VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Mitzi Dean and Murray Rankin say graduate students at the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University will benefit from greater access to education and training without increased financial pressure as graduate scholarships are awarded.

“We are providing more scholarships for graduate students at Royal Roads University to help reduce their financial stress so they can focus on their studies”, said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin. “Investing in the next generation of researchers and innovators benefits the collective wellbeing of everyone in our communities and province.”

University of Victoria will be receiving $630,000 and Royal Roads University will be receiving $135,000 in graduate scholarship funding.

“Graduate students at the University of Victoria are some of the best and brightest in the country and I am delighted we are investing in making learning more affordable for them,” said Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. “The curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking that graduate students bring to their studies and research helps society progress and it is vital to support them.”

Ten post-secondary institutions throughout B.C. are administering the scholarships, enabling them to support the province’s next generation of researchers, innovators and leaders.

The scholarships are merit-based and research focused, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs. Professional programs and other disciplines such as business administration and health are also eligible.

A total investment of $3.75 million will support 250 awards across B.C. of a minimum of $15,000 each through March 2024.

Building on the StrongerBC Economic Plan to close B.C.’s skills and talent gap, the funding will spark innovation, economic growth and help recruit and retain B.C.’s brightest minds.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022AEST0030-000796