First Citizens Fund Student Bursary

» Other Bursaries Available

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The First Citizens Fund student bursary program is funded by the Province of British Columbia and delivered by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. This program provides financial assistance to Aboriginal students enrolled in post-secondary education. Aboriginal students that are ordinarily resident in British Columbia and are enrolled fulltime in a recognized post-secondary university or college in a minimum two-year program are eligible to apply for a First Citizens Fund student bursary. The level of assistance will be determined by need and will reflect the amount of assistance received from other sources. The maximum level of assistance is $700/year for Band or Tribal Council funded students and $2,000/year for non-funded students.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:
The First Citizens Fund student bursary program is designed to reward students for successful completion of their term of study. When a student sends an application in, if all the eligibility criteria are met, funds will be committed to students on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, funding will not be sent out until a student’s official transcript is received. Once the student’s official transcript is received, if the student’s grades and enrollment meet the program requirements, a cheque will be sent out to the student. That cheque may be used for any purpose.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

• Post-secondary students of Aboriginal ancestry (status, non-status, Metis, and Inuit).
• Applicants who are permanent residents in British Columbia for six months or more at the time of application (not including attendance at post-secondary institution).
• Applicants registered full-time in a minimum two-year academic program at any recognized post-secondary institution.
• Full time is considered as follows:
• undergraduate students, at least 3 full time credit courses (60%) per term
• students with permanent disabilities, a least 2 full credit courses (40%) per term
• graduate students, a letter from your academic advisor confirming satisfactory progress at a full time level (for a maximum of 3 years for Masters students, and 5 years for Doctorate students).

WHAT ARE THE SELECTION CRITERIA:

• The applicant is of Aboriginal ancestry.
• The applicant provides a recommendation in writing by a band council or recognized Aboriginal organization.
• The applicant attains a minimum 2.5 grade point average or C+ grade equivalent.
• Applicants completing graduate studies demonstrate satisfactory progress at a full time level.
• Applicants completing a 40% course load have provided proof of a permanent disability.
• The applicant demonstrates financial need.
• Students will not be eligible for a bursary to repeat a course or academic year, for which a bursary has already been received.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

• The application is available from www.bcaafc.com
• The deadline for the 2005-2006 Academic year is May 26, 2006, but space is already running out so please apply soon. Applications for the 2006-2007 academic year will be accepted starting in June, 2006.

All applications, official transcripts, correspondence, and telephone inquiries should be sent to:

BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
200 – 506 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1E6

Phone: (250) 388-5522
Fax: (250) 388-5502