Awards and Scholarships

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Program has incredible industry support from generous local benefactors that provide twenty-two different scholarships, bursaries, and awards available exclusively to Fisheries and Aquaculture students. A list of awards can be found by scrolling down to the Fisheries & Aquaculture section of VIU's Scholarships and Awards page. These awards total more than $35,000!

To qualify and apply for these awards, complete the "Scholarship/Award/Bursary Profile" in your student record.  The profile is open for entry from early September to March 31. Note that you may change and update your profile up until the deadlines listed below. Your final submission as of October 31 will be used for "Bursary" selections, and your final submission as of March 31 will be used for "Scholarship & Award" selections.

Exceptions to these deadline dates are noted in the descriptions of the awards. Please note that additional applications may come available during the year and will be posted in our Bulletin Board section.

International Students: VIU has scholarships specifically for international students. International students can also apply for scholarships where financial need is not a criteria. Also, as you may know, international students with six months of study completed can apply for an off-campus work permit. This allows you to work part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer.

B & S Fishing for Fun Award

Available to students enrolled in the Fisheries & Aquaculture program, who demonstrate financial need and who are an active community volunteer.

BC Shellfish Industry Award

Available to full-time students proceeding to third or fourth year in the BSc or BA degree program. Preference will be given to students having a minor in Aquaculture, and a research interest in shellfish.

Brent Lister Memorial Scholarship

Available to students enrolled in either the Fisheries & Aquaculture or Bachelor of Science - Aquaculture program, with preference given to students who have demonstrated an interest in conservation or protection of local species.

Cermaq Canada Award

This award is available to students enrolled in the Fisheries and Aquaculture diploma or degree program. Preference will be given to students demonstrating leadership and safety, and who show an interest in sustainability, or fin fish aquaculture.

CFUW Nanaimo - Ocean Sciences Marine Biology Celebration Award

Preference to female students in their 3rd or 4th year of study in a degree program related to ocean sciences, marine biology, fisheries or aquaculture.  Preference will be given to Indigenous students.

Dr Brian Riddell - PSF Fisheries Award

The award will be available to full-time students (minimum 12 credit hours of study) with a keen interest in wild salmon conservation and management, and who would benefit from this award in his or her aspirations to work and contribute in the field.

Dr Daniel M Ware Memorial Award

Available to Fisheries & Aquaculture students, degree or diploma, who are focused on Fisheries and Oceanography.  Selection will be made by program faculty, based on academic achievement.

Eunice Lam Award

Available to students enrolled in a Fisheries & Aquaculture diploma or degree program, who demonstrate participation in community volunteer activities.

Fan Seafoods Ltd. Shellfish Endowment Scholarship

For students continuing to second year in the Fisheries & Aquaculture program who have demonstrated potential for practical research in Shellfish Aquaculture.  GPA and outstanding work on any shellfish project considered in selecting recipient.

Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society Award

Available to students in the Fisheries & Aquaculture, or Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Aquaculture programs who show passion and enthusiasm in the protection and preservation of wild salmon.  Selected by faculty, based on demonstrated financial need.

Frank Bernard Award in Fisheries

For students continuing to second, third or fourth year in Fisheries & Aquaculture, who demonstrate financial need and above average dedication and commitment to their work.  Selection also based on recommendation by Fisheries & Aquaculture department.

Island Scallops Fisheries and Aquaculture Scholarship

Available to students enrolled in the Fisheries & Aquaculture diploma or degree program, with selection based on academic excellence.

Long Beach Lodge Resort - Sandy Miller Memorial Award

Available to an outstanding Fisheries and Aquaculture student, diploma or degree, with a demonstrated interest and dedication to salmon.

MOWI Canada West Scholarship

Available to students continuing in the Fisheries & Aquaculture diploma or degree program, who have demonstrated academic achievement, applied skills, and a career interest in finfish aquaculture.  Those wishing to be considered must submit a paper, on the topic of their choice, about the salmon aquaculture industry in BC by March 31st.  Papers to be submitted to, and reviewed by, the Fisheries & Aquaculture faculty.

Nanaimo Marine Pavilion Scholarship - Fisheries and Aquaculture Program

Available to students continuing from first to second year in the Fisheries & Aquaculture program, with selection based on GPA.

Nicholas Plecas Aquaculture Award

Available for academic achievement and proficiency in the field to returning Fisheries and Aquaculture students.

NPA Board CIF Fisheries and Aquaculture Award for Aboriginal Students

Available to Aboriginal students in the Fisheries and Aquaculture program.  Selection based on academic achievement.

NPA Board CIF Fisheries and Aquaculture Scholarship

Available to top students in the Fisheries and Aquaculture program.  Selection based on academic achievement.

Sandy Miller PSF Fisheries Award

This award is available to full-time students, (minimum 12 credit hours of study), with a keen interest in fisheries, salmon conservation, and in aquatic stewardship, and who would benefit from this award in his or her aspirations to work and contribute in the field.

Skretting Aquaculture Award

Available to students in third or fourth year BSc or BA degree, with preference to those having a minor in Aquaculture.  Selection made by faculty, based on academic achievement. 

Tom Orr Memorial Award - Sponsored by the PPFA

Available to students enrolled in the Fisheries & Aquaculture diploma or degree program, with selection made by faculty based on academic achievement.

Underwater Harvesters Association Research Society Award

Available to students continuing into third or fourth year of the BSc or BA program, with preference to those having a minor in Aquaculture.  Applicants must submit a research paper with their application, on a topic of their choice related to their program.  Papers will be reviewed by the donor organization.

William E Ricker Memorial Scholarship

Available to an outstanding third or fourth year student in the BSc or BA degree program. Preference will be given to students who have intentions of pursuing graduate studies in a Fisheries-themed topic.  Selection will be based on academic excellence and recommendation of faculty.

• The Chief Joe Mathias BC Aboriginal Scholarship Fund was established to honour the memory of the late Chief Joe Mathias, a hereditary and elected Chief of the Squamish Nation. This Scholarship Fund is dedicated to helping realize Joe’s dream of providing post-secondary opportunities for energetic, dedicated and aspiring young British Columbia First Nation students, and providing them the opportunities to enable them to realize their dreams of becoming leaders of tomorrow in the career of their choosing. Please check the website for the next call for applications (2025).

• The Millenium Ocean Prize ($5,000) celebrates youth activism advancing Marine and Freshwater conservation, and sustainable use of oceans, seas, rivers, lakes and marine resources.  Initiatives that champion sustainable fisheries will receive special consideration. 

• Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Scholarships. The first two scholarships on this page are open to all Canadian Residents pursuing graduate or post-graduate work in fish and wildlife management or conservation.

• Pacific Salmon Foundation Volunteer Stewardship Community Bursary Program.  Applicants must be a full time student in good standing in at least second year of an accredited program that leads to a career supporting Pacific Salmon, and applications are accepted August - October 30 every year.

• Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Scholarship Award. Applications are accepted until May 31st for the following fall tuition, and there are four $1,500 scholarships available!