VIU Education Abroad students who receive funding through StudentAid BC are responsible for ensuring they take the appropriate steps to maintain their funding where possible.
Exchange Programs
If you are applying for financial assistance from StudentAid BC and will be going on a semester exchange, you must advise the Financial Aid Office to ensure eligibility of funding.
Because the dates of exchange programs don't often match the dates of enrollment at VIU, your student loan application will require a separate appendix that the Financial Aid Office must complete.
If you were approved for a student exchange after applying for Student Aid BC, you may need to Report a Circumstance change and/or complete a reassessment process for funding. Please contact VIU Financial Aid for instructions.
Short Term Education Abroad Programs
You may be able to fund the costs of an overseas academic program with funding through StudentAid BC.
In order to apply, you must be enrolled in at least 60% (40% for students with permanent disabilities) of a full-time course load for credit, for a period of at least 12 consecutive weeks. The Financial Aid office will be able to advise you on whether your program will qualify for StudentAid BC.
If you are currently receiving StudentAid BC funding, you may need to complete a Reassessment form (Appendix 7) in January to extend your end date to August. It is important that you submit this form to the Financial Aid & Awards Office early in the new year to ensure that additional funds are received by the field school payment deadlines. The additional funds are usually available 4 to 6 weeks after you submit your Reassessment application.
If you are not currently receiving StudentAid BC funding, and need financial assistance, you can apply during the Fall semester to cover the period September - April or January - April. You may apply to extend your current study period during the Spring semester or apply just for the May to August semester.