Bursaries

VIU bursaries provide funds for students with the greatest financial need.

If you are not receiving government student loans, you must demonstrate financial need by providing documentation in your on-line SAB profile. 

VIU bursary information is subject to change. Many of the bursaries are funded by interest earned on endowment funds established by very generous donors. The interest earned for the bursaries will vary with the financial markets.

Complete your SAB each year before October 30 to be considered for bursaries

VIU Bursaries

Alan Harrison Education bursary

Available to ABE students, who are progressing to their first year of a degree program at VIU.  Selection will be based on demonstrated financial need.

City of Iwatsuki (Japan) bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in the Academic and Career Preparation (ABE) program.

Fred Clozza Cowichan Campus bursary

Available for financial need to students in Academic and Career Preparation courses at the Cowichan campus, showing strength or career direction in math or science.

Fred Clozza Memorial Endowment bursary

Available for financial need to students in Academic and Career Preparation courses at the Nanaimo or Cowichan campus, showing strength or career direction in math or science.

Joseph Lea and Associates bursary

Available to graduates of the Workplace Essential Skills and Training Program (West) who will be continuing their studies at VIU. Selection will be based on financial need and faculty recommendation.

Rotary Club of Duncan - Daybreak bursary

Available to students graduating from the ABE program at the Cowichan campus, with selection based on financial need.

Sal and Tasha Tommy AUBP bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Aboriginal University Bridging Program with demonstrated financial need. Preference to students enrolled at the Cowichan campus.

Jurgen Blattgerste bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program with selection based on demonstrated financial need. Those also having community involvement will receive first consideration.

RBC Dominion Securities bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in any of the following programs:  Applied Business Technology, Certificate in Business Management, Diploma in Business Management or Bachelor of Business Administration.

VIU HR Department Bursary for Emerging Professionals

Available to students enrolled in the BBA program, with preference to those in the Human Resources Management concentration.  Selection will be based on financial need.

Erma Klassoff Memorial bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in the Culinary Arts program.

Jack Morrisey Culinary bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Culinary Arts program with selection based on demonstrated financial need.

Owen Lightly Memorial bursary

Available to students in the first or second year of the Culinary Arts program. Selection based on demonstrated financial need.

White Spot bursary

Available to students in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management programs, based on financial need.

Vancouver Island Dental Specialists - First Year bursary

Available to students enrolled in first year of the Dental Hygiene program with demonstrated financial need, or who have overcome a significant barrier in returning to learning. Preference will be given to qualified applicants whose hometown is on Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island Dental Specialists - Second Year bursary

Available to students enrolled in second year of the Dental Hygiene program with demonstrated financial need, or who have overcome a significant barrier in returning to learning. Preference will be given to qualified applicants whose hometown is on Vancouver Island.

Faculty of Education - Dean's bursary

Available to continuing students who have completed at least one year in the Bachelor of Education program. Selection will be based on financial need, with academic achievement also being considered.

Faculty of Education - Dean's First Year bursary

Available to first year students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program. Selection will be based on financial need, with academic achievement also being considered.

First Open Heart Society of BC bursary

Available to Year 3 or Year 4 Kinesiology students with demonstrated financial need.  Preference will be given to those with a future goal to obtain employment in the field of cardiovascular health.

Kathleen Crandall and Paul Rayner Education bursary

Available to students enrolled in Year 3, 4 or 5 of the Bachelor of Education program.  Selection will be based on financial need, with preference given to Year 4 or 5 students.

Marion and Norm Watts bursary

Available for students who are enrolled in their first year of a program within the Faculty of Education. Selection will be based on demonstrated financial need.

McIntosh Ladies bursary

Available to Bachelor of Education students with demonstrated financial need.

Pat and Les Dickason Teacher Education bursary

Available for satisfactory academic standing and financial need to students enrolled in their final year of the Teacher Education program at VIU.

RR Smith Bursary in Education

Available to deserving students in good standing in the Bachelor of Education or Post Baccalaureate programs.

