Funding for former youth in care

About the funding

As a former youth in care, you may be eligible for the following awards:

  • BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
  • UBC Tuition Waiver Program
  • Youth Education Assistance Fund (YEAF)
  • Agreements with Youth Adults (AYA)

When seeking tuition waiver funding, please complete and return applications to both the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver and the UBC Post Care Tuition Waiver at least 4 weeks before the end of your study period. If you are eligible for both programs, you will only receive funding through the BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program. Both waiver programs fund your first undergraduate degree program at UBC.

BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program

The BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program funds eligible students with experience in care in British Columbia, and covers the cost of a first undergraduate degree.

You must meet the BC government criteria to receive this funding.

How to apply

Submit your application at least 4 weeks before the end of your study period.

  1. Apply for admission to UBC.
  2. Download and complete the Provincial Tuition Wave Program Application Form (pdf).
  3. When you're admitted to UBC, email your completed application to sabrina.materie@ubc.ca.

UBC Tuition Waiver Program

The UBC Post Care Tuition Waiver is for eligible students who have lived as youth in care in British Columbia and covers the cost of the tuition fees of a first undergraduate degree.

Eligibility requirements

You must first be enrolled at UBC for your first undergraduate degree. You must also have lived as a youth in care in British Columbia under one of the following conditions for a period of at least 12 months (consecutive or accumulated) and/or at the time you turned 19 years old:

  • Temporary Custody Order
  • Continuing Custody Order
  • Youth Agreement
  • Adoption
  • Extended Family Plan
  • Interim Custody Order
  • Interim Custody Order (to a person other than a parent)
  • Permanent Transfer of Custody (to a person other than a parent)
  • Temporary Transfer of Custody Order
  • Under Guardianship of Director (Adoptions Act)
  • Under Guardianship of Director (Infants Act)
  • Voluntary Care Agreement
  • Special Needs Agreement
  • Child in Home with a Relative Program (CiHR)

    How to apply

    Submit your application at least 4 weeks before the end of your study period.

    1. Apply for admission to UBC.
    2. Download the UBC Post Care Tuition Waiver application (pdf).
    3. When you're admitted to UBC, email your completed form to sabrina.materie@ubc.ca.

    Youth Education Assistance Fund (YEAF)

    The Youth Education Assistance Fund provides yearly grants of up to $5,500 to eligible students aged 19 to 24 who have lived experience in care in British Columbia.

    Agreements with Youth Adults (AYA)

    The Agreements with Youth Adults (AYA) program is for students aged 19 to 26 who meet the eligibility requirements.

    This program provides monthly assistance with living expenses while you are enrolled at UBC.

    Additional resources

    Aged Out

    The Aged Out online resource was created by and for youth who have been in care or are currently in care. The interactive website includes topics such as health and wellness, housing, and ID needs.

    UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards

    The UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Award program is designed for students transitioning to UBC from secondary school or another post-secondary institution. The program financially supports academically qualified students who show an interest in joining and contributing to the UBC community, but would not be able to attend without significant financial assistance.

    Through the program, new students can access a variety of one-time and renewable awards of up to $40,000, payable over four years. If you're studying at UBC Vancouver, there are opportunities to receive full-ride awards that cover the cost of your degree and living expenses.

    If you have questions

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