Scholarship · School programs · BC Ministry of Education and Child Care

BC Provincial Scholarships (Achievement, District/Authority, Excellence, Pathway to Teacher Education)

Four BC scholarships for graduating students, worth $1,250 to $5,000. Two need an application, due mid-February 2027 or set by the school, and one is automatic.

Last checked October 4, 2026 against the official page

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What do I need to do?

Ask the school counsellor how nominations work this year

Who acts
Parent and student
Preparation
Some preparation Some need a school nomination and a written application
Eligible grades
Grades 11–12
Format
Achievement is automatic. The others are online or school applications.
Cost
Free to apply.
Official site
www2.gov.bc.ca

Key dates

  • ConfirmedBC Excellence and Pathway applications openLate fall 2026
  • ConfirmedBC Excellence and Pathway applications dueFebruary 2027 (mid-February)
  • ExpectedDistrict/Authority recipients told by the districtSpring 2027
  • ExpectedExcellence and Pathway conditional recipients toldEarly June 2027 (2026: early June)
  • ExpectedAchievement and District/Authority notices postedNovember 2027, after graduation

Confirmed official date · Expected based on last year · Not announced yet

What it is

BC Achievement Scholarship ($1,250): automatic. It goes to the 8,000 graduates with the top average in the courses used to graduate. Students need at least 73% (B) in Language Arts 12.

District/Authority Scholarship ($1,250): students apply through their school or district for outstanding work in an area such as fine arts, trades, languages, sport or community service. Each district sets its own rules and dates.

BC Excellence Scholarship ($5,000): 55 awards for service and leadership. Students need a nomination from their school, then send a written statement, a resume and two reference letters.

Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship ($5,000): 20 awards for students planning to become K–12 teachers. Students can apply for both this and BC Excellence but can win only one.

Excellence and Pathway also need at least a B average in Grade 11 and 12 graduation courses, so Grade 11 marks count.

Scholarships are paid as vouchers that reimburse tuition. Students must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents (part of the core rules).

A good fit if: Grade 12 students heading to post-secondary or trades training in BC, and Grade 11 students building their record.

How to register

  1. BC Excellence: ask the school counsellor about the school nomination in the fall, then apply online. The 2027 application opens late fall 2026 and is due in February 2027.
  2. Pathway to Teacher Education: apply online on the same timeline. No school nomination is listed.
  3. District/Authority: ask the school or district office for local criteria and dates. Independent school students apply through FISA.
  4. Set up a StudentTranscripts Service account. Results are posted there in the fall after graduation.

How to prepare

  • Start a list of school and community activities in Grade 11. Excellence and Pathway both ask for two references, one for school and one for community.
  • Read last year's application and marking guide on the ministry page to see what the written statement is scored on.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 11, Grade 12.

Common questions

Do students apply for the BC Achievement Scholarship?

No. It's automatic. The ministry calculates an average from the courses used to graduate and gives $1,250 to the top 8,000 graduates.

When is the BC Excellence Scholarship due?

The 2027 application opens late fall 2026 and is due in February 2027. Students need their school's nomination.

How long do students have to use a provincial scholarship?

Five years for Achievement, District/Authority and Excellence. Seven years for Pathway to Teacher Education.

What comes next

Scholarship · School programs

Loran Award

A national award for character and service worth about $150,000 over four years. Applications for 2027 close October 15, 2026 at 9 a.m. Pacific.

Grades 11–12Free to applySignificant preparationScholarship · School programs

Schulich Leader Scholarships

STEM scholarships of $100,000 (science, technology, math) or $120,000 (engineering). Each high school nominates one student by January 27, 2027.

Grade 12Free to applySome preparation

Sources

Last checked October 4, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.