VIU Education Program bursary

Available to continuing students who have completed at least one year in the Bachelor of Education program. Selection will be based on financial need.

Island Scallops Fisheries and Aquaculture bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Fisheries & Aquaculture diploma or degree program, with selection based on demonstrated financial need.

Buys Projects Limited Bursary in Forestry

Available to a student in the Forestry program at VIU, with selection based on demonstrated financial need.  Preference will be given to a first year student.

HC Wilson Memorial bursary

Available for financial need to full-time students enrolled in the Forest Resources Technology program.

MBWRSEC Forest Resources Technology bursary

Available to VIU students who are enrolled in their second year of the Forest Resources program, with selection based on financial need.

Tia Bauer Bursary for Women in Forestry

In memory of Cynthia, aka Tia Bauer, who is described by loved ones as a badass woman in the forestry field.  This bursary is available to strong and determined women also pursuing a career in the forestry section.

W.D. Moore Logging Co. bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Forestry program, with selection based on demonstrated financial need.

Western Forest Products Women in Forestry bursary 

Available to female students in first year of the Forestry Resources Technology program based on demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students who have graduated from communities where Western Forest Products operates, or to those who have worked for, or have a direct family member who works for Western Forest Products. This award may be renewed for the following semester providing recipient continues to meet eligibility requirements.

Allan and Edna Brown bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in a university program, and who are attending the Cowichan Campus.

Bob and Karen Lane bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in Bachelor of Arts with a Philosophy major or minor.

CFUW - Nanaimo bursary

Available to deserving female students enrolled in any degree program.

Chilco bursary

Available for financial need to female students in any post-secondary program.

City of Parksville bursary

Available for financial need to residents of the Parksville and Qualicum areas.

Coastal Community Credit Union bursary

Available for financial need to residents of School District #68.

Cowichan Campus bursary

Available for financial need to students attending the Cowichan Campus, who will be continuing studies at VIU.

Cowichan High School 1952 Graduating Class bursary

Available for financial need and good academic standing, to students enrolled at the Cowichan campus.

CUPE Local 1858 bursary

Available to full-time students who show financial need, scholastic ability, and proof of union affiliation. Available to members, or students in the immediate family of members in good standing with CUPE Local 1858.

Denise MacNeill Memorial bursary

Available to Visual Arts students in either the Visual Arts Diploma or Bachelor of Arts - Major or Minor in Visual Art programs. Selection will be based on financial need.

Diny van Beers and Family bursary

Available to VIU students in any program, who are single parents.  Selection is based on financial need.

Dr. Alfred Joseph, Gisdewe Memorial bursary

Available to promising students in the Bachelor of Arts - Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies program, with selection based on demonstrated financial need.  Preference will be given to Indigenous students.

Dr. E. Margaret Fulton bursary

Available to single parents, or First Nations students enrolled in Bachelor of Arts, with preference to those attending the Cowichan campus, or who are residents of the Cowichan Valley.  Priority will be given to students with a major or minor in Women's Studies.

Dr. Prem Shanker bursary

Available for financial need to continuing students in any program, who show satisfactory progress.  Preference will be given to members of the following religions: Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, or Jain.

Edna Lavina Fetterly bursary  

Available to students enrolled in any post-secondary program, with selection based on financial need.

Emma Nicklin Memorial bursary

Available to students with demonstrated financial need, enrolled in any university program. Preference will be given to students from Port Alberni.

Erica Murphy (nee d'Alessandro) Athletic bursary

Available for financial need, to students who participate in VIU Athletics.  Preference will be given to female athletes.

Foundry Philanthropies History bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program, with a History major.

Frank Ney Memorial  bursary

Available for financial need and academic ability to students continuing with their studies, and who have graduated from a secondary school in District 68.

Garrett Paquette Memorial bursary

Available to students with financial need.  Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Culinary Arts program, or to a Mariner athlete.

George and Elizabeth Annand bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in any post-secondary program.

Ian Johnsrude Student Housing bursary

Available to first-year domestic or international students enrolled in an undergraduate program in the Fall semester and who is currently living in VIU Student Residences. Selection will be based on financial need and academic achievement.

