Scholarships

Available to Richmond students who are entering a post-secondary institution directly after high school, as well as those who have taken a year off before beginning their post-secondary studies.

Applications for the Richmond Community Foundation’s 2026 high school scholarships are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied!

We anticipate opening our 2027 scholarship applications on schedule, in February.

If you have questions in the meantime, please contact us at 604-270-4483 or [email protected].

Scholarships are available to Richmond students who are entering a post-secondary institution directly after high school, as well as those who have taken a year off before beginning their post-secondary studies. If you have questions about your eligibility, please call 604-270-4483 or e-mail [email protected].

The Foundation requires that two reference letters be submitted with your application. It’s strongly recommended that you prepare these as early as possible. The letters can be from teachers, school counselors, job supervisors, or volunteer coordinators, and should highlight your character, community involvement, and why you should win a Foundation scholarship.

We also encourage you to check out these Common Scholarship Myths (see below), particularly if you’ve convinced yourself that you shouldn’t apply. Chances are, there’s a scholarship for you, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on that opportunity!

Current Scholarships

• Andrea Xi Scholarship – Students pursuing studies at UBC
• Audrey Fricker Scholarship – Students who are affiliated with the Richmond Orchestra & Chorus Association, and are pursuing musical studies
• Dacheng Education Scholarship – For students pursuing a post-secondary education, regardless of school or field of study
• Derek Dang and Dr. Margaret Yeung Scholarship – Any Post-Secondary Pursuit, Including Academic, Vocational, and Apprenticeship Programs
• Etta Demerse Scholarship – UBC, SFU, or Kwantlen
• GBN Health Technology Scholarship – For students from Richmond and the surrounding area who are pursuing a post-secondary education in the field of medical sciences
• Hans Havas Memorial Scholarship – For Richmond students pursuing a post-secondary education
• Kronier Family Scholarship – Community Involvement, Any Post-Secondary Pursuit, Including Vocational and Apprenticeship Programs
• Linda Li Scholarship – For students pursuing a post-secondary education in any field
• RichCity Idol Scholarship – Performing Arts
• Richmond Community Foundation Scholarship – Community Involvement
• Richmond Sunset Rotary Scholarship – Any field of study at a recognized post-secondary institution
• Vancouver Sunshine Lions Club Scholarship – For Richmond students pursuing a post-secondary education anywhere in Canada
• