Getting a post-secondary education is an important investment in your future. Just like any investment, you need to make a plan and find sources of funding. We can help. If you think you might need help funding your education, we strongly recommend that you discuss your needs with our Financial Assistance and Awards Advisor.
Please note: These awards are open to Canadian or Permanent Resident students only.
Application deadline: February 28, 2021
Apply for Bursaries and Scholarships
Application deadline: March 31, 2021
2021/2022 Entrance Scholarships
Deadline to apply: March 31, 2021.
College of the Rockies offers over $50,000 in entrance awards to first-time students entering into full time programs at the College.
The most valuable and prestigious scholarships awarded by the College. These awards are available to all East Kootenay Secondary Schools Students with a minimum of 85% grade average in their completed grade 11 and 12 academic classes.
Students can receive up to 2 years of free tuition! (a value of approximately up to $7,000)
Open to all East or West Kootenay Secondary School students who have a minimum 75 percent grade average in their completed grade 11 and 12 academic classes.
Awards are from $500 up to one year of free tuition!
A $1,000 tuition scholarship for a Mount Baker Secondary School graduate entering first or second level of an approved Apprenticeship Trades Training program:
Assessments for awards are considered on the student's academic merit, performance. Applicants must submit a reference form from an instructor or employer that identifies the student's potential for program completion.
Apply online: Entrance Scholarship Application Form
After you have completed your Grade 12 first semester, obtain an official Secondary School transcript containing completed and in progress courses. (You can obtain these from your secondary school office or your provincial Ministry of Education and it must included your fall semesters marks) You must supply a copy to Financial Aid and a copy to Admissions.
Mail or drop off your documents by the deadline to:
College of the Rockies
Financial Assistance and Awards Office
PO Box 8500, 2700 College Way
Cranbrook BC, V1C 5L7
Note: Entrance Scholarship application deadline is March 31, 2021.
Apply for Entrance Scholarship
2021/2022 Entrance Bursaries
Entrance Bursary Application Form
The Career and Job Fair Entrance Award is for students entering into the Business Administration or Bachelor of Business Administration Program for the first time. Two awards of $1,500 will be presented to students entering directly from high school and four awards of $1,500 will be awarded to a mature student over 20 years of age entering college for the first time.
The Chevron Canada/Molnar Entrance Bursary for $1,000 is to be awarded to a student entering into the Engineering or University Studies Sciences Program at College of the Rockies with plans to continue to a degree program and pursue a career in engineering or the science field. Financial need and academic achievement may be considered. Preference will be given to a single parent or a mature student who is returning to school to change careers.
The College of the Rockies Entrance Award for Licensed Practical Nursing is a $1,000 scholarship each year for new students entering the Practical Nursing program in September.
College of the Rockies Entrance Awards for University Studies - Arts and Sciences is a $1,000 scholarship for new students entering University Studies in Arts or Sciences for Fall 2020-21.
A $250 bursary offered to a mature student from the East or West Kootenay entering any Health Sciences program for the first time and has demonstrated financial need.
A $1000 bursary awarded to an Automotive Service Technician student in the Foundation program or any level of apprenticeship training. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents from Creston, BC.
The Professional Cook Training Entrance Bursary is for new students entering into the Professional Cook Training program - Cook 1 in September 2021.
Eligibility and How to Apply:
This $250 entrance bursary is being offered this year to a student entering into the Fine Arts Certificate Program for the first time and has demonstrated financial need.
This $1,000 entrance award is for a female or male student form the East or West Kootenay in financial need entering into the Fire Services Training program. Financial need, volunteerism and community spirit will be considered.
The Elk Valley Resident Entrance Bursaries are open to first-year students entering a full-time post-secondary program at College of the Rockies. Elk Valley Resident Entrance Bursaries, ranging from $250 tuition bursary to $1,000 tuition bursary, are available to students who demonstrate financial need.
The Kimberley Resident Entrance Bursaries are open to first-year students entering a full-time post-secondary program at College of the Rockies. Kimberley Resident Entrance Bursaries, ranging from $250 tuition bursary to $1,000 tuition bursary, are available to students who demonstrate financial need.
The Kootenay Resident Entrance Bursaries are open to East or West Kootenay first-year students entering an eligible full-time program at College of the Rockies. Kootenay Resident Entrance Bursaries, ranging from a $250 to $1000 tuition bursary are available to students who demonstrate financial need.
