A commitment to access through growing
financial assistance

Rising costs and demand present a growing challenge for universities. By 2002, a six-year provincial government tuition freeze left B.C. universities 65 per cent below the national average. Removal of the freeze last year helped restore and enhance learning opportunities and, at the same time, strengthened UBC's commitment to an important principle outlined in its access policy: no qualified domestic student will be denied a UBC education for financial reasons alone.

Leading the charge on this commitment was the Student Financial Assistance and Awards team, which maximized resources from private and corporate donors and government funds, and ensured more students received enhanced levels of support.

Funds awarded to students in UBC scholarships, bursaries and fellow- ships rose by 19 per cent. The number of undergraduate students receiving need-based funding rose by four per cent. The number of students receiving UBC bursaries increased by nine per cent, and the amount awarded increased 43 per cent. The number of undergraduate students receiving merit-based funding rose by 23 per cent.

How it works

Assistance means something different to each student. In 2002 / 03, staff responded to 47,000 enquiries, providing one-on-one help for individualized assistance programs to serve students' academic goals. In many instances students received scholarships, but they were able to benefit as well from bursaries, part-time work study opportunities and loans. Last year staff also inaugurated financial education services to help students better handle the financial learning curve.

Total monies awarded by faculty in 2002 / 03

This chart represents total funding awarded to students in 2002 / 03, including scholarships, bursaries and government loans. Numbers do not include awards administered directly by faculties themselves.

Highlights from 2002 / 03

• Funds awarded to students in UBC scholarships, bursaries and fellowships rose by 19 per cent.
• The number of undergraduate students receiving need-based funding rose by four per cent.
• The number of students receiving UBC bursaries increased by nine per cent, and the amount awarded increased 43 per cent.
• The number of undergraduate students receiving merit-based funding rose by 23 per cent.

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