Developing Leaders
For the Digital Economy
StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
The StrongerBC future skills grant is open to British Columbians aged 19 and over. It covers up to $3,500 of eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions. If you are enrolled in an eligible program, the grant can be applied to costs incurred between September 1, 2024, and February 28, 2025.
Student Eligibility
- Must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person entitled to study in Canada.
- Must be a BC resident and currently live in BC.
- Must be 19 or older or have graduated high school by the program's start date.
- Must consent for SFU to disclose learner information to the province.
- Should not receive duplicative or overlapping funding to cover eligible costs (i.e., grants, loans, scholarships, or another financing that covers the same program costs as the future skills grant).
- Must be enrolled in an eligible program.
- For more information visit the eligibility criteria checklist.
PLEASE NOTE:
- The future skills grant benefits may have tax implications.
- The grant is subject to a lifetime maximum of $3,500.
- If you receive 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 funding received is subject to review and audit.
- The grant applies only to programming that starts between September 1, 2024, and February 28, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the future skills grant work?
First, apply to the DTM program on our website. Please notice that those applying for the paid internship project will be a priority. Then, you will need to apply to use the future skills grant through the Ministry’s application portal. You are also required to set up a BC Services Card account for the BC Ministry’s future skills grant application. As a reminder, seats for grants are limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis for qualified candidates. The ministry will provide us (SFU) with the result of your future skills grant application directly. Upon approval, we will send you a link to finalize your program enrollment by agreeing to the terms and conditions and paying a $75 application fee to secure your seat.
Do I need to pay the program fees and then get reimbursed later?
No, the future skills grants are paid directly to the academic institution running the approved program. Program fees will be waived up to $3500 (i.e. a lifetime maximum).
Will there be any additional fees?
You must pay a $75 application fee per program. The future skills grant does not cover the application fee. The applicant is required to pay this fee. This fee is non-refundable.
When do I need to register?
Grant funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to register for eligible programs as soon as possible to prevent disappointment.
How do I know if I will receive the grant?
After you apply, you will receive a form asking eligibility questions for the grant. If you meet the eligibility criteria and acknowledge that you want to use the future skills grant, you will receive a confirmation email and a seat in the program. The ministry will also provide us (SFU) with the result of your future skills grant application.
Will I be taxed on the future skills grant?
Please consult the Canada Revenue Agency for tax advice. You will receive a T4A from SFU for the future skills grant and a T2202 form for tuition paid.
Can the grant be applied after I've already paid?
No. Before registering for programs, you must acknowledge that you want to use the future skills grant.
Can I get a refund?
We can provide refunds if requested at least two weeks before the program start date.
What happens to the funds if I withdraw from a program?
Once a course has started, we cannot provide refunds, and any future skills grants used to pay for the program will be forfeited.
Why isn't there an application fee if I pay the program fee in full?
The application fee is embedded within the program fee for participants who opt out of using the future skills grant.
I've already been approved to use the future skills grant for another program. How can I use it for a DIAL program?
There is a lifetime maximum of $3500 for the future skills grant. If you’ve already used the grant or are currently registered for another program, you will be asked to pay out of pocket for the remaining balance. Example: if you have already used $1000 of your future skills grant funds, you will be asked to pay $1000 in addition to using your remaining $2500 future skills grant funds, to cover the program fee of $3500.
DIAL's DTM program is eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant for a limited time. If you are a British Columbian resident 19 years and older, you can use the future skills grant to cover your entire program fee (a $3,500 value).
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Please contact our team if you have more questions about this limited-time opportunity.
You can find more details on the B.C. government’s StrongerBC future skills grant website.
Phone: 778.782.3193
Email: sfudial@sfu.ca