Above: A screenshot of the VIU scholarship/award/bursary application profile

Applying for scholarships, awards, and bursaries has never been easier thanks to VIU’s new Scholarship, Award, and Bursary Profile. The profile is attached to your online student record, and saves you the time and effort of searching for scholarships, awards, and bursaries yourself. All you have to do is fill out or update the application every academic year, and the university will take your information and submit it to any scholarships, awards, or bursaries you are eligible for in their system.

Most of the application form is extremely simple, asking you to check boxes or pick from drop-down menus. Every part of the application is optional, so you can pick and choose what you fill out.

The profile first asks for personal information, such as your hometown, current living situation, school district, whether you’re registered with VIU Disability Services, and whether you’re a visible minority or identify as LGBTQ, etc. The second part asks for details regarding your studying, such as your program, year of study, and internship or field school experience. The third part looks into your financial situation with student loan debt, sponsorship, income, and living expenses. The fourth part includes some of the more specific questions that relate to scholarships, awards, or bursaries that are in the system. Questions in this section relate to your family background, connections, interests, affiliations, memberships, employment, future goals, barriers to education, community commitment, and athletics. The final section regards conferences, student travel, research awards, and post-graduate studies.

Some of the boxes you check off may ask you to include a short essay giving more detail, which you can attach at the end of the application. You also may attach any letters of reference or certificates supporting your education, volunteer, or community involvement.

In order to be considered for any scholarships, awards, and bursaries, your application must be completed by March 31.