Because you’re worth it!

Applying for funding to study at college, university or trades school takes a little time, effort, and patience – but what a difference it can make.

Have a question about funding that isn't covered here?
See our Frequently Asked Questions or call us at (250) 724-5757.

Application Deadlines

*Note: Students must apply to each year to receive funding for that year.

To Apply for Funding for Programs Which Start in the Fall Term:

Students must have their NTC Post-Secondary Funding Applications to the NTC Post-Secondary Funding Program no later than March 1st at 4:30 pm each year.  Where March 1st falls on a non-business day, applications will be due to the NTC by end of the next business day at 4:30 pm. 

To Apply for Funding for Programs with a Winter Term, Spring Term, or Summer Term Start Date: 

Students must have submitted their Post-Secondary Funding Applications to the NTC Post-Secondary Funding Program no later than August 1st at 4:30 pm each year.  Where August 1st falls on a non-business day, applications will be due to the NTC by end of the next business day at 4:30 pm.

Applying For Post-Secondary Funding with NTC

Post-Secondary Education is one of the most challenging experiences to go through. It is also one of the most rewarding. If you are graduating high school, or have been out of high school for a while, it is important to have a guide of which steps to take to map our your own success story. Below you will find a few tips on what to look out for and to consider when deciding to pursue post-secondary education.

Please know that while many K-12 schools provide opportunities to develop strong academic skills, not every school does. This may mean that while you have graduated with a diploma, the academic skills you acquired may not prepare you well for entry into post-secondary programs. Also, with Post-Secondary Education, the learning is not all academic! There are a number of responsibilities and skills which will need to be assumed by students who are entering into post-secondary education. Fortunately, there is help available through the NTC Post-Secondary Funding Program, from your First Nation, and from the public post-secondary institutions themselves.

Here are some steps which may help you to get started.

Step #1: Plan Ahead

• First, it’s good to know what kind of time commitment different programs require. If you are going to attend full time, the time commitment is generally as follows:
  
  • Certificates – 1 year full-time
  • Diplomas – 2 years full-time
  • Bachelor’s degree – 4 years full-time
  • Do keep in mind that often programs, Bachelor’s programs especially, will take longer than this to complete and that’s perfectly ok and normal! Go at your own pace and what works best for you and your needs.
• Public vs Private Institutions
  
  • Public institutions offer more support and deliver accredited programs
  • Private institutions cost more and NTC funding will not cover the additional cost. Do not sign an agreement with a Private institution until you’re sure you can pay for the additional cost.
• What program do you want to take and what end (career) goal are you looking to achieve?
• If you know what career you want to be in, research what you need in order to achieve that. You may also need certain designations in order to do certain jobs, and might need to complete a certain program or complete a certain number of hours towards that designation. Essentially, reverse engineer your dream job or career right to the starting point!
• If you don’t know what program to take or what career you want to end up in, you could:
  
  • Determine what interests you and potential careers or programs from that you could take
  • Look up what jobs will be in high demand in the coming years and choose something that interests you
    • This WorkBC website has some helpful information: https://www.workbc.ca/Labour-Market-Industry/High-Opportunity-Occupations.aspx
• Once you’ve narrowed down what program you want to take, find out what schools the program is available at and consider the following for each:
  
  • Location – is this close to home, or will I have to move?
  • Entrance requirements for the program – do I currently meet the requirements? If not, will I have to do some upgrading, or is there another school with the same or similar program where I already meet the entrance requirements?
• Make an appointment with NTC’s Post-Secondary Counsellor or Student Success Specialist. It’s helpful both for you and for us to do some of the above things first before your appointment
• You will have to order/send transcripts to the institution(s) that you apply to
  
  • This website is helpful for how to do that: https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/plan/apply/transcripts

Step #2: Review the NTC Post-Secondary Policy

• The NTC Post-Secondary Policy can be found here.
• This step is extremely important. The Post-Secondary Policy informs you of everything you need to know about including but not limited to:
  
  • Applying
  • Late applications
  • What happens after you apply
  • When you can expect to hear from us regarding your funding application
  • How to ensure a higher likelihood that you will be able to access funding
  • Living allowance amounts
  • What the funding will and will not cover
  • How to remain in good standing in order to keep your funding and ensure that there is no interruption to your funding
  • Your responsibilities to NTC as a student funded by NTC
    • Part of your responsibility is to be familiar with the Post-Secondary Policy!