IODE Malaspina Chapter - Diana Ferguson bursary

Available to VIU students, with preference given to Nursing or Education programs, who will be continuing to year 3 or 4 of their program.  Selection based on financial need.

James Burwash bursary

Available to students studying in any program at VIU with selection based on financial need.  First preference will be given to students with a hearing impairment, with second preference to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program.

John Evans Steele Memorial bursary

Available to students enrolled in any post-secondary program with selection based on financial need.

Johnson-Valente Family bursary

Available to students in any post-secondary program, based on financial need.  Preference will be given to students whose parents have no formal post-secondary degree.

Kathryn Barnwell Bachelor of Arts bursary

Available to Bachelor of Arts students demonstrating financial need, with reasonable academic achievement (B- or better).  Preference will be given to single parents.

McLotto bursary

Available to VIU students currently enrolled in any program, with selection based on financial need.

Mosaic Forest Management bursary

Available to students with demonstrated financial need, enrolled in a Forestry or Trade related program at VIU.  Preference will be given to First Nations students.

Nanaimo Airport Commission bursary

Available to students enrolled in programs that support careers in airport operations with preference to those in Business, Tourism, Hospitality, Science or Trades programs at VIU. Selection based on financial need.

Neil Sorsdahl Bursary for Youth Perseverance

Available to first year students enrolled in any post-secondary program, with selection based on demonstrated financial need.

Nora Fulton Gibson Memorial  bursary

Available for financial need to students attending Cowichan campus.

Office of the Registrar bursary

Available to students enrolled in any program.  Selection based on financial need.

Palmira Gomes Boutillier Memorial bursary

Available to female students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science, or BSN program, with selection based on financial need.

Positive Space bursary

Available to VIU students in any program, who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  Selection will be based on financial need.

Rick Davidson Memorial bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in any post-secondary program, who are residents of the Cowichan Valley.

Rotary Club of Nanaimo Daybreak bursary

Available to students with demonstrated financial need, who are enrolled fulltime in any post-secondary program, and who also have demonstrated community service or leadership.

Sivertz bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in any program.

Stan and May Radzik bursary

Available to students in any post-secondary program at VIU, based on financial need.

Stephen R. Layzell Memorial bursary

Available to students enrolled in a Diploma or Degree program, who are in the immediate family of a Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Zone 4 - Nanaimo member, and who demonstrates on-going community service. Member name and office location will be verified upon potential selection.

Tom and Josie Michael Memorial bursary

Available for financial need to first year students whose permanent residence is in Ladysmith, Cedar, or North Oyster district.

Vancouver Island North bursary

Available to students with financial need.  Preference will be given to students from northern Vancouver Island, (north of Campbell River).

Vancouver Island Trails Information Society bursary

Available to students involved in outdoor recreation, who are enrolled in Recreation and Tourism, Resource Management Officer Technology, or Environmental Studies programs.  

Victoria Foundation Ruth Elina Carlson bursary

Available to Canadian-born students, who are enrolled in any of the following areas:  Arts, Science, Education, Humanities, Business Administration or Technology.  Selection will be based on demonstrated financial need.

VIU Alumni Association Diploma and Certificate bursary

Available to VIU students who are enrolled in a trades program, or an academic certificate or diploma program.  Selection based on financial need.

VIU Ambassadors bursary

Available for financial need, to students enrolled in any post-secondary program, includes Trades and Applied Technology programs. 

VIU Employees bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in any post-secondary program.

VIU Student Support bursary

Available to students enrolled in any post-secondary program with selection based on financial need.

WestPark bursary

Available to first year students with demonstrated financial need.

William and Olga Rogers bursary

Available to first year students who are Canadian Citizens, with selection based on financial need. 

Woo-Chan Family bursary

Available to female Indigenous students in any program at VIU.  Selection will be based on financial need.

Zonta Club of Nanaimo  bursary

Available for financial need and academic achievement to female students enrolled in Science, Education, or Women's Studies at the Nanaimo campus, who will be continuing at VIU in the spring semester.

