Do I need to have been a permanent ward to qualify?

No. The threshold is 24 cumulative months in care. Includes voluntary care agreements, custody orders, and continuing custody orders.

Which schools participate?

All BC public post-secondary institutions (universities, colleges, institutes) participate. Private schools generally do not.

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Tuition waiver (school covers cost)

BC Former Youth in Care Tuition Waiver

Who funds it: Province of British Columbia.
Who qualifies: BC residents who were previously in care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (or a Delegated Aboriginal Agency) for at least 24 cumulative months. Up to age 26.
Amount range: Full tuition + mandatory fees waived at participating BC public post-secondary institutions. Some programs include living allowance support.
How to apply: Apply directly through the participating school's financial aid office. Eligibility is verified by MCFD or the Delegated Aboriginal Agency.
When to apply: Apply as soon as you are accepted — funding is allocated rolling.

Common pitfalls we see

Not realizing the waiver applies even years after leaving care — eligibility runs to age 26.
Assuming the waiver only covers tuition — many participating schools also waive mandatory fees, and some programs include living-cost support.
Confusing the BC waiver with similar programs in other provinces.

FAQ

Do I need to have been a permanent ward to qualify?: No. The threshold is 24 cumulative months in care. Includes voluntary care agreements, custody orders, and continuing custody orders.
Which schools participate?: All BC public post-secondary institutions (universities, colleges, institutes) participate. Private schools generally do not.

Our take

This is one of the most generous waivers available in BC for the population it serves — and one of the most under-applied because awareness is low. If you qualify, this should be your first call before any other funding.

Want help mapping this to your situation?

Free 30-minute Skillucate consultation. We will not submit anything for you — guidance only.

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Skillucate is independent — not StudentAid BC, not the Government of British Columbia, not the Government of Canada, not a school. We do not make funding decisions and do not guarantee approval, eligibility, amounts, or timelines. Information current as of 2026-05-10; verify with the funding body before applying.