Core Business Areas

1. Educational Institutions and Organizations

The Ministry provides base funding to four traditional universities and one specialized university, five university colleges, eleven community colleges, three provincial institutes, two Aboriginal institutes, and other organizations that support the public post-secondary system.

2. Industry Training and Apprenticeship

The Ministry provides funding to the Industry Training Authority, which oversees the management of the industry training system in British Columbia, works with industry to expand training opportunities in industry growth areas, particularly in high-tech and other knowledge industries, and markets awareness of industry training and apprenticeship opportunities for youth.

3. Student Financial Assistance Programs

Student financial assistance is a program of financial aid available to students at the post-secondary level attending both public and accredited private institutions. It combines repayable loans and debt reduction measures awarded on the basis of each student's financial need. Additional assistance is provided through special programs (e.g., loan forgiveness for doctors/nurses, nurses education bursary, and grants to students with disabilities).

4. Debt Service Costs and Amortization of Prepaid Capital Advances

The Ministry provides funding to public post-secondary institutions to finance capital projects including upgrades, renovations, replacements, expansions, new facilities and equipment.

5. Executive and Support Services

The Ministry provides leadership and direction, establishes policy and accountability, and provides funding to British Columbia's public post-secondary system. The Ministry also administers a degree quality assessment process for public and private post-secondary degree-granting institutions.