Frequently Asked Questions

Students apply for CNC awards online. 

Most scholarships and bursaries offered through CNC require that you be registered in both fall and spring semesters within the academic year. Current Trades students, registered in Foundation Level programs, are also eligible to apply for awards.  These are not entrance-type awards.

1. Online, go to the Scholarships and Bursaries Application page.   Awards open in early October.  Watch our site for updates.
2. Log in using your CNC login and password and follow the instructions provided to see a personalized list of awards you may be eligible for, based on courses/programs you are registered in.
3. Read the award criteria to determine if you qualify to apply. It is your responsibility to be aware of the application requirements. Some awards have very specific criteria.
4. Ensure that all sections of the application are completed and uploaded with any supporting documents, such as verification of volunteer/community service, an essay, etc.

Online applications are accepted until 11:59 pm on the listed award closing/deadline date. Changes to your application can be made until that time (note that you must click SAVE after making any changes).

More helpful information about scholarships and bursaries can be found at Education Planner BC .

Scholarships are awarded based primarily on Academic Excellence (3.67 GPA or greater), Academic Proficiency (2.67 GPA or greater), Satisfactory Academic Standing (2.0 GPA or greater) or as outlined under the terms and conditions of the particular award, in addition to specific criteria as stipulated by the donor.

Bursaries are awarded primarily on the basis of demonstrated financial need, combined with Satisfactory Academic Standing (2.0 GPA or greater) in addition to specific criteria as stipulated by the donor.

Many close December 31st, however there are others (including Trades - Foundation Level, Regional awards etc) that close in February, April or June – please refer to the criteria of each specific award. Students: keep checking your awards listing - new awards are added throughout the cycle. Make sure you don't miss an opportunity to apply for newly posted awards!

CNC Awards program opens in late October. Check back then to apply online.

Depending on the closing date of the award(s), majority are distributed in early spring (or later).

Yes, there are various ways that students receive sponsorship or assistance and you are still eligible to apply for awards. Make sure that you include the amount of sponsorship or funding (including any other scholarships or awards for your program) you are receiving in your bursary application income section.

Yes, before you can receive your award, all students are required to write an appropriate thank you letter to the award donor(s) and submit to the college (Prince George or other campuses) before funds will be released. Successful recipients will be advised the name of the donor for the thank you letter.

Your thank you letter is a reflection of you and the College of New Caledonia. Expressing genuine gratitude is very powerful.

Thank You Letter Tips:

1. Construct the letter clearly and concisely.
2. Double-check for typos and grammatical errors.
3. Express enthusiasm.
4. Make it personal… have a warm tone.
5. Be sincere.
6. Typewritten in business format.
7. Use quality paper for hand delivered letters.

If you are selected for a scholarship or bursary it is because your personal qualities and academic achievements stood above all other applicants. Students at CNC are required to provide a typed (or hand written card) thank you letter confirming that this award was important enough to you to take the time to present yourself in a professional manner.

Your thank you letter should include a short story of why you choose your program and career path. Your passion for learning, your future aspirations and where you wish to practice your profession are meaningful items to include. Take some time to do this well and do the best you can.

Donors are extremely important to CNC – they are generous and thoughtful people who have given unselfishly to support our students in achieving their educational goals. Your thank you letter reminds them why they gave and is an important element of securing their continuing gifts for other students.

Please Do Not use sample donor letters available from various websites. We see them too!

Financial Aid & Awards – finaid@cnc.bc.ca Student Services - next to Admissions – extension 5838

Our generous donors provide;

• Endowments – a substantial amount of money is donated to the college that accrues annual interest that is sufficient to cover the face value of their award(s), in perpetuity.
• Non-Endowments or annual awards – the donor is requested to provide on an annual basis, a cash donation to match the face value of their award.

If you would like to establish an award with CNC, please visit the Donors Page for more information.

Visit StudentAidBC for information on student loans and assistance. To apply for a Full-Time loan, click the green box “Login/Register to apply” and follow the prompts.

Students with BC residence status would apply for BC government student loans online. Students from different provinces should contact their province of residence or federal and provincial loan providers. See the National Student Loan Service Centre website.

Apply for Interest Free status:

• If you applied for a student loan in the current semester – your Full-Time application if approved, will automatically stop the monthly payments due on your previous loan.
• If you are a student attending full-time studies and not applying for a Full-Time Student Aid loan in your current semester;
  1. Log into your SABC account
  2. Click Interest Free Status application
  3. Complete and submit online

*Part-time student loan applications do not qualify to put your full-time loan repayment on Interest Free status.

If all of the required documents have been processed by StudentAid BC;

• Declaration (from the application)  signed and submitted,
• Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) is completed, and
• CNC has received the notification from StudentAid BC to confirm your enrolment in an eligible post-secondary program;

your funds will be deposited electronically into the bank account you have specified, within 5-7 business days after classes start. 

Note: CNC does not take any of your loan money.  You receive all of your loan funds and you pay any outstanding tuition/fees owing.

If you do not agree with the decision on your assessment, you can ask for an appeal or reassessment. It can take up to six (6) weeks to process an appeal request.

After your situation is reviewed, you will be sent a letter outlining the decision. If you are not satisfied, you can ask for a review by an independent appeal committee.

Deadlines - Overawards: 90 days after the date of the letter from StudentAid BC advising you of the overaward amounts you must repay.

All other appeals: six weeks before your current study period ends.

As well as accessing all of the services through Student Services – Financial Aid & Awards, you can also contact the CNC Aboriginal Resource Centre.

For information on budgeting for school, please review the following resources:

Online Resources

• StudentAid BC Website
• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
• My Money Coach

Readings

• The Debt-Free Graduate - How to Survive College or University Without Going Broke
• When Life Bites you in the Wallet - Taking Control of Your Finances