KAMLOOPS– Students who sign up for university this fall have access to improved financial resources that could reduce the cost of their education.
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is hosting a free public event so prospective students can find out more about their financial options. This virtual event, University affordability in a COVID-19 era, is slated for Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. on TRU’s YouTube channel. Prospective students can get answers to their questions about enrolling this fall, including how to pay for school. Anyone can join in here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThompsonRiversUniversityOfficial.
“We are delighted to be joining in this important conversation between TRU’s student union and the university as students prepare for September,” said Thompson Rivers University Student Union Executive Director Nathan Lane.
Most of TRU’s programs have some of the lowest tuition rates in BC and the university provides a range of bursaries and scholarships. While most classes will be conducted online, TRU is able to draw upon its 42 years of experience providing online education to make the experience as engaging as possible for students.
“They don’t need the additional uncertainty of how they will pay for school,” said Gordon Down, director of Student Awards and Financial Aid at Thompson Rivers University.
“They already face uncertainty around their courses, their day-to-day living experiences and what the future will bring as COVID-19 continues to persist and thrive in pockets around the globe.”
The pandemic has prompted federal and provincial governments to offer one-time funds in addition to their usual programs. The biggest amount comes from the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students, a non-repayable program for lower-income students that is doubling to $6,000 from the usual $3,000.
Additionally, StudentAidBC recently announced the new, non-repayable BC Access Grant that can provide students with up to $4,000 a year.
“If you add in the extra loans available and the grants, that’s over $7,500 for a school year. In that way, there’s never been a more affordable time to go to school. And if you’re living at home, then it becomes really inexpensive, relative to what it could be,” said Down.
His $7,500 estimate includes funds from programs that are in place this summer. Some of them, like the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, end in late August, while others are available over a longer period. Dates are changing even now, so Down advised students to check each program’s information carefully for deadlines and requirements.
Here is a list of resources students can explore to support their studies this fall:
- Canada Student Grant for Full-time Students
- BC Access Grant
- Canada Student Service Grant (The status of this grant is undetermined at this time)
- Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
- Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
- Canada Student Loans
- Scholarships and bursaries
- TRU offers numerous scholarships and bursaries. Students can also seek scholarships at Universities Canada, Scholarships Canada, Yconic and, for Indigenous students, Indspire.
- Open Education Resources (OER)
- Students can look into OER —free textbooks, supplementary manuals and guides on a variety of subjects that are available through BC’s Open Textbook
Contact:
Sherryl Eagle
TRU Student Awards Advisor, Student Awards and Financial Aid Office
250-828-5096 | seagle@tru.ca
