Posted on November 23, 2021

Scholarships, bursaries, and awards support VCC Continuing Studies students

VCC Foundation director Nancy Nesbitt at VCC Student Awards

VCC Foundation director Nancy Nesbitt celebrates at our bi-annual Student Awards ceremony

Twice a year, Vancouver Community College (VCC) Continuing Studies students have an opportunity to access funds that can help make tuition payments easier. Scholarships, bursaries, and awards are some of the ways VCC supports students interested in upskilling and creating a path forward in their careers.

What is the difference between these three ways of getting financial help?

A scholarship is given in recognition of academic excellence or achievement.

An award is based on a broad range of criteria such as academic excellence, community involvement, leadership skills, financial need and more. How an award is distributed is determined by the donor and is meant to reflect their values and priorities.

A bursary is distributed based solely on financial need. These methods of support help students in all moments of their academic career, from entrance into a program, to those in the midst of their studies.

VCC Continuing Studies fashion, gemmology, building manager, and paralegal programs recognize students for their academic achievements; fashion design and fashion merchandising have awards that recognize the special talent required to work in these fields. Continuing Studies students also have access to several general college awards and a bursary system.

Courtney Copoc


“This award means so much! And, it’s extremely uplifting to be acknowledged and supported for all the hard work and dedication I have put into obtaining this certificate. I hope this inspires other Indigenous individuals to pursue their educational journey and always dream big.“

- Courtney Copoc, 2021 Studnt Union of VCC Award recipient


Thank you to our Students Union of VCC, Coinamatic, LandlordBC, GDI Integrated Facility Services, the British Columbia Paralegal Association, Chan Kent Foundation, the Levy family, and others that offer amazing support to our students.