Student Loan Information helps eligible students with the cost of their post-secondary education through loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships and special programs. If you do not meet StudentAid BC residency guidelines, apply for other provincial loan programs for the province where you last resided for 12 consecutive months.
Thousands of dollars in Bursaries and Scholarships are available to students who are either entering College of the Rockies for the first time, or are currently enrolled in a full-time program.
There are two main types of financial awards: Scholarships and Bursaries
2020 Erasing Barriers Fund for Applied Education
Ten (10) - $2,000 bursaries
$2,000 bursaries from the 2020 Erasing Barriers Fund for Applied Education will be awarded to ten economically disadvantaged students at College of the Rockies. Applicants must be enrolled in any of the following programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Dental Assistant; Early Childhood Education; Education Assistant; Health Care Assistant; Practical Nursing; Automotive Service Technician Foundation; Carpenter Foundation; Electrician Foundation; Hairstylist Foundation; Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Foundation; Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Foundation; or Professional Cook. Bursaries will be awarded to those who face financial barriers yet demonstrate the work ethic and ambition to become economically self-sufficient following their applied program of study.
To apply, complete the online application form and submit by February 28, 2021.
Adult Upgrading Grant
Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG), formerly ABESAP, provides needs-based grants to students enrolled in developmental programs. These grants are intended to off set the costs associated with tuition, fees, books, unsubsidized childcare and transportation for students most in need of financial assistance.
To be considered for an Adult Upgrading Grant, a student must meet all the following criteria:
Print and complete the Adult Upgrading Grant application form then submit it with your Tax assessment and registration documentation to the Financial Assistance and Awards Office for approval.
If you need assistance with the application, or cannot fill it in on line, please contact the Financial Assistance and Awards office or Student Services to pick up a paper copy.
College of the Rockies / SIDIT Awards Program
The College of the Rockies/Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust Post-Secondary Awards Program is designed to assist students pursuing post-secondary education/training in all programs. These awards will be based on financial need and will range from $250 to $1000.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the post-secondary College of the Rockies/SIDIT awards.
Selection:
The emphasis for award selection will be on financial need. The budget must be filled in with this application.
Application instructions:
Columbia Basin Trust Bursaries
The Columbia Basin Trust’s Bursaries are designed to assist students of the Columbia Basin in need pursuing post-secondary education/training in the region. These bursaries are based demonstrated financial need and community service/volunteerism will be considered. The awards are from $250 to $1,000. You must apply to be considered.
Eligibility and How to Apply:
Applications are now closed.
CIBC Future Heroes Bursary
Our friends at CIBC are graciously donating $500,000 over the next two years (2020 and 2021), to help the next generation of health care professionals realize their goals. This two year initiative will support 300 students, like you, entering the first year of a healthcare program with a $2,500 bursary.
Two (2) bursaries will be awarded to College of the Rockie's students entering their program in Fall 2020
Eligibility:
Domestic students entering first year studies in Practical Nursing, Biology & Medicine Pre-Major, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.
Application is now closed.
Dual Credit Awards
How would you like to take a college course for free?* That's exactly what you'll get if you are one of the first qualified applicants for one of our 35 tuition awards.
Students are entitled to earn "dual credit" if they earn credit that leads to a post-secondary credential from a post-secondary institution which is a member of the British Columbia Transfer System or offered in French through the auspices of Educacentre.
We're offering regional secondary students tuition awards for Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 dual credit University Studies courses (online and face-to-face). Awards are granted to the first qualified applicants. Apply Now!!
Number of awards available
First, Download and complete the Dual Credit Award Application which includes a Dual Credit School Permission Form and submit them to College of the Rockies.
Next, Download Application Form or Apply Online (Note: $30 application fee will be waived)
Note: Permission from your school Principal/Counsellor is required before final acceptance to College of the Rockies is granted.
Please note: If you do not qualify for the Dual Credit Award you can still take a dual credit course at the College of the Rockies but must submit a completed permission form from your school with your application. Regular fees will apply.
* The value of the award is equal to the tuition cost for one 3-credit course (excluding textbook)
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), attending a BC public post-secondary institution(s) and who meet the following criteria:
The intent is to take an inclusive approach. If an individual falls outside of the above eligibility criteria, government will consider exceptions on an individual basis.*Includes both in-care and out-of-care arrangements.
Students must complete a Tuition Waiver Request to disclose information to validate the students eligibility with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and submit to the financial aid and awards office.
