Financial AID

BC Study Abroad Scholarship

Eligibility​

The BC Study Abroad Scholarship celebrates the study abroad experience through student-generated content and financial support.

Scholarship recipients will receive $1,000 toward their in-person study abroad program and create short-form video content to share stories from their time abroad.

To be eligible for the BC Study Abroad Scholarships, applying students must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be currently enrolled at an active BC Study Abroad Consortium Institution.
  2. Enrolled in or accepted into a short-term study abroad program.

Expectations

  • During the program: Submit two videos for social media, filmed vertically in 9:16 format.
  • Within 60 days of completion: Submit a third video for social media.
  • Submit 8-10 high-resolution photos (at least 150 dpi) documenting your experience, accompanied by a document with:
    • Image file names;
    • Captions;
    • Locations.

How to Apply​

Prepare the following documents:

  • Transcript from your home institution (unofficial or official).
  • Confirmation letter of program acceptance from the host institution.
    • Note:  If you do not have your official acceptance letter at the time of application, please submit your nomination letter instead and provide the official letter to us as soon as it becomes available.
  • Reference letter from a staff/faculty member at your home institution supporting your study abroad application, describing your dedication and aptitude for intercultural work.
  • Introduction Video (1-3 minutes) where you tell us about yourself and answer:
    • Why are you applying for the BCSA scholarship?
    • What do you hope to learn from your study abroad program?
    • How will you share your knowledge after completing the program?
  • Video Idea Pitch (200-300 words) where you briefly outline 2–3 video ideas you’d like to create. For each:
    • Include a topic and title.
    • Describe what you would film and where.
    • Explain how it’s useful to other BC students who are thinking about studying abroad.
  • Sample Content (Optional)
    • Share links to any videos or digital content you’ve created (e.g., Reels, TikToks, YouTube videos, blogs.)

Submit your application here.

The application deadline is October 13, 2026.

If you have any questions or comments, please email info@bcstudyabroad.ca.

Content Use​

Prepare the following:

  • Transcript from your home institution (unofficial or official).
  • Confirmation letter of program acceptance from the host institution.
    Note:  If you do not have your official acceptance letter at the time of application, please submit your nomination letter instead and provide the official letter to us as soon as it becomes available.
  • Reference letter from a staff/faculty member at your home institution supporting your study abroad application, describing your dedication and aptitude for intercultural work.
  • 300-500 word essay answering:
    • Why are you applying for the BCSA scholarship?
    • What do you hope to learn from your study abroad program?
    • How will you share your knowledge after completing the program?
  • A writing sample (1-5 pages, e.g., blog post, creative writing, essay).
  • Applications for the Winter 2026 scholarship are now closed. Please check back in Fall 2026 for the next application period.
  • If you have any questions or comments, please email info@bcstudyabroad.ca
Photos and blog posts will be featured on the BC Study Abroad website and associated social media channels. They may also be featured on our Study in BC and BCCIE websites and social media.

Diversity Statement​

BCCIE is committed to an inclusive learning environment that reflects the richness of the community that we serve. BCCIE welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including Indigenous peoples, people of colour, people with disabilities, and all groups protected by the BC Human Rights Code.

BC Study Abroad and the BC Study Abroad Scholarships are administered by the British Columbia Council for International Education (BCCIE) on behalf of the BC Study Abroad Consortium.

Funding Resources

Please also ask your international advisor or visit your institution’s Student Awards and Financial Aid website for more information.

Student Loans

You may be eligible to apply for student loans to support your study abroad experience. Ask a financial advisor at your home institution for further information on student loans.

Budgeting Tips

Studying abroad can be very affordable; it depends on many factors, including your destination, the time of year, your personal spending habits. For example, the cost of living is higher in Western Europe and Australia than in China. You can expect to spend more if you are living in a big city versus living in the countryside. To get a better idea as to what the costs might be the Foreign Currency Exchange Converter offers an easy way to translate foreign costs into Canadian dollars. Some programs will be more expensive than others, depending on added features, such as meals, accommodation, field trips and tours. In addition to asking an advisor and past participants for budgeting tips, make sure to investigate available student discounts offered such as the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). Another way to learn about costs and money-saving tips is to read personal reports written by past current or past study abroad students which are available on the study abroad website at your institution. There may be external sources of funding available to help you meet the financial requirements of your study abroad experience.

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