Financial Aid
All Paramedic Programs
Our top priority is to support our students through every aspect of their paramedic training. We know that pursuing paramedic training can be a financial challenge for some, especially in these uncertain times.
There are several financial supports that students may be able to access. Please note that some grants are subject to government renewal, so amounts and funding may vary from year to year.
Employer Funded Training
Some employers may provide financial assistance to cover your training. Please contact them directly for more information.
If you are a BCEHS employee, information is available on the employee intranet (typically under the “Scope of Practice” tab).
Columbia Paramedic Academy Foundation
The Foundation is a separate not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting students throughout their paramedic training. Grants are available to help cover tuition, and may be awarded for other training related costs. A large portion of our current funding has come from the Province of BC. Grants may vary from year to year depending on how those funds are renewed.
Students must apply directly to the Foundation in order to be considered. There are several intakes available throughout the year and students must be enrolled or accepted into a Columbia Paramedic Academy course before applying. Other eligibility criteria also apply. Visit paramedicfoundation.ca. for more information.
Community Workforce Response Grants
Some of our past cohorts have been very fortunate to have received funding through the government’s Community Workforce Response Grant (CWRG) program.
These grants are awarded on a cohort by cohort basis and applications are made to the program by local non profits. Students do not need to submit applications to be considered for funding, but if a cohort does receive funding, students must meet eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the support. Please note that past funding of a cohort does not guarantee funding in the future.
Any cohorts that are awarded this funding will receive an announcement from the school with further information, including links to specific information sessions. Funding decisions are typically known a couple of months prior to the course and are shared with confirmed and in progress applications.
StudentAidBC – Financial Aid
We have worked hard to become BC’s first and only private paramedic training institution to earn ‘Designated’ status with StudentAid BC (SABC), Education Quality Assurance and the Private Training Institutions Branch. One of the benefits of this designation is that students in our programs are now eligible for grants and loans through SABC programs.
Students must submit applications directly to SABC for loans and other SABC funded bursaries and grants.
Columbia Paramedic Academy – Individual Requests
If you have exhausted all other options and finances are the only obstacle to your PCP or ACP training, please reach out to our team. Options are available for students who need greater flexibility or accommodation for tuition payments.
Please begin by applying to StudentAid BC for support. If your StudentAid BC application is denied or the terms fail to meet your needs, you are welcome to reach out and ask for support from us.
Email studentaid@columbiaparamedic.ca with your contact details and a good time to call. One of our program managers will reach out to discuss options and work with you directly.