Indigenous Scholarships and Awards
The Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society is offering two great awards for Indigenous students.
International Learning Abroad Scholarships
Irving K. Barber British Columbia International Scholarships will be given to British Columbia students who are chosen, on a competitive basis, from a pool of eligible applicants pursuing part of their post-secondary studies, co-op experiences, internship, and other approved experiential learning activities overseas. Successful applicants must clearly demonstrate academic merit as well as links between their study/work abroad experience and their educational and personal goals.
Please note that applications for the Irving K. Barber British Columbia International Scholarship are are not being accepted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Awards from $1,000 - $3500
Irving K. Barber British Columbia International Scholarships will be given to British Columbia students who are chosen, on a competitive basis, from a pool of eligible applicants pursuing part of their post-secondary studies, co-op experiences, internship, and other approved experiential learning activities overseas. Successful applicants must clearly demonstrate academic merit as well as links between their study/work abroad experience and their educational and personal goals.
The One World scholarship program is open to eligible College of the Rockies students who are BC residents and enrolled in a program of at least one year in length, leading to a credential.
The study or work abroad program must carry:
5 - 10 scholarships worth $6000 to $10,000 each
The Premier's Scholarship is open to eligible College of the Rockies students enrolled in a program of at least one year in length, leading to a credential. Students must have been accepted into a study or work abroad program that forms an integral part of their credential studies. Recipients are selected on a competitive basis from a pool of applicants across the province who are pursuing a portion of their post-secondary academic studies overseas. Selection of scholarship candidates will be based on criteria such as academic excellence, community and/or institutional involvement and suitability for study/work abroad.
How to apply: Visit the IKBBC website for more information and to find the application .
Deadline to apply: March 31, 2021
Please note that applications for the Irving K. Barber British Columbia International Scholarship are are not being accepted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
There are enormous benefits to studying abroad. However, the cost to take part may be a barrier to some students. To reduce the costs of College-organized field schools, field trips and semesters abroad, the College provides International Travel Learning Awards to eligible students. The purpose of College of the Rockies International Learning Travel Awards is to help offset costs for:
Eligibility:
Amount Available:
For full-time semester abroad studies:
For field schools or field trips abroad:
How to apply:
International Students' Scholarships
International Student Excellence Scholarships are open to current College of the Rockies International Students who were enrolled in the Fall 2020 semester.
College of the Rockies International Student Excellence Scholarships are open to College of the Rockies international students planning to return to College of the Rockies and enrol in University Studies, Business Administration, Tourism or Recreation Management, and other programs as approved by the Awards Committee in the Spring or Fall of 2021.
Up to five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to successful applicants. Assessments for awards are considered on student academic merit, community involvement, and an assessment of performance from one of your current instructors.
How to apply:
Complete and submit the International Student Excellence Scholarship Application Form
Teck Scholarships
The Teck Scholarship offers six, $2,000 scholarships to students entering College of the Rockies in the Heavy Mechanical or Electrician Foundation program in the fall or winter semester. These scholarships will be awarded to two female students, two Ktunaxa Nation members and two other students in either program.
Complete the Teck Scholarship Application Form and submit by January 15, 2021, for the winter start of Electrician Foundation.
Irving K Barber Transfer Scholarships
$5000 Scholarships
The Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship program has been established through the support of Irving K. Barber and the Province of British Colombia. It provides scholarships for students transferring from public colleges to other public institutions in British Columbia to complete their degrees.
The goals of the scholarship program are to increase educational opportunities for students from public colleges across BC and to recognize outstanding public college students by providing them with scholarships to complete their degrees in British Columbia. Students from other post secondary institutions, but excluding research universities, may also be eligible for scholarships if they must transfer elsewhere to complete their degree program.
The Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship Program is open to students who, after completing two years of study at an eligible sending institution must transfer their credits into full-time studies at another post-secondary institution in BC to complete their degree. Successful applicants must clearly demonstrate academic merit as well as significant involvement in their community and/or school.
Application and deadline information will be announced at a later date.
Lieutenant-Governor's Medal
The Lieutenant-Governor's Medal was established in 1979 by the Ministry of Advanced Education. The Medal is awarded to full time students to recognize excellence in vocational and career programs two years or less and has now been expanded to include two-year diploma programs, as well as four-year undergraduate programs. Eligible recipients include British Columbia residents, out-of-province and international students in good standing enrolled in their last year of studies who will graduate during the academic year.