Step #3: Fill Out the Application Form

• Download or print the application form here.
• Be sure to follow the checklist on the first page of the application – make sure all components are being submitted with your application. Check off the list as you go. The components are as follows:
  
  • Part One: Student Information
    • All fields need to be complete
  • Part Two: Contact Information
    • All fields need to be complete so that we can get in touch with you about your application
  • Part Three: Program Information
    • All fields need to be complete
    • A program acceptance letter
      • If you don’t have this yet, that’s ok; just be sure to communicate this to the Post-Secondary Education Program!
    • English and Math Assessments
      • All new students must submit these
      • You can usually do these at the school you are applying to, or at a local college nearby
  • Part Four: Ability Information
    • If you have a learning disability, or a short-term or long-term disability, you will have to provide proof of this, either in the form of a doctor’s assessment, or as an Accommodation Letter from the school you’ll be attending
    • This can be a tricky one to navigate sometimes. Reach out to the Post-Secondary Counsellor or Student Success Specialist if you need some guidance at psinfo@nuuchahnulth.org
  • Part Five: Dependent Information
    • All fields need to be complete
    • If you have children under 18, you will have to submit the most recent Canada Child Benefit (CCB) notice from the Federal Government
    • If you have a spouse that is your dependent, you will have to submit a signed Attestation Form disclosing their income for the previous year.
  • Part Six: Education History
    • All fields need to be complete
    • Your most recent transcripts
      • You could request these from the school you are currently attending or,
      • Visit this website https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/plan/apply/transcripts
  • Part Seven: Education Goals
    • Tell us all about your education and careers goals in this section!
  • Part Eight: Consent to Release Information
    • Add the name(s) of those you would like us to share information about your file and education
    • You don’t need to share this with anyone if you don’t want to
    • Make sure you sign and date this section
  • Part Nine: Declaration
    • Make sure everything on the application is filled out and accurate
    • Sign and date this section
• Ensure that you fill out every field/box on the application. The more information provided means the more likely your application will be approved.
• If you have any questions, or you’re not sure how to answer something, or you’re not sure what something is, please reach out to our Post-Secondary Counsellor or Student Success Specialist at psinfo@nuuchahnulth.org. They are here to help and want to see you succeed!
• Make sure that the documents you’re collecting and preparing are PDF or .docx files if you are going to be submitting your application via email as these are the only document types the program can accept

Step #4: Submit Your Application

• You can submit your application in the following ways:
  
  • Email to psapp@nuuchahnulth.org
  • Fax to 250-724-9682 (Attention: Post-Secondary Education Program)
  • Drop off in person at:
    • NTC Main Office
      5001 Mission Road
      Port Alberni, BC V9Y 7M2
• Mail to:
  • NTC Post-Secondary Education Program
    • PO Box 1383
      Port Alberni, BC
      V9Y 7M2
• No matter how you submit your application, please be sure to keep a copy just in case
• If submitting via email or fax, make sure you retain proof of the transmission

Step #5: Follow-Up with NTC Post-Secondary Education

• You will receive a letter within 2 weeks stating that your application has been received if your application was received by the application deadline. If your application was received after the deadline, expect a delay of one month to receive communication from NTC
• Within 4 weeks of the application deadline, you will receive a letter with a checklist of additional information that we need from you in order to proceed with your application before making a determination as to whether or not it can be approved
  
  • Ensure you get this information back to NTC by the deadline stated in your Additional Information Letter
  • If you’re not able to get this information by the deadline, get in touch with NTC Post-Secondary Education to let us know ASAP. Communication is key!
• Keep an eye out for more emails in the coming weeks, stay in touch with NTC Post-Secondary Education, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions

Entry Level Assessments for First Time Funding Applicants

English Assessments

If you are applying for post-secondary funding for the first time you will need an English Assessment. This helps ensure you have the skills you need to succeed at college or university. High school grades cannot be accepted in place of an assessment.

Note: Students who have successfully completed an English course at a post-secondary institution do not need an English Assessment.

Math Assessments

If your program requires mathematics you may also need a Math Assessment.

Policies and Procedures

How the NTC approves and delivers post-secondary funding is governed by provincial government policies and joint funding agreements.

Tips for Funding Success

• Plan ahead
• Fill out all of the required sections of the funding application
• Submit all required paperwork, including follow-up requests
• Meet all required deadlines
• Let us know if there any changes to your schedule such as:
  • Course changes
  • Switching programs
  • Changes due to health or other challenging circumstance
• Contact us on a regular basis
• Check your email from psinfo@nuuchahnulth.org
  • Make sure that our email is not going into your junk mail folder!!!
• Call or email us if you have any questions