Other funding options

Other funding options available to students including the following:

About the StrongerBC future skills grant

The StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG) is available to eligible individuals aged 19 and above living in British Columbia. The grant provides funding of up to $3,500 per person for qualified short-term skills training offered by public post-secondary institutions. This grant is designed to enable learners to improve their skill sets and advance their careers, providing them with entry to well-paid, high-growth jobs. This grant is available to support costs of tuition, mandatory fees, and required program/course materials. 

Eligible Programs

The following programs are approved for FSG funding for Fall 2025. Registration for approved Fall 2025 programs is now open:

How to Apply

  1. Check the eligibility criteria to confirm your eligibility for the grant.
  2. Choose and register for your courses from the above list. Please note that admission to the following programs must be granted by the department first. View the program website to review admission requirements and contact the program directly to apply:
  3. Once approved/registered, apply for the StrongerBC future skills grant online using your BC Services Card Account.
  4. Before starting your application, please ensure your BC Services Card Account is active and ready to use, as it is required to access the portal and verify your eligibility.
  5. You will receive your confirmation of registration via email.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the FSG:

  • Learners must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent resident, or Protected Person entitled to study in Canada.
  • Learners must be BC residents and currently live in BC.
  • Learners must have graduated from grade 12 or equivalent by the start of the course or be 19 years of age and older.
  • Learners must provide all required information indicated on the application form, including their SIN, and must consent for Douglas College to disclose their information to the Province.
  • Learners are not eligible for FSG is they are receiving duplicative and/or overlapping funding to cover eligible costs (i.e., grants, loans, scholarships, or other funding that covers the same program costs as the FSG).
  • To learn more about FSG eligibility visit WorkBC StrongerBC future skills grant.

Important to Know

  • This grant only applies to courses or programs that start on or after Sep 1, 2025 and before Feb 27, 2026.
  • This grant is subject to a lifetime maximum of $3,500 per person.
  • The amount of funding you receive is subject to review and audit.
  • This grant will affect your taxes, particularly if you withdraw after the refund deadline. For tax-related questions, please contact the CRA.
  • Anyone who is a current WorkBC Employment Services client must work with their employment counsellor before registering for courses.
  • Anyone receiving any type of federal or provincial benefit, such as Employment Insurance (EI) or BC Employment Assistance (BCEA), or Income Assistant (IA), must seek approval from the appropriate government body before participating in a program.

Supports students who are registered in upgrading courses or special education programs and are in need of financial assistance for fees, books, unsubsidized childcare, and transportation costs. Eligible programs/courses:

  • Career and Employment Preparation (CAEP)
  • Customer Service and Cashier Training (CSCT)
  • Fit and Ready for Skills Training (FRST)
  • Local Industry Skills Training (LIST)
  • English and Mathematics Upgrading (ENGU and MATU)
  • English Language Learning and Acquisition (ELLA)

Adult Upgrading Grant Application Process:

Provincial Tuition Waiver Program for Former Youth in Care

  • Tuition for former youth in care will be waived for B.C. students who are between 19-26 years of age (inclusive) and are attending a B.C. public post-secondary institution who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the application form below.
  • This program is open to students pursuing programs that lead to a certificate, diploma, or undergraduate degree. Students registering in Continuing Education courses are also eligible. Students enrolled in graduate programs or post-graduate courses are not eligible.
  • Students who wish to be considered for the waiver while studying at Douglas College must complete the Provincial Tuition Waiver Application and return it to the Enrolment Service Office at either the Coquitlam or New Westminster Campus.

Youth Educational Assistance Fund for Former Youth in Care

  • Students eligible to apply for a Provincial Tuition Waiver, may also qualify for the youth educational assistance fund. 
  • Check out the eligibility criteria for YEAF applications on the StudentAid BC website.

For more information, check out BC Government. Click here for detailed listing of bursaries and grants.