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How to apply for the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant

How to apply for the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant

The StrongerBC Future Skills Grant empowers B.C. residents to invest in their futures by supporting access to eligible short-term skills training. This grant helps learners advance their careers, upgrade their skills, and increase their productivity, enabling them to pursue well-paid, high-opportunity occupations.

The grant is available to British Columbians aged 19 or older, regardless of financial need, and provides up to $3,500 per person.

Eligible expenses include:

  • Tuition fees
  • Mandatory program fees
  • Program and course materials (e.g., textbooks, required software, tools)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

You are eligible if you can answer “Yes” to all the following questions.

I am one of the following:

  • Canadian Citizen
  • Permanent Resident
  • Protected Person entitled to study in Canada

✅

I am a B.C. resident.

✅

I have graduated from grade 12 or equivalent.

or

I am 19 years of age or older

✅

I consent to Okanagan College disclosing my learner and registration information to the Province of British Columbia.

✅

I will not access duplicate or overlapping funding to cover eligible costs.
For example, other grants, loans, scholarships, or funding that cover the same expenses as the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant.

✅

I understand that StrongerBC Future Skills Grant benefits may have tax implications.

I will consult the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax advice.

✅

I acknowledge that this grant is subject to a $3,500 lifetime maximum per learner. All eligible costs will be counted toward this limit, including:

  • Tuition
  • Mandatory fees
  • Program or course materials (e.g., textbooks, required software, tools)

✅

If I receive any federal or provincial benefits, such as Employment Insurance (EI) or B.C. Employment and Assistance (BCEA), I will obtain approval from the appropriate government body before participating in the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant program.

✅

If I am a current WorkBC Employment Services client, I will work with my employment counsellor before registering with Okanagan College.

✅

I understand that only fall and winter 2026/27 programs are eligible. I will confirm eligible start dates with Okanagan College.

✅

Step 2: Choose your program or course(s)

Select a program or course that interests you and confirm that the schedule aligns with your availability.
👉View the list of eligible programs and courses here

Step 3: Apply to Okanagan College

For Certificate Programs and Microcredentials:

  • Submit your application through EducationPlannerBC.
  • You will receive an email from Admissions about your application status and any required documents.

For Industry Training Courses:

  • Create a student account on the InspirEd Continuing Studies and Corporate Training website if you do not already have one.
    • Be sure to save your username and password for future access.
  • Select for your course(s) by completing and submitting the course selection form

Step 4: Apply for the StrongerBC future skills grant

 

Once you complete all the required steps, the OC future skills grant team will contact you regarding your grant application. For more information, please visit: www.okanagan.bc.ca/future-skills-grant

Last updated on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026

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