Camosun College
PA-8: Affordability and Access

As an institution located in the province of British Columbia, Camosun students from low income families have access to many federal and provincially funded programs. This includes: The Adult Upgrading Grant, Part Time Studies Assistance, Full time student loan application. All three programs provide grant opportunities (non-repayable funds) to low income students. Specific to Camosun, post-secondary level students may apply for bursaries twice per year. Bursaries are awarded primarily based on financial need and additional criteria as established by the donor with the Camosun Foundation. In collaboration with the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Camosun College Student Society, Camosun is able to offer emergency assistance to students encountering unforeseen financial emergencies preventing them from being able to continue with their academic pursuits. Camosun also provides additional supports (financial and academic) to aboriginal students and students studying with a permanent disability.

The Camosun Financial Aid & Awards and Camosun Foundation, through the financial support of many generous donors, are able to provide bursary opportunities for students demonstrating financial need. Bursary recipients will be studying full time in a post-secondary level program that leads to a credential. Within the various Schools at Camosun, students are selected for awards based on merit and in some cases financial need. Annually, Camosun’s Educational Council requests applications from students satisfying specific award criteria. One of these awards, is specifically for students who have overcome obstacles and barriers, including financial hardship, to be where they are today. This award is called the Donald Family Award.

BEST Program – Building Employment Success for Tomorrow training program is eligible for funding through the government Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) funding providing students an opportunity to explore career and educational opportunities and an introduction to the post-secondary environment. This program is fully funded through the provincial Adult Upgrading Grant for students from low income families and satisfying other eligibility criteria. Upgrading opportunities also funded by AUG provide accessibility and opportunity to low level and low income families.

Financial Aid & Awards (FAA) provides financial assistance, information, and services to students at both campuses. Financial Aid Advisors respond to enquiries pertaining to financial assistance and support students in applying to a variety of government and other funding sources including, but not limited to, scholarships, bursaries and awards. We strive to encourage students to make well-informed decisions with respect to their financial affairs while pursuing their educational goals. From original document emailed to FAA: The Financial Aid & Awards office helps students find ways to fund their education. From information on scholarships, bursaries, grants and loans to support with repaying loans and financial tips, financial Aid & Awards offers a number of resources for Camosun students.

Camosun Financial Aid & Awards provides student support for the administration of the government funded Part Time Studies Assistance program. This government funded program provides grant opportunities to students from low income families, students studying with a permanent disability, and students with dependents. It also provides loan possibilities for students studying part time from middle income families. The Part Time program provides funds to cover educational costs only (tuition, books/supplies, student fees, transportation and child care costs during enrolment). We also have an emergency fund called the Part Time Learners Bursary to assist students studying part time who are faced with an emergency situation during their enrolment.

Camosun College offers licenced child care facilities at both campus locations (Lansdowne and Interurban) for infants, toddlers and preschool aged children. In terms of enrolment, Camosun students have first priority, however the children of staff, faculty and members of the community are also welcome. Included in Camosun’s Student Socieyt Fees and Levies is a Child Care levy paid by all students to help subsidize the Child Care Centres for those students accessing the service. Twice annually parents of children in the Child Care facilities may apply for the Child Care bursaries. Bursaries are awarded to students with children in the child care centre based on financial need. Students are asked to submit applications in September and January each year. Additionally, parents may apply to the Ministry of Children and Family Development to see if they are eligible for BC Child Care Subsidy.

Students studying with a permanent disability - The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) provides a wide range of services and educational accommodations for students with a documented disability, including anxiety and depression. DRC faculty and staff are available on both campuses to arrange services and supports such as classroom and exam accommodations, accessibility assistance, and to act as a resource for students, faculty and staff. Camosun’s Disability Resource Centre is available to assist students to discover funding options, assess eligibility and even assist with their application(s). Aboriginal Students - The Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections (IECC) offers support services and Indigenous programs for Aboriginal students and provides links between Camosun College, students, local Aboriginal organizations and First Nations communities. Aboriginal Advisors will help you make educational and career decisions so that you can move forward with your goals. IECC, in partnership with the Camosun College Foundation, offers a series of awards to outstanding students.