B.C. lifts age limit on free tuition for those who were once in care

The British Columbia government is eliminating the age restriction on the tuition waiver for those who came through the provincial foster care system, effective August 2023.

The program was launched in 2017 but only applied to people aged 19 to 26 who had been in care.

To be eligible for the program, students must be studying full or part-time at an undergraduate level at a B.C. public post-secondary institution, the Native Education College or one of 10 approved trades-training providers.

It also allows for as much as $3,500 a year to cover educational expenses such as textbooks, internet costs and computers.

Since the waiver program was introduced, 1,900 students have had a total of $13 million in tuition and fees waived.

The government says the extension will be funded by $19.2 million over three years and is expected to support an extra 1,200 students.

Selina Robinson, the minister of post-secondary education, says removing the age restriction "will reduce barriers to post-secondary education, support people in pursuing good-paying and meaningful jobs, and support a more inclusive, balanced and diverse workforce.''