Student Loans and Grants

Student Life

Adult upgrading grant

A government-funded grant that helps cover the costs of upgrading your education. It’s designed for adults in basic education, special education, or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. This grant does not need to be repaid.

  • Tuition, student fees, unsubsidized childcare, and transportation.
  • Funding for textbooks and supplies may also be provided.

Students in Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Special Education (ASE), or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Eligibility is based on financial need. In your application, please include your living arrangement and the size of your family. Funding also depends on completing previously funded courses.

A Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency, your Social Insurance Number, and, if applicable, your Permanent Resident card

  1. Download and fill out the application form
  2. Gather your documents (CRA Notice of Assessment, SIN, PR card if needed)
  3. Bring everything to the VCC Financial Aid office

Visit the StudentAid BC upgrading grant page.

StudentAid BC

A provincial and federal loan program that helps B.C. students pay for post-secondary education. While these loans must be repaid, they are interest-free while you’re in full-time studies.

B.C. student loans, Canada student loans, part-time student loans, and grants.

Loans are interest-free while studying full-time; repayment begins six months after finishing studies.

  1. Full-time: At least 60% of a full course load (40% for students with disabilities) for at least six weeks
  2. Part-time: 20–59% of a course load (20–39% for students with disabilities)

After applying, you’ll receive a Notification of Award letter in the mail with your funding amount.

Up to $4,000 per training period, interest-free until your training ends. Learn more at the Canada Apprentice Loan website.

  1. Visit StudentAid BC
  2. Complete the online application
  3. Submit your financial and program information
  4. Watch for your Notification of Award in the mail

Use VCC’s tuition cost calculator to estimate your program costs before applying.

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial. Learn about VCC’s commitment to decolonization and Indigenization.