The University of British Columbia offers a wide range of bursaries for students with disabilities.
Amount: Varies
Number Available: Varies
Deadline: Sep 15, 2025
Each bursary pays a different amount, has a different number of available positions, and has distinct requirements.
Eligibility
You must meet all the following requirements to apply:
- You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You are a student at UBC Vancouver with a disability.
- You’re considered a full-time student (or approved by the Centre for Accessibility to study at a reduced course load).
- You meet the terms for awards eligibility set out in UBC’s Regulations Governing University Awards.
- If you are not registered with the Centre for Accessibility, you must also provide supporting documentation.
Each scholarship or bursary has additional eligibility requirements such as financial need, nature of disability, or demonstrated merit. Read the award descriptions to determine your eligibility for specific awards.
For more information, contact an advisor from the Centre for Accessibility.
Bursaries
Each bursary will be adjudicated by the Committee on Awards for Students with Disabilities.
BURRARD Charitable Foundation Bursary
A $1,750 bursary is offered annually by the Burrard Charitable Foundation, through funds administered by the Vancouver Foundation, for students with disabilities. Preference will be given to students with visual impairment.
Cheryl MCKAY Bursary for the Visually Impaired
Bursaries totalling $1,250 have been made available through an endowment established with a bequest from Cheryl McKay. The awards are made to assist students with a visual impairment.
Isabel G. MCMILLAN Bursary
Bursaries totaling $1,150 have been made available through an endowment established by Isabel G. McMillan, a member of the first graduating class at the University of British Columbia, and are offered to one or more students with visual impairments.
PEO Sisterhood Chapter B Bursary For the Blind
Bursaries totalling $6,500 have been made available through an endowment established by the PEO Sisterhood Chapter B in memory of Helen Mitchell and by the Estate of Hazel Lena Wilson in memory of John Mortimer Patrick, to assist students with a visual impairment.
Paul E. THIELE Bursary
Bursaries totalling $1,550 have been made available through an endowment established for students with disabilities in recognition of Paul Thiele’s 32 years of service to The University of British Columbia.
Marion COPP Bursary
A bursary of $400 has been made available through an endowment established by family and friends in memory of Marion Copp, who for many years resided in northern British Columbia and the Yukon. The award is made to students from rural areas, and preference is given to students with a visual impairment or a physical disability.
Robert C. GIBSON Memorial Bursary
Bursaries totaling $1,450 have been made available through an endowment established in memory of Robert C. Gibson. The awards are made to assist students with disabilities from rural areas, and preference is given to students with a visual impairment or physical disability.
Lena ADAM Memorial Bursary for Students with Disabilities
Bursaries totalling $5,500 have been made available through an endowment established with a bequest from Lena Adam for students who have a physical disability and who demonstrate financial need.
William Donald Mills AGNEW Memorial Bursary
Bursaries totalling $1,400 have been made available through an endowment established with a bequest from Doris Kinloch Agnew in memory of her husband William Donald Mills Agnew. The award is offered to students who are paraplegic or quadriplegic.
GRADUATING Class of 1970 Bursary
A $950 bursary, made available through an endowment established by the Graduating Class of 1970, is awarded to a student or students in any year and faculty. Special consideration will be given to those with physical disabilities.
Rick HANSEN Special Needs Bursary
In recognition of Rick Hansen’s outstanding accomplishments, one or more bursaries totalling $1,950 are offered for students who have special needs brought about by some physical disability.
Douglas T. KENNY Bursary for Disabled Students
Bursaries totalling $1,450 are awarded to provide financial aid to students with a disability. The funds have been made available through an endowment established by the Honourable Thomas A. Dohm. Q.C., LL.D., and are intended especially for those students with a physical disability who need wheelchairs or other artificial aids to carry out their studies at the University.
Steven VOLRICH Memorial Bursary
A $5,150 bursary has been made available through an endowment established by the members of the Law Class of 1984 in memory of their classmate, Steven Volrich. His classmates wish to honour the courage and undaunted spirit displayed by Steven in his battle with cancer. The bursary is awarded to a law student who requires financial assistance, with preference given to a law student with a medical or physical disability.
Nini M. Harris-Lowe Bursary for Chronic Conditions and Disability
Bursaries totaling $2,000 have been made available through an endowment established by Mr. Rick Lowe (B.Sc. 1982) and matched by the University of British Columbia, in memory of his spouse, Mrs. Nina M. “Nini” Harris-Lowe, for students entering or pursuing any eligible degree program who cope with chronic pain, chronic conditions or illness, disabilities or any other impairment that impacts their university studies.
Dr. Wilbert G. Bos Bursary in Physics
Bursaries totalling $4,150 have been made available through an endowment established in memory of Dr. Wilbert G. Bos, and matched by The University of British Columbia, for undergraduate students in the Department of Physics who demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students who have overcome adversity.
DELTA Kappa Gamma Society International, British Columbia Bursary
Bursaries totalling $1,050 have been made available through an endowment established by the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, British Columbia (Women Educators Society International), for visually impaired students in any program or year of study, and preference will be given to students from British Columbia.
University Women’s Club of Vancouver Bursary for Students with Disabilities
One or more bursaries totaling $2,000 are offered by The University Women’s Club of Vancouver to students with disabilities. Preference is given to students with visual impairment. In addition to financial need, the academic standing of the candidate will be considered. Adjudication is made by Enrolment Services.
Leslie Anne Whitcutt Memorial Bursary
A $1,400 bursary has been made available through an endowment established as a memorial to Leslie Anne Whitcutt (B.A., UBC, 1973) by her parents to provide financial assistance for students with a visual impairment who require special equipment related to their studies.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the application form on the UBC website by the deadline.
Contact Information
If you have questions, please contact your Enrolment Services Advisor directly.
For general questions, please call 604 822 9836 or submit a question through the online form.
You can also connect with the Centre for Accessibility for disability-related accommodations and programming initiatives.
Source
Last updated: 2025-07-23