Over $5 million in VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries disbursed to students supported by generous donors and government funding!
Scholarship, award and bursary programs provide financial assistance, incentives and rewards to eligible students towards their post-secondary education.
VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries are funded by a combination of university funds, government grants and private donations.
The application process, final approval of student recipients and policies governing the VIU scholarship, award and bursary program are handled by the VIU Awards Committee made up of representatives from across the institution.
- Learn more about scholarships and awards.
- Learn more about bursaries.
- Learn more about how to apply, deadlines and processes.
Interested?
Check out the criteria on our VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries below.
If you are in Academic and Career Preparation (ABE) courses, you must be continuing to further ABE courses or university studies. Priority is given to students enrolled in two or more ABE courses.
If you are a Trades student, you must be full-time and continuing to completion to be considered.
International students, we encourage you to complete your SAB profile. You will be considered if you meet the criteria of the scholarship, award or bursary.
VIU scholarship, award and bursary program
Are you interested in accessing a wide range of VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries? Complete your scholarship, award, and bursary profile for consideration. Your profile, in your VIU student record, must be completed each year if you want to be considered for VIU scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Learn how to apply and complete your profile each year by the two deadlines of October 30 Midnight and March 30 Midnight.
*Important: Your VIU student record information must be accurate and current, including your mailing address, email, phone number, photo ID and security question.
Criteria
Scholarships reward academic excellence and may also require the recipient to demonstrate special qualities that match the priorities of the donor, such as community involvement. To qualify for a scholarship, students must meet the following:
- Achieve a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 3.50 (A- average)
- Maintain a minimum semester course load of 80% (12 credits for most programs)
- Students with a documented permanent disability may have a reduced course load of 60% (9 credits for most programs)
Awards recognize academic achievement, and may also require the recipient to demonstrate special qualities that match the priorities of the donor, such as community involvement or financial need. To qualify for an award, students must meet the following:
- Achieve a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B+ average)
- Maintain a minimum semester course load of 60% (9 credits for most programs)
- Students with a documented permanent disability may have a reduced course load of 40% (6 credits for most programs)
Bursaries are intended to provide financial assistance and are generally awarded to students who demonstrate a financial shortfall and high financial need. To qualify for a bursary, students must meet the following:
- Achieve a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C average)
- Maintain a minimum semester course load of 60% (9 credits for most programs)
- Students with a documented permanent disability may have a reduced course load of 40% (6 credits for most programs)
In all cases, preference is given to students who maintain a higher course load during the semester in which selections are being considered. Split enrollments do not qualify as part of the required course load.
If you have received an award, you must contact the Financial Aid Office if you make any enrolment changes or withdraw from any classes.
Interested in donating funds for students?
Please contact our Advancement and Alumni Relations Office