RNFBC’s mission is to support BC nursing students to strengthen their skills through the pursuit of basic and advanced education, thereby enhancing the quality of nursing care provided to British Columbians. To achieve this, RNFBC raises money to provide bursaries to nursing students in all program levels.
APPPLICATION PROCESS
The 2023 application process will open by June 26. If you are interested in applying this year, please carefully review the information below, and check back after June 26th.
Our standard award at the present time is $1000. Applicants who meet the relevant criteria for any bursary are chosen at random, and each applicant has an equal chance of receiving an award.
Each year is treated on an individual basis, and we encourage you to apply every year you are enrolled in nursing studies, even if you have applied for and/or received a bursary in previous years.
You may apply for all bursaries for which you are eligible. However, please note that each applicant is awarded one bursary.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Completed applications must be received BEFORE midnight, September 15. Applicants selected to receive bursaries will be notified by email, and will then be required to provide proof of current enrollment or graduation within the calendar year.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
1. Be residents of British Columbia.
2. Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
3. Include any specific documentation that proves eligibility based on requirements listed.
4. Provide documentation that confirms enrolment in any term within the calendar year.
NURSING DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of the bursary application process, “nurse” is defined as:
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)
- Nurse Practitioners (NP)
- Registered Nurses (RN)
- Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN)
Please Note: Some RNFBC bursaries are now open to students in LPN and RPN programs, and to nurses enrolled in some specialty/ certificate programs offered through BCCNM or CNA.
WHICH BURSARIES CAN I APPLY FOR?
Bursary eligibility is based on the level of study and type of program in which you are enrolled. Some bursaries also have additional requirements based on the wishes of the donors that must be met in order to be eligible.
The application form will AUTOMATICALLY enroll you in the general bursaries for which you qualify based on your level of study. The application form will also present you with a list of the additional bursaries that have special requirements over and above your level of study for which you can apply.
Please note that bursaries are drawn at random for anyone meeting the eligibility criteria.
GENERAL BURSARIES
Here are the general bursaries by level of study for which you will AUTOMATICALLY be enrolled. Please note that these will not appear on the application form.
Bursaries For Diploma Students:
Green Bursary
Holmes Bursary
RNFBC Diploma Bursary
Willett Estate Bursary
Bursaries For Undergraduate Students:
American Woman’s Club of Vancouver Bursary
Green Bursary
Holmes Bursary
Kergin Baccalaureate Bursary
Lee Bell Ure Bursary
Lockridge Bursary
McIlraith Memorial Bursary
Publicover Bursary
RNABC Nursing Education
RNFBC Undergraduate Award
Willett Estate Bursary
Bursaries For Graduate Studies:
Challenge Bursary
Grantham Bursary
Green Bursary
Holmes Bursary
Lockridge Bursary
Paulson – Code Bursary
Publicover Bursary
Willett Estate Bursary
Bursaries For Certificate Programs:
Green Bursary
Holmes Bursary
Publicover Bursary
Willett Estate Bursary
Section B
RNFBC BURSARY SUPPORTED EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Supported programs include:
- Preparatory nursing education program or re-entry program to practice nursing in British Columbia *
- Graduate nursing programs (e.g. MN, MScN, NP, PhD).
- Nursing certification programs:
- Program of education that advances professional nursing practice (e.g. health education, public health, community nursing, informatics, administration, health care leadership, and research).
*The lists of preparatory programs recognized by BCCNM are available on the Study to be a Nurse page of their website.
Please Note: Professional development education may not be supported unless it is within an official program that advances professional nursing practice. Programs and courses not described above will be reviewed by the RNFBC Bursary Committee for eligibility.
FAQ’s
How much is the bursary application fee?
The RNFBC bursary application fee is $35 and you will be prompted to pay on-line prior to starting your application.
Application fees are non-refundable.
Can I apply for more than one bursary?
Yes. You can apply for all the bursaries for which you are eligible. Please note each applicant is awarded a maximum of one bursary.
Can I apply for a bursary if I am studying outside BC?
Yes, if you are in a graduate/certificate program that is online / situated outside of BC, you may still apply for a bursary.
NOTE: you will need provide documentation that you are a current resident of BC. Proof includes a valid driver’s license or BC Services card. Other acceptable documents include a utilities bill with address and your name dated within the last 3 months.
What documentation will be accepted as proof of BC residency?
To be eligible to apply, you must be a resident of BC. Accepted proof of residency includes:
- Valid driver’s license
- BC Services card.
- Utilities bill with address and your name dated within the last 3 months.
We are unable to accept:
- Passports
- Permanent Residency
- Birth Certificates
How can I show proof of enrolment when I am applying for a bursary?
First year students: copy of acceptance letter.
Second year students: copy of registered course list for current / upcoming term.
Certificate programs: copy of registration or certificate of completion (if completed within the calendar year).
What do I need to supply as proof of being descendant of a SON graduate?
Acceptable documents include photocopy of the graduate’s diploma and/or letter of explanation including relationship to graduate.
Will I be required to supply my Social Insurance Number?
You are required to provide your Social Insurance Number if you are selected to receive a bursary in order to issue a T4A tax form. This personal data is kept confidential and secure.
Are bursaries retroactive for courses already completed?
Bursaries are for the current calendar year. If you completed your studies in the current calendar year, proof of course completion must be submitted.
How will I know my application has been submitted?
You will see a message on your screen confirming submission. You can take a screen shot of this message for your records.
How are bursaries awarded?
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for any bursary are chosen at random, and each has an equal chance of receiving an award.
NOTE: RNFBC Bursaries are not awarded based on the severity of financial need. It is our understanding that any applicant undertaking studies has a degree of financial need.
What are the expectations if I am selected to receive a bursary?
You will be notified by email if you are selected to receive a bursary, at which time you will be required to:
- Sign an agreement
- Agree to notify RNFBC if your mailing address changes before the bursary has been issued
- Provide proof of enrolment:
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- Students: copy of registered course list for current term
- Certificate programs: current registration or certificate of completion (if completed within the calendar year)
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- Provide your current mailing address
- Provide your social insurance number (in order to issue a T4A tax form)
- Submit a letter of thanks to the bursary donor.