Pacific Leaders Scholarships for Public Servants

Research shows that top employers attract workers through competitive benefits packages. This scholarship helps talented and motivated B.C. public servants advance their career goals by furthering their education in areas related to government’s priorities. Due to the return of service requirement, it is open to full-time and part-time regular employees who have completed their probation period and who are working towards eligible degrees, diplomas or certificates.

• Scholarships will be awarded for 100 per cent of tuition and books to a maximum of $5,000 per year for undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs, and up to $7,500 per year for master’s or PhD programs at designated educational institutions. (The increase from 75% to 100% takes effect with the May 31, 2008 and is not retroactive.)
• Employees applying for scholarships must have clearly defined career paths and up-to-date and positive employee performance and development plans. Their studies must align with government’s future requirements.
• Approval covers a 12 month period and employees must re-apply for scholarships in subsequent years.
• For every 12-month period that scholarship funding is provided, a one-year return of employment with the public service is expected. Applicants who receive 100% reimbursement will be required to complete an additional one year return of service.
• Scholarship payments are awarded at the beginning of the study period.
• An adjudication panel will review applications based on the employee’s performance and career potential and relevance of the area of study to the province’s future needs.
• Successful students will be notified in March and July and December.
• At the end of the school year, scholarship recipients must submit copies of completion and/or pass marks for their programs.