The StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG), is open to most British Columbian residents aged 19 years or older – regardless of financial need – and covers up to $3,500 in eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions.
Since its launch in fall 2023, over 10,000 people have benefited from the future skills grant, gaining access to training opportunities in high-demand sectors such as health care, construction and mining.
The grant continues to play a pivotal role in preparing individuals for current and emerging job markets, contributing to B.C.’s economic resilience amid global trade disruptions and industry-specific transitions.
1. Review eligibility & criteria
To be eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant, you:
- must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person entitled to study in Canada
- must be a BC resident and currently live in BC
- must be 19 years or older or have graduated high school by the start of your course/program
- must provide consent for UBC to disclose your information to the Province of British Columbia
- should not be receiving duplicative and/or overlapping funding to cover eligible costs (i.e. grants, loans, scholarships, or other funding that covers the same program costs as the StrongerBC future skills grant).
You should also understand that:
- future skills grant benefits may have tax implications
- the future skills grant is subject to a lifetime maximum of $3,500
- discounts or early bird specials do not apply for future skills grant
- if you are receiving any federal or provincial benefit, such as Employment Insurance (EI) or BC Employment Assistance (BCEA), you must seek approval from the appropriate government body before participating in a program
- the amount of future skills grant funding you receive is subject to review and audit.
Read full eligibility criteria
2. Browse eligible programs
Browse eligible UBC Extended Learning programs to identify one that aligns with your goals:
- AI Essential Skills, 2 x Micro-certificates - grant applications open July 15, 2025
- Analytics for Leaders in Ocean Management, Micro-certificate - grant applications open date - TBD
- Anti-Racism, Micro-Certificate - open for grant applications
- Biomedical Visualization & Communication, UBC Certificate - grant applications open July 15, 2025
- Climate Action Planning, Micro-certificate - grant applications open July 15, 2025
- Diversity and Inclusion, Micro-Certificate - open for grant applications
- Equitable Systems Design, Micro-Certificate - open for grant applications
- Equitable Systems Design for Associates, Program - open for grant applications
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, UBC Certificate - open for grant applications
- Healthcare Accounting, Micro-certificate - grant applications open date - TBD
- Health Data Analytics: Opportunities and Applications, Micro-certificate - grant applications open July 15, 2025
- Indigenous Health Administration and Leadership, UBC Certificate - grant applications open December 15, 2025 (you must be accepted into the program before you apply for the grant)
- Innovation Leadership: Medical and Bio-Innovations, Micro-certificate - grant applications open - TBD
- Intercultural Studies, UBC Certificate - open for grant applications
- Key Capabilities in Data Science, UBC Certificate - grant applications open July 15, 2025
- Mental Health and Substance Use- Level 1 – more info to come
- Mining Law and Sustainability, Allard School of Law Executive Learning Program - grant applications open - TBD
- Nurse Practitioner Training – more info to come
- Regulatory Affairs in Life Sciences, Micro-certificate - grand applications open July 15, 2025
We suggest the following to help you assess eligible programs:
- On Extended Learning program web pages, read ‘What this program offers’ and ‘Who is this program for’ to decide whether your goals align with the program.
- Some of the eligible programs have established specific curated bundles for the StrongerBC future skills grant. Look for ‘StrongerBC future skills grant bundles’ section to understand your potential pathway(s) through those programs.
- Determine whether your program choice(s) require tuition beyond the $3,500 grant (or your remaining grant balance). If so, you will be required to pay at the time of registration. Ensure your payment method is ready.
- Check your availability for published class times.
- Check the date the program will open for grant applications.
Once you have selected your program(s), proceed to StrongerBC future skills grant Portal to apply.
3. Complete application
UBC Extended Learning students must submit an application through the StrongerBC future skills grant Portal as their first step.
Start by logging into the StrongerBC future skills grant Portal. Follow instructions to complete your application. If you encounter issues accessing or using the future skills grant portal, you can email here for assistance as this system does not belong to Extended Learning.
Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Funding is subject to availability.
- Ensure you fill out the profile information correctly. This is important for tax purposes and in order for UBC Extended Learning to process your application.
- We cannot save a spot for students via email or for anyone bypassing the StrongerBC future skills grant Portal application and registering directly in a program by paying upfront.
- See FAQ section below for further instructions on how to apply through the Ministry StrongerBC future skills grant Portal.
Please note that space and funding is limited. We recommend applying as soon as grant applications open.
4. Confirmation and course registration
Check your email (and your ‘junk’ folder). You will receive an email from UBC Extended Learning approximately 5-7 business days after you submit your application through the Ministry portal. If your application is accepted, and there is space in your preferred program, you will receive the next steps for registration.
Applications are reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and submitting a grant application does not automatically guarantee funding. Funding is subject to availability.
5. Access your course
Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email from Extended Learning. You will receive information to access your course before its course start date.
