There are three types of student awards: scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Scholarships reward academic achievement and are generally awarded to students with the highest grades.
Awards reward academic achievement but also require the recipient to demonstrate special qualities that match the priorities of the donor, such as community involvement or financial need.
Bursaries are intended to provide financial assistance and are generally awarded to students who demonstrate financial shortfalls.
(The value of awards is subject to change as a result of market fluctuations)
Some of these scholarships and bursaries are designed to offer financial assistance specifically to Resource Management Program students. All students are encouraged to apply and to research these areas as some application dates are in advance to the start up of the semester.
Students are to complete their on-line “scholarship/award/bursary profile” from their student record to apply for them, with the exception of the ones that are done directly through the RMAP department.
Application Deadlines
There are two application deadlines depending on the type of student award.
- Scholarships and Awards: majority are by March 15
- Bursaries: October 31
Any exceptions to these deadline dates are noted in the description of the award.
Other Bursaries/Scholarships
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC offers 3 annual scholarships up to $2000 each. Scholarships are available to students enrolled in a fish culture or fisheries management program within a recognized post-secondary educational institution. Deadline is May 31.
(deadline October 30)
The Pacific Salmon Foundation Stewardship Community Bursaries are awarded to BC students who are active volunteers in the aquatic stewardship community, demonstrate financial need, and are registered full time in at least the 2nd year of an education or training program that supports their goal of a career in salmon conservation.
Awards
The following list of awards are specific to students in the RMOT and BNRP programs(this does not include general bursaries/scholarships offered through the financial aid department):
Al Fowler Memorial Scholarship
1 award, $350; Available to science or technology program students who demonstrate innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit in science or technology, preferably working towards the development of a creative business idea. Apply to Financial Aid & Awards office by April 30. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Canadian Groundfish Research and Conservation Society - Dan McMillan Memorial Award
1 award, $1,000; Available to continuing students enrolled in Resource Management Officer Technology or Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection, for academic achievement and an aptitude in commercial fisheries sustainability, viability and management. Must be a Canadian citizen. No application necessary. Recipient selected in April, with funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Don Duncan Memorial Awards
2 awards, $450 each; Available to students in one of the following Technology Programs: Fisheries & Aquaculture, Forest Resources, or Resource Management. Based on achievement and faculty recommendation. Apply to Financial Aid & Awards office by April 30. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Mid Island Co-op Natural Resource Protection Award
1 award, $1,500; Available to students continuing in the Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection program at VIU. Selection based on academic achievement, with financial need being considered. Open to residents in the area from French Creek to Duncan. Applicants must be affiliated with Mid Island Co-op. Member's name and number will be required on the application. Apply to Financial Aid & Awards office by April 30. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Mike Merriman Memorial Award
1 award, $1,000; Available to RMOT program students continuing to the Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection degree program. Awarded to recognize potential to students who are team players and who demonstrate exceptional dedication to wildlife conservation through volunteer work in the RMOT program, or in the community during the first two years of the program. No application necessary. Recipient selected in April, with funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Nanaimo Fish and Game Protective Association: Ernie Johnson Memorial Awards
2 awards, $400 each; For academic achievement, good judgment, volunteer work, motivation, and a co-operative attitude towards classmates and the public. Available to Resource Management Officer Technology students continuing for second year. No application necessary. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Nanaimo Marine Pavilion Scholarships
4 awards, $250 each; Available to students continuing from first to second year in Recreation & Tourism, Hospitality Management, Fisheries & Aquaculture, and Resource Management programs, with selection based on GPA. No application necessary. Recipient selected in April, with funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Robbins Parking Natural Resource Management Award
1 award, $1,000; Available to students continuing in the Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection program at VIU. Selection will be based on academic excellence, with financial need being considered. Apply to Financial Aid & Awards office by April 30. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Roger Stanyer Memorial Award
1 award, $1,000; Available to students graduating from the Resource Management Officer Technology diploma program, who will be entering the Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection degree program in the fall semester, and who reside in the Cowichan Region. Preference will be given to students who have an interest in forest preservation. Selection will be based on GPA and demonstrated financial need. Apply to Financial Aid & Awards office by April 30. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 257 – RMOT Award
1 award, $350; Available to students continuing in the Resource Management Officer Technology program at VIU, with preference to someone who is: 1) a member, or whose parent or grandparent is a member of Branch 257, or 2) a resident of Lantzville, or 3) affiliated with another Royal Canadian Legion, or has served in the Military/Cadet service. Financial need may also be taken into consideration. Apply to Financial Aid & Awards office by April 30. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Salisbury/Knight RMOT Award
1 award, $300; Available to Resource Management Officer Technology students continuing to second year, who have attained a high academic standard in fisheries, wildlife habitat and law enforcement courses; displaying professionalism and a positive attitude, and who demonstrate an aptitude in field skills appropriate to a career in the above areas. No application necessary. Recipient selected in April, with funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall semester.
Three RMOT specific awards that Second Year Diploma students compete for are
Chestnut Merriman Award
Top academic performance throughout the two years of the Diploma Program (plaque and financial award). 
BC Environment Award
Top academic performance in the Wildlife component of the RMOT Diploma Program (plaque)
Fisheries and Oceans Award
Top academic performance 
in the Fisheries component of the RMOT Diploma Program (plaque)
Awards specific to the Bachelor Degree of Natural Resource Protection
Vancouver Island University Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection Degree Entrance Scholarship
Award is $1,000 available to a student entering third year of the Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection. No application necessary. Funds are awarded as a tuition credit for the fall term.
For more information on Scholarships or Bursaries offered to Vancouver Island University students please contact the VIU Financial Aid office.