Introduction
For many Canadians, the biggest question when considering post-secondary education isn’t “what should I study?” but “how can I afford it?” The good news is that if you’re a domestic student in British Columbia (BC), you have access to a variety of scholarships, grants, and funding programs to help pay for your education.
At Cornerstone Community College in Vancouver, we believe education should be accessible to everyone. Here’s a breakdown of scholarships and funding options that domestic students in BC can explore.
1. Government StudentAid BC
The BC government offers StudentAid BC, a program that provides both loans and grants for eligible students. Even if you don’t want loans, you may still qualify for grants (which don’t need to be repaid).
Examples include:
BC Access Grant – helps low- and middle-income students with tuition costs.
Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students – offers non-repayable funding for eligible students.
Grants for students with dependents or disabilities.
💡 Many students don’t realize that you can qualify for grants even while on Employment Insurance (EI).
💡 Download a free e-book on how to apply for student loans
2. Scholarships from Private Colleges
Private colleges like Cornerstone Community College often offer their own scholarship programs to support domestic students.
👉 Example: Cornerstone offers promotional contests, referral rewards, and program-based scholarships to help reduce tuition fees for Canadian students.
Always check the programs page or speak to admissions for the latest opportunities.
3. WorkBC Skills Training Programs
If you’re unemployed or underemployed, you may qualify for WorkBC-funded training. This government program can cover tuition, books, and even living expenses while you retrain for an in-demand career.
This is especially relevant for short-term diplomas in high-demand fields like:
4. Employer and Union Funding
Some employers and unions in BC offer tuition reimbursement programs or professional development funding. If you’re already working, ask your HR department or union representative about education support.
5. Cornerstone Referral Rewards
Domestic students at Cornerstone can also benefit from our student referral program, which offers tuition discounts when you refer friends or family who enroll in a diploma program.
💡 This is a unique way to lower your tuition while helping others find career-focused education.
Tips for Domestic Students in BC
Apply early for StudentAid BC to maximize funding opportunities.
Look for short-term diplomas (6–12 months) to reduce overall tuition costs.
Combine grants, scholarships, and payment plans for a debt-free education.
Reach out to admissions teams for personalized funding advice.
Conclusion
Paying for education in BC doesn’t have to mean taking on massive debt. With government grants, scholarships, WorkBC funding, and college-specific opportunities, domestic students in BC have multiple affordable pathways to upgrade their skills and start a new career.
👉 Learn more about our programs and talk to our admissions team about scholarships and funding options available to you.