Bursaries and Funding

Image of Natalie Chambers bursary recipient

BCNU offers different education bursaries, scholarships and financial support throughout the year for dues-paying members, student nurses and internationally educated nurses.

Member Bursaries

Student Bursaries, Internationally Educated Nurse Bursaries and Scholarship Fund

Funding and Financial Support

Training and Licensing Investments

BCNU has negotiated a provincial investment of $68.1 million to bolster and support the growth of new nurses in BC. These funds are administered by the provincial government, not BCNU. This includes:

Nursing-Student Tuition Credit

Between September 2023 and August 2026, students enrolled in public post-secondary practical nursing programs and bachelor of science in nursing and psychiatric nursing will receive an annual tuition credit of $2,000. Indigenous students receive an additional credit of $5,000.

Expanded Access to Bridging Education for Internationally Educated Nurses

IENs will have increased access to transitional or remedial education programs, helping them complete their required courses and begin practising in BC.

Increased availability of bursaries for nursing students, including Indigenous students

New Kwantlen Polytechnic University LPN to RN bridging pilot program

LPNs practising in Fraser Health with a minimum of three years of work experience will have a streamlined pathway to enter KPU’s bachelor of nursing program and be able to complete their BSN in a shorter period of time.

Bursaries for new graduates’ licensing exams

Retroactive to Jan.1, 2023, new graduate nurses are provided with $500 to help cover the costs associated with their licensing exams.

UPDATED: November 21, 2024