Native Education

Financial Aid and awards

Adult Upgrading Grant Funding

Financial Aid and awards

The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) provides financial support to low income Indigenous learners enrolled in Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and Adult Special Education programs at British Columbia public post-secondary institutions. Financial support received from this grant is non-repayable, meaning students do not have to pay back the funding they receive.

Indigenous Adult Basic Education

“Not just education. It's self-discovery. I know myself in a lot of ways I didn't before."

What is covered under the Adult Upgrading Grant?

This grant covers the costs associated with tuition, student fees, books, unsubsidized childcare and transportation for learners most in need of financial assistance.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible if you meet all of the following:

  • An adult
  • Attending a public post-secondary institution in B.C. and enrolled in an approved Adult Basic Education, Adult Special Education, or English as a Second Language course 
  • Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, protected person1  or BC resident
  • Able to demonstrate your gross family income is below the level listed in sections six and seven

How do I apply?

NEC application is available online. The application form is also available in person at the Financial Aid Office.  Should you require further assistance, please contact the Admission 

FAQ

We Are Here To Help You With Any Questions You May Have

If you filed a tax return, include a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment (NOA) of the current year, for yourself, your spouse, or your parents, whichever applies. If you are unable to produce a CRA NOA, please include an explanation with your application. You will still need to present documentation of your gross income. Acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• T4 Statement of Remuneration Paid • T1 General (LINE 15000) • T5007 Statement of Benefits • ROE Record of Employment • PAY STUB • T5 Statement of Investment Income • Letter from employer(s) confirming income amount.

If you are unsure, contact the Financial Aid & Awards office to find out what is acceptable.

Then submit your application 

We ensure that everything is complete. You will receive an email within a week indicating if you were accepted, refused, or missed anything. Admissions will provide next steps.

Check your email for details if your  AUG funding is approved, such as how to obtain your textbooks. You will need to purchase your own supplies, such as paper and pens.
Do not pay any fees or buy textbooks. Refunds will not be granted.
If you add a course, AUG will not automatically finance it. You must contact the Financial Aid & Awards office to include it on your grant application.


No. It is a grant, therefore you do not have to pay it back.

Yes. However, students’ gross family income and the total of additional financial aids are required to determine what percentage you can get.

Students whose gross family income and other financial supports exceed the income threshold by up to 10% will be eligible to receive up to 50% of the tuition cost (other costs are not eligible).