Dr. Dave Witty bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Masters of Community Planning program who demonstrate financial need. First priority will be given to Indigenous students, with second preference to single parents.

NACL MBA bursary

Available to first nations students in the Master of Business Administration program with demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to female students, or to students with a learning disability.

Noetic Knowledge bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate Program, with selection based on financial need.  Preference will be given to single parents.

Bachelor of Social Work bursary

Available to students in the Bachelor of Social Work program with demonstrated financial need.

Bonnie Lindsay BSN bursary

Available to Indigenous students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, with selection based on demonstrated financial need.

Bonnie Lindsay Practical Nursing bursary

Available to Indigenous students enrolled in the Practical Nursing program, with selection based on demonstrated financial need.

Brenda Bamford bursary

Available for satisfactory academic standing and financial need to students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.

Donna-Lee Kuntz Nursing bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, with selection based on financial need.

Edna Lucy Woodcock Nursing bursary

Available for financial need to Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, who will be continuing their studies in Nursing at VIU.

Elizabeth Demeter Memorial Nursing bursary

Available to full time students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

Hazel McNish Memorial bursary

Available to encourage and support conscientious and caring health care in the nursing profession, based on financial need and future career goals in the nursing field.

Holly Wells Nursing bursary

Available to students in any year of the BSN or BSN Access program.

Joan Somerville Practical Nursing bursary

Available to students enrolled full time in the Practical Nursing program. Preference will be given to single parents.

John MacKay Memorial bursary

Available for financial need to Practical Nursing students.

Julia Szasz Nursing bursary

Available to students enrolled in either the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or the BSN Bridge-In Program.  Selection will be based on financial need.

Kathy Rovere bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Practical Nursing program.

Laura Seward bursary

Available to students enrolled in any Health Sciences or Human Services program, with future goals of working with people with disabilities. Selection based on financial need.

Mary and Gerry McKinnon Nursing bursary

Awarded to a student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program demonstrating financial need, in recognition of Mary and Gerry McKinnon.

Minda Williams Memorial bursary

Available to students in any year of the Nursing degree program.

Otilya and Thomas Ploos Van Amstel Bursary - Nursing Programs

Available for financial need and satisfactory academic standing to students undertaking a Nursing program leading to work in the geriatric or senior citizens health care field.

Phyllis Hargrave Memorial  bursary

Available for financial need and scholastic standing to first year students in a Nursing Degree program.

Sham Kahlon and Surinder pal Khangura Memorial bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, who are also parents.  Selection will be based on financial need.

White Spot bursary

Available to students in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management programs, based on financial need.

Chinoon Tillikko Memorial bursary

Available to students continuing full-time in any of the following programs: Social Services Diploma, Child and Youth Care Diploma, or Bachelor of Arts - Child and Youth Care Degree. Preference to a single mother and Indigenous learner.

Early Childhood Educators bursary

Available to students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program, based on demonstrated financial need.  Preference will be given to those enrolled at the Cowichan campus.

Island Savings Growing Island Families Together bursary

Available to students enrolled in full-time study in a Human Services program at the Nanaimo or Cowichan campus.  Eligible programs include Early Childhood Education & Care, Child & Youth Care, Aboriginal Child & Youth Care, Education Assistant & Community Support Worker, Bachelor of Social Worker, and Social Services.  Preference will be given to single parents who, for a minimum of one year, have resided from Nanaimo to Cowichan Valley, including the Gulf Islands

Laura Seward bursary

Available to students enrolled in any Health Sciences or Human Services program, with future goals of working with people with disabilities. Selection based on financial need.

Otilya and Thomas Ploos Van Amstel Bursary - Health Care Assistant 

Available for financial need and satisfactory academic standing to students enrolled in the Health Care Assistant Program leading to work in the geriatric or senior citizens health care field.

Sharon Lynn Dow Dunnigan bursary

Available to full time students in the Health Care Assistant Program, who have maintained satisfactory academic standing, and have a need for financial assistance.

