Emergency funding
Okanagan college offers limited emergency funding to help students facing unexpected financial hardships. This support is for students who are making progress in their programs and need financial assistance to continue their studies.
As emergency bursary funds are limited, priority is given to those who have used up all other financial aid options, including government assistance. The funding covers immediate living and educational expenses, but not tuition and fees.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Check your eligibility:
To be considered for an emergency bursary, students must meet ALL the following criteria:
- Be enrolled and attending an ºù«Ӱҵ program.
- Be in good standing, attending class on a regular basis and progressing satisfactorily. Exceptional circumstances that prevent students from being in good standing or attending will be considered case-by-case.
Step 2: Fill out the application for emergency funding through Etrieve: .
Step 3: Additional documentation with application:
Attach any relevant documentation to the application which supports your request for an emergency bursary (i.e., copy of medical prescription, eviction notice, utility disconnection notice).
Related questions
Do I have to apply online?
Paper copies are still available.  Please contact financial aid & awards at
(250) 862-5419 or go to the student services office at the Kelowna campus, or the campus administration office in Penticton, Vernon, or Salmon Arm.
What documents do I need to upload?
Any relevant documentation to the application which supports your request for an emergency bursary.
Are there different types of emergency funding?
Yes, Okanagan college has an emergency bursary, Indigenous emergency assistance fund, Online learning emergency bursary, and emergency loan. For more information on each type of funding, go to the Okanagan college webpage: /financial-aid-and-awards/other-funding#emergency.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund?
To be considered for the Indigenous emergency assistance fund, students must meet ALL the following criteria:
- Be an Indigenous student enrolled full-time or part-time in any program at ºù«Ӱҵ.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be in good standing, attending class on a regular basis and progressing satisfactorily. Exceptional circumstances that prevent students from being in good standing or affecting attendance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Online Learning Emergency Bursary?
To be considered for the Online Learning Emergency Bursary, students must meet ALL the following criteria:
- Enrolled in at least two classes or a full-time vocational program.
- Have exhausted all other sources of financial assistance.
- Do not own or have access to a laptop or computer.
- Require a laptop/computer for online learning.
- Demonstrate financial need.
What is an emergency loan for?
An emergency loan helps students who are temporarily short on funds due to unexpected reasons. You might be eligible for a small, short-term loan to cover essential items like books, supplies, rent, and food.
Important: Emergency loans do not cover tuition or fees and are not given at the end of a term as an advance for the next study period.
What are the eligibility criteria for an emergency loan?
To be considered for an emergency loan, students:
- Must have paid their tuition and fees in full OR be approved for a government student loan. Emergency loans are not given for payment of tuition and/or fees.
- Must be fully registered and have started attending class.
- Must require an emergency loan due to circumstances beyond their control and have exhausted all other potential sources of assistance.
- Must be prepared to provide an explanation as to why they are short of funds, what efforts have been made to find other sources, and how they will use and repay the loan. If repayment is not from a government loan or grant, they will need to show proof. (i.e., bank statements, pay stubs, loan approval documents).
What are the steps to apply for an emergency loan?
- ±Ê±ô±ð²¹²õ±ð click here to complete the application. If requesting an emergency loan for textbooks, students must attach a complete list of required books and prices, including HST. The bookstore will provide students with a printout.
- If students require assistance completing the application, they can make a virtual appointment with a financial awards assistant by contacting the Financial Aid and Awards department. (250) 862-5419 Toll-free (in BC): 1-800-767-5492.
- Attach any relevant documentation to the application regarding what type of expenses the loan is for and the source of repayment.
- If your request for an emergency loan is approved, a cheque will be available for pick-up from the student services office at the Kelowna campus, or the campus administration office in Penticton, Vernon, or Salmon Arm. Photo ID is required to pick up the cheque.
- Paper copies are still available upon request.  Please contact Financial Aid and Awards if you would like to receive one.
What are the steps to apply for Indigenous emergency funding?
- Contact the Indigenous Student Services Coordinator for your campus.
- Complete the application.
- Attach any relevant documentation to the application that supports your request for emergency assistance (i.e., copy of medical prescription, eviction notice, utility disconnection notice).
- Once reviewed by the committee, students will be notified by email of a decision.
- Paper copies are available upon request. Please contact Financial Aid and Awards if you would like to receive one.
Resources and links
/financial-aid-and-awards/other-funding#emergency
Next steps
If a student's request for an emergency bursary is approved, a cheque will be available for pick-up at a predetermined time from the student services office at the Kelowna campus, or the campus administration office in Penticton, Vernon, or Salmon Arm. Photo ID is required to pick up the cheque.