Graduate Student Financial Aid (GSFA)
The GSFA, or Graduate Student Financial Aid is the GSS’s new fund to support graduate students at UBC Vancouver, who are experiencing unforeseen financial hardship.
WHAT DOES THE FUND COVER?
The fund can cover a wide range of expenses directly arising from unforeseen circumstances, which may include but not be limited to:
- Rent and living expenses
- Prescription medication not covered by MSP, Pharmacare, and the AMS / GSS Health and Dental Plan
- Moving and related expenses
- The UBC Leave of Absence fee
Am I eligible?
To be eligible to apply for the GSFA, you need to:
- Be enrolled as a graduate student at UBC Vancouver
- Be experiencing demonstrable financial hardship
- Be referred or recommended to the GSS by a UBC office
or academic unit - Have not previously applied for the GSFA during the past
4 months, or received it during the last 12 months
How do I apply?
You’ll need four things for your application:
- A letter explaining the cause of your need for financial aid, including information on the nature of the unexpected hardship, and how you intend to use the aid.
- Proof of enrollment that you are a current graduate student at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver
- A written referral or recommendation from a UBC office or academic unit. The referral must indicate that the kind of financial hardship you’re experiencing is not covered by the Emergency Fund offered by UBC Enrollment Services
- Any relevant supporting documents
All this documentation should be scanned and sent by email to gsfa@gss.ubc.ca.
Hard copies may also be requested during the application review process.
How is the decision made?
A panel made up of the GSS Peer Support Specialists, the GSS General Manager, and two GSS Academic and External Committee representatives will review all applications to determine whether applicants meet the criteria and to decide the value of any award.
Funds are subject to availability, so not every application meeting the requirements shall be approved or shall receive the full amount they requested.
When will I hear if my application is successful?
The GSS Peer Support Coordinators will let every applicant know the outcome of their decision within four weeks of receiving a completed application.
The decision of the GSFA Adjudication Panel shall be final and there shall be no appeal to any other body of the Society.
Health Plan Premium Assistance Fund
WHAT DOES THE FUND COVER?
The AMS/GSS Health Plan Premium Assistance Fund provides a partial or up to a full reimbursement of the fee for the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan based on financial need.
Am I Eligible?
This fund is available to students at UBC Vancouver who:
- Are current or new students at UBC Vancouver
- Have not opted out of the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan
How do I apply?
Students can apply for this fund online - there are two application periods each year, in September and January.
- Current & new students: Applications are accepted and due in September each year.
- New students starting in January: Applications are accepted and due in January.
Can I use this fund for my spouse and/or my dependent(s)?
If your spouse or dependent(s) are also enrolled in the Plan, their premiums are not eligible for reimbursement. If they attend UBC, VST, St. Mark’s, or Regent College, they should apply for the fund separately.