been offered admission to apply for awards. 

External Awards and Support 

External awards offer additional funding opportunities beyond what UNBC provides internally. These awards come from various organizations, foundations, governments, and sponsors, each with their own criteria and application processes. The diversity of external awards means there are opportunities for students with different backgrounds, academic interests, and career goals. 

For comprehensive information on all awards, both internal and external, students should connect with the Indigenous Student Life Navigator for assistance with finding appropriate awards, navigating application processes, and reviewing applications before submission. The FNC conducts group workshops and study groups to support students through the application process, providing both individual guidance and peer learning opportunities. 

The value of applying for all scholarships that may apply to your situation cannot be overstated. Many scholarships and awards go unclaimed each year simply because students don't apply or are unaware of the opportunities available to them. The FNC is here to help put your best foot forward, ensuring that you present strong applications and access all the funding opportunities for which you qualify. Taking advantage of these resources can make the difference between struggling financially and focusing fully on your academic success. 

Student Loans 

Student loans through StudentAidBC provide government funding to help cover the costs of your university education. Understanding the application process and requirements will help you plan your finances and ensure funding is available when you need it. 

Types of Government Financial Assistance Available: 

• Government Student Loans for Full-time Students 

• Government Student Loans for Part-time Students 

• Assistance for Students with Permanent Disabilities 

• Provincial Tuition Waiver Program Application 

• Youth Educational Assistance Fund Application 

• Canada Learning Bond 

Provincial Tuition Waiver Program: 

The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program is specifically designed for current or former youth in care. This program waives tuition and eligible fees for full-time and part-time undergraduate students who were adopted through BC MCFD or an Indigenous Child and Family Service Agency, were formerly in the Child in Home of Relative Program, or were under various legal statuses (such as custody orders, care agreements, or guardianship) when they turned 19 or for at least 24 months. 

Students who qualify may also be eligible for the Learning for Future Grant, which provides an additional $3,500 per program year to help with education-related costs like textbooks, computers, and supplies that aren't covered by the tuition waiver. The application process involves completing sections 1 and 3 of the application form, having UNBC's Financial Aid Officer complete section 2, and having them submit it electronically to tuitionwaiver@gov.bc.ca. Processing typically takes two weeks, though it may take up to six weeks to receive a response. 

Application Process and Timeline: 

Apply directly through StudentAidBC online - the process typically takes 4-6 weeks. For best results, submit your application by mid-July for September funding. You can still apply later or after classes begin, but you'll need to arrange other payment methods for tuition until your loan funding arrives. 

How Funding Works: 

After your application is approved, you'll receive a Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) for your first loan to accept the terms and provide your bank account information. Student loan funds are deposited directly into your bank account starting on the first day of classes each semester, once UNBC confirms your enrollment. This confirmation happens 15 days before classes start, and funds typically take 3-4 business days to transfer after enrollment is confirmed. 

Enrollment Requirements: 

To maintain full-time student loan funding, undergraduate students must be registered in at least 9 credit hours per semester, and graduate students need at least 6 credit hours or thesis/project enrollment. If UNBC confirms your enrollment in advance, your tuition payment is automatically deferred until the end of the first month. However, if you apply late and enrollment isn't confirmed before classes start, you'll need to arrange a "Promise to Pay" with the UNBC Finance Department at accountsreceivable@unbc.ca. 

Important Considerations: 

Dropping below full-time enrollment will affect your student loan funding and may result in penalties. Always consult with the UNBC Awards and Financial Aid Unit before withdrawing from classes. If you're taking courses at multiple institutions (split enrollment), provide documentation of your other courses to awards@unbc.ca and obtain a Letter of Permission from UNBC Advising to ensure proper credit recognition. 

For detailed cost estimates and more information, visit the Financing Your University Education section on the UNBC website or contact the Awards and Financial Aid Unit for personalized guidance. 

Still Have Questions?

If you require additional information about this process or need assistance with the funding application, please do not hesitate to contact our Indigenous Student Life Navigator at the First Nations Centre.