B.C. Assistance Program for Students with Disabilities

What you will need

• ✓ Follow the steps on StudentAid BC's "How to apply for disability funding" page

About this award

You can receive a grant of up to $10,000 to help pay for adaptive equipment and exceptional education-related services. If you require an attendant at school, this amount increases to $12,000. As a grant, this money is yours to keep — there is nothing to repay. This is for you if you are a student living with a permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability and need specialized support to succeed in your studies. No deadline is posted publicly — before you start the application, check Government of British Columbia — StudentAid BC's program page or call their office to confirm when applications open and close this year. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — email, portal, or phone. How much you get depends on your need — ask StudentAid BC how they assess it. Ask Government of British Columbia — StudentAid BC during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Government of British Columbia — StudentAid BC whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You may be eligible if you meet these three requirements: you must be a student with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability; you must be enrolled at a designated private or public post-secondary institution in B.C.; and you must either be in developmental programs or courses (such as upgrading, English as a Second Language, or Accessible Education and Training) or be studying at the post-secondary level and have already used up all available funds through the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE). Crucially, you can only receive this grant once you have exhausted all funding from the CSG-DSE (the federal grant for services and equipment for students with disabilities).

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to college, undergraduate, graduate, trades or certificate students
• ✓ Resident of British Columbia
• ✓ Studying upgrading, English as a Second Language or Accessible Education and Training

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Check this year's deadline

   We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.

Tips for applying

• EquipmentAvoid requesting generic gear. Instead, provide a detailed list of the specific adaptive equipment you need and why it is necessary for your program. Get a written recommendation from your school's accessibility office.
• SupportAvoid submitting vague descriptions of your needs. Instead, include a clear letter from a healthcare professional detailing your permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability. Ensure the letter explains how the requested services directly support your learning.
• StrategyAvoid applying for this program first. Instead, apply for the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE) first, as you must exhaust those federal funds before you can access this B.C. grant.
• RealismAvoid assuming the full $10,000 or $12,000 is guaranteed. Instead, treat these as maximum ceilings. Budget based on the actual cost of the equipment and services you are requesting.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

• Government of British Columbia — StudentAid BCB.C. Supplemental Bursary for Students with Disabilities (SBSD)$800
• Government of British Columbia — StudentAid BCB.C. Access Grant for Students with Disabilities (BCAG-D)$1,560
• Gouvernement du Québec — Aide financière aux étudesAFE Loans and Bursaries Program (Programme de prêts et bourses)$14,000
• Toronto Metropolitan University - The Creative School / Shure Inc.Shure Award for Excellence in Sound Design (Image Arts)$5,000
• Calgary FoundationShannon Burwash Award for Leadership and Excellence in Equine, Agri-Business and/or Agricultural Studies$5,000
• York University - Faculty of Graduate StudiesYork University Graduate Bursaries
• Algonquin College / Canerector FoundationAlgonquin College Canerector Foundation Scholarship (Skilled Trades)$8,000
• University of TorontoU of T President’s Scholars of Excellence Program (PSEP)