VIU Health and Human Services bursary

Available to students enrolled in full-time study within the University's Human Services programs. Eligible certificate, diploma and degree programs include; Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, Education Assistant & Community Support Worker, Social Work and Social Services. Selection based on demonstrated financial need.

Doris Fineday Memorial bursary

Available to Urban Aboriginal students, enrolled in any academic university program, with selection based on financial need.

Dr. Grace Elliott Nielsen bursary

Available to Urban Aboriginal students in first year of a university program who are not able to access band funding.

Every Child Matters bursary

Available to Aboriginal students enrolled in any post-secondary program, with selection based on demonstrated financial need.

Indigenous Language Preservation bursary

Available to an Indigenous student enrolled in the "Proficiency in Language and Culture Certificate - Hul'q'umi'num'" program, with selection based on financial need.

Island Savings Indigenous bursary

Available to Indigenous students who are continuing their studies in a Faculty of Management program, with selection based on financial need.

Nora Mitchell  bursary

Available for financial need to First Nations students.

Cable Bay Estates Ltd. bursary

Available for financial need to students in Recreation and Tourism programs, with preference given to those who are also single parents.

Stephen Ackles bursary

Available to students enrolled in the second year of the Resource Management Officer Technology diploma program. Selection will be based on financial need.

Bachelor of Science Bright Future bursary

Available to female students who are enrolled in Bachelor of Science program, and who identify as a visible minority.

Dr. Dane Wray Memorial bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program.

Frank and Grace Turley Memorial bursary

Available to students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science Program.  Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Horosko  bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in second year mathematics courses, and who are continuing with studies in math or science at VIU.

K2 Stone Geology bursary

Available to students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science – Earth Science with a geology focus.  First preference will be given to members of the Pacheedaht Nation, with second preference to members of other Vancouver Island indigenous nations.  Selection will also be based on demonstrated financial need.

Karen Chorley Hopper Memorial bursary

Available to female students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program.  Selection will be based on demonstrated financial need.

Mr. Jagat S. and Mrs. Bhagwanti K. Manhas bursary

Available to a VIU student in their second year of Bachelor of Science, with a major in Chemistry.  Selection based on demonstrated financial need.

CITO BC bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in any Trades program.  Preference to those who are Canadian Citizens.

Coastline Electrical bursary

Available to students enrolled in an electrical program at VIU with demonstrated financial need. Preference to a local student from Nanaimo.

Doris Fineday Memorial Trades bursary

Available to Urban Aboriginal students, enrolled in any Trades and Applied Technology program, with selection based on financial need.

Evie McDougall bursary

Available to students enrolled in any Trades Foundation program, with selection based on financial need. Preference will be given to those who are recent immigrants to Canada.

Hazelwood Construction Trades bursary

Available based on financial need to a single parent, who is enrolled in any Trades program at VIU.

Iver Krogstad Memorial bursary

Available to Automotive Service Technician students with selection based on demonstrated financial need.

Muriel Goldgruber Memorial bursary

Available for financial need to female students in a VIU Trades program.

Open Shop Construction Industry bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in a Foundation Trades program. Program area will alternate each year between the following:  Carpentry, Electrical, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning and Welding.

Richard W. Johnston Carpentry bursary

Available to students enrolled in the carpentry certificate program at the tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) campus with selection based on demonstrated financial need.

Rod Currie Memorial Educational bursary

Available to students in any Trades Foundation or Apprenticeship program with selection based on financial need. Preference to students in Red Seal Trades programs. Students are required to state why they are obtaining a trades career when applying for the bursary.

Ryan McDonald Memorial bursary

Available for financial need to students enrolled in an Applied program. Recipient will be a Canadian Citizen and a resident of Vancouver Island.

VanHall Trades bursary

Available to students in any Trades Foundation or Apprenticeship program with selection based on financial need.

Vancouver Island University Foundation

The Vancouver Island University Foundation is a registered non-profit society made up of community volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to raise funds for Vancouver Island University and its students.

For information on how to contribute to the VIU Foundation, please contact our Advancement and Alumni Relations Office