StrongerBC future skills grant
About the StrongerBC future skills grant
The StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG) is open to British Columbians aged 19 years or older regardless of financial need. The grant covers up to a lifetime maximum of $3,500 per learner for eligible course costs associated with short-term skills training at public universities and colleges in BC.
We are pleased to confirm there will be additional StrongerBC future skills grant funded programming available in the Fall (September) 2024 term. This funding will be available to new learners, as well as learners who have already accessed FSG funding, without reaching the lifetime maximum of $3,500.00.
The government is committed to providing high-quality and relevant learning opportunities for learners and employers. That is why the government will be refreshing the list of programs funded under the StrongerBC future skills grant beginning in Fall 2024. This will allow the government to offer, in fall 2024, more diverse and updated skills training options for British Columbians who want to access well-paid, high opportunity occupations. Please stay tuned for the refreshed list of program offerings, which will be posted in summer 2024. We thank you for your interest and enthusiasm in the StrongerBC future skills grant program.
TRU will update our website with 2024 offerings once available.
Student Eligibility
To be eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant, you:
- Must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person entitled to study in Canada.
- Must be B.C. residents and currently live in BC.
- Must be 19 years or older or have graduated high school by the start of your course/program.
- Must provide consent for TRU to disclose your information to the Province.
- Must not be receiving duplicative and/or overlapping funding to cover eligible costs (i.e. grants, loans, scholarships, or other funding that covers the same program costs as the StrongerBC future skills grant)
You should also understand that:
- FSG benefits may have tax implications
- The FSG is subject to a lifetime maximum of $3,500
- Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
- If you are receiving any federal or provincial benefit, such as Employment Insurance (EI) or BC Employment Assistance (BCEA), you must seek approval from the appropriate government body before participating in a program
- The amount of FSG funding you receive is subject to review and audit.
Eligible Programs
Please stay tuned for the refreshed list of program offerings, which will be posted in summer 2024. We thank you for your interest and enthusiasm in the StrongerBC future skills grant program.
TRU will update our website with 2024 offerings once available.
How to Apply
Applications to the eligible programs with FSG funding are currently closed. Applications for Fall 2024 programs will open later this summer.
StrongerBC future skills grant and Program FAQs
I'm not sure if I am eligible to receive this funding. Who do I ask to find out?
You can email futureskillsgrant@gov.bc.ca to find out if you are eligible.
Are all TRU programs eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant?
No, only specified TRU programs are eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant.
Will these courses and programs appear on my official TRU transcript?
Yes, these courses are all transcriptable and will count towards your overall TRU GPA.
You can formally withdraw from your course(s) up to the end of week 13 of the course and receive a “W” (Withdrawal) grade, which will not impact your GPA.
If you do not formally withdraw within 13 weeks of your course start date, and you complete some but not all mandatory coursework by the course completion date, you will receive a final grade of “DNC” (Did Not Complete) as per Final Grades policy Grading Systems – ED 3-5.
What if my tuition and fees total more than my StrongerBC future skills grant lifetime maximum of $3,500?
Once you are registered in your courses, if your tuition and fees total more than the StrongerBC future skills grant lifetime maximum of $3,500, you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance, in accordance with TRU tuition and fee payment deadlines.
I have questions about the StrongerBC future skills grant and possible tax implications. Who do I contact?
You can email futureskillsgrant@gov.bc.ca and they will be able to assist you with specific questions about the future skills grant.
Questions? We're here to help.
Email student@tru.ca
Call Enrolment Services at 250-852-7000 or 1-800-663-9711 (toll-free in Canada)
This project was funded by the Government of Canada through the Province of British Columbia.
