Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)
Win one of 16 bursaries worth $2,500–$5,000 if you are a newcomer to BC heading into post-secondary — applications usually open in May each year.
Published by G Paul · last checked May 2, 2026
ISSofBC's Education Bursary Awards are a portfolio of named bursaries — 22 awards distributing more than $60,000 in 2025 — for current and former Immigrant Services Society of BC clients pursuing post-secondary studies at accredited BC institutions. ISSofBC was incorporated in 1972 and has been serving newcomers in British Columbia continuously since 1968, making it the largest multicultural immigrant-serving agency in western Canada. The bursaries exist because ISSofBC has watched generations of clients arrive with strong qualifications but no financial bridge for retraining or recognition — these awards close that specific gap. Bursary amounts come in three tiers: $2,500, $3,000, and $5,000. Each is named after a donor or sector and carries its own focus. The Wolfgang Strigel Bursary ($5,000) supports STEM studies. The Stocking & Cumming Bursary ($5,000) backs business-related programs and prioritizes applicants engaged in community service. The Manning Elliott LLP Bursary ($3,000) is for accounting and business. The Jim Tallman Volunteer Bursary ($2,500) targets students heading into legal careers, and the Thrive Refuge Bursary ($2,500) is for music or fine arts students. Each bursary is one-time per recipient — you apply for the cycle in which you need the funds. To qualify you must be a current or former ISSofBC client (used services within the past three years), be admitted to an accredited BC post-secondary institution, demonstrate financial need, and show a record of community involvement. Applications for the 2026 awards open in May 2026 — apply directly through issbc.org/about/educationawards.
Current or former ISSofBC client within the past three years. Pursuing post-secondary at an accredited BC institution. Demonstrate financial need. Many sub-awards require refugee protection status (protected person or PR). Specific eligibility varies by sub-award.
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.
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.
Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.
Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) gives the deadline as "Annual (typically opens May)". Check their page for this year's date.
No. You need to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person or refugee.
FundMyCourse.ca · checked May 2, 2026
Annual (typically opens May)
$2,500-$5,000 across 16 awards
fundmycourse.ca/scholarships/issofbc-education-bursary-awards