Also new, students will be now nominated for demonstrating outstanding contributions in support of inclusion, democracy and/or reconciliation on campus or in their community. Nominations will be submitted to the Financial Aid and Awards Office by the deadline. The recipient will then be chosen by the Scholarship and Awards Committee and presented at the graduation ceremony.
Nominations are now closed.
Demonstration of one or more of the criteria will be required to identify an award recipient.
Students must be nominated for one or more of the following criteria:
Inclusion and Diversity are sources of strength and at the heart of the success of B.C. communities.
This award criterion recognizes students who have promoted diversity and inclusion on campus or in their community. Students must demonstrate strong collaboration and unifying efforts, through the promotion and display of tolerance, and respect for others. Institutions may wish to consider the significance, impact and outcome of a student’s contribution, and the personal example set by the student, when making nominations under this category.
Examples:
This criterion recognizes students who have strengthened democracy through civic engagement or the advancement of human rights. Students must demonstrate recognition of the fundamental rights and dignity of all persons at a local, national or global level. Institutions may wish to consider the significance, impact and outcome of a student’s contribution, and the personal example set by the student, when making nominations under this category.
It is important to note that the Lieutenant Governor’s medal program for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation is a non-partisan award. Activities directly tied to or coordinated by a political party or movement are not considered grounds for nomination.
Examples:
- A student may be recognized for their contribution to student governance or promoting social change and public discourse on campus, in their community or online.
- A student may be recognized who has supported, advocated or empowered minority rights and/or the most vulnerable in society such as those with mental health or addiction challenges, the homeless, new immigrant youth or refugees.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada urgently called Canadians to take action to transform society by establishing a renewed relationship with indigenous peoples.
This criterion recognizes students who have answered this call to Reconciliation and are undertaking important efforts to heal their communities.
Institutions may wish to consider the significance, impact and outcome of a student’s contribution, and the personal example set by the student, when making nominations under this category.
Examples:
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit the Volunteer section on our Student Job Board!
Do you want to volunteer?
Volunteer Kootenays can link you to organizations looking for volunteers whether you want a long term position or a one time experience. Volunteer Kootenays can help you reach your volunteer goal whether its just for fun, to build your skills, to meet an expectation of school or community service or to build your connection to the community.
Volunteer Kootenays can put you in touch with other Community Agencies to fill a variety of volunteer positions.
Volunteer Kootenays
Phone: 250-426-8019
Website: http://kootenays.cmha.bc.ca/get-involved/volunteer
Additional Info and Resources
Any award may be withheld, reduced, or cancelled for any of the following reasons:
Please note that at the present time all of the awards listed here are available only for Canadian or landed immigrant students, unless otherwise stated in the award's eligibility or selection criteria.
To be eligible for a College of the Rockies financial award, students must be enrolled full-time (minimum 60% course load) in a College of the Rockies program. If a student can demonstrate that they are carrying the maximum course load possible in some circumstances, exceptions can be made.
Students with disabilities, including those who are on a reduced course load, are eligible to be considered for awards. Students must identify themselves to the Financial Aid office and must have documentation of the disability.
Except where the terms and conditions of an award specifically state otherwise, award recipients must return to the College of the Rockies or another public post-secondary institution in the next academic semester/year and enrol in a full-time program.
Except where the donor directs otherwise, the proceeds of awards issued by or through the College of the Rockies and the College of the Rockies Foundation will be applied towards tuition fees for the upcoming academic semester. Deferral of an award for up to one year may be granted on written application to the Registrar’s office.
Other external scholarship and award websites:
Student Emergency Loan Fund:
Short-term loans may be made to students requiring immediate funds for educational or survival purposes. You must make an appointment for an interview with the Financial Assistance and Awards Advisor to apply for an emergency loan.
Student Lines of Credit:
Student lines of credit are different from traditional government loans because, once approved, you only take out what you need, when you need it, as many times as you want (up to your credit limit). And, you pay interest only on the funds that you use.
The Repayment Assistance Program (RAP) is available to students who cannot afford to pay their student loan payments.
If you are finished your program and cannot make your student loan payments then you need to contact the National Student Loan program and apply for RAP.
They may pay part or all of your student loan payment.
Apply on line at https://csnpe-nslsc.cibletudes-canlearn.ca/
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-8264
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687 x3264
Email: financialaid@cotr.bc.ca
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