Irving K Barber BC Scholarship Society

Each year, the Society provides hundreds of scholarships and awards valued between $1,000 and $10,000 each to students studying everything from trades to doctoral degrees.

There are 4 types of scholarships available to Selkirk College students:

• Transfer Scholarships - Over 100 scholarships of $5,000 each are available to Selkirk College students who, after completing one year (minimum of 30 credits) or two years (minimum of 54 credits) of study at a BC public post-secondary institution, will transfer their credits into full-time study at another public post-secondary institution in BC to complete their degree.   The scholarship is based on high GPA and strong volunteer/community activities. 
• Aboriginal Scholarships - BC residents of Aboriginal ancestry, who have been active in their school or community and are planning to study in a Selkirk College trades, certificate, or diploma program are eligible to apply. Awards vary from $1,000 to $5,000.
• One World International Scholarships - BC residents who are enrolled in at least a one-year post-secondary institution and who have been accepted into an eligible international program outside Canada and the United States are eligible to apply. Award amounts vary.
• Women in Technology and Aboriginal Women in Technology Scholarships - BC residents who are studying full-time in an undergraduate program at a BC public post-secondary institution pursuing a degree or diploma in engineering, mathematics, or computer science. Ten awards of $10,000.

Information about eligibility and application deadlines is available from the Irving K Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society website.

Tips on Applying for Scholarships

Carefully read the criteria:

• Before you apply, check the scholarship's criteria and ensure you qualify. Applications from students who do not meet the criteria are usually not considered.
• Maintain a high Grade Point Average (GPA). Most scholarships are based on high GPA’s.

Be thorough when completing your application:

• Read the application carefully. (You would be surprised at how many submitted applications are incomplete, and are ineligible as a result!)
• Create a Word document and copy your answers/comments into your online application. The more professional your application looks, the better your odds of making a good impression.
• Proofread your application: ensure there are no mistakes and/or fields left blank.

Choose references with care (letters of recommendation):

• Choose your references with care. They should be current.
• Use references who have known you for at least six months.
• Employers, religious leaders, community leaders, teachers and instructors can serve as excellent references.
• Avoid using members of your family, best friends, or roommates.
• Advise your reference of what award you are applying for and inform them of specific criteria of the award so that, if required, they may indicate why you are a suitable candidate. Ask them to address your current attributes and skills.

Make a strong personal statement:

• Always enclose a letter to simply tell the scholarship committee who you are and why you are the best candidate for the scholarship. Your personal statement is viewed as the equivalent to a face-to-face interview. Take some time to make your commentary clear, concise and informative as possible.
• Share with the selection committee your personal and professional goals.
• Include a list of your extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, student government, volunteer work, co-op jobs, part-time jobs, etc.

Meet the deadlines:

• Do not wait until the last minute. Give yourself enough time to meet all of the scholarship requirements. Submit your application and all documentation on time. Late applications will not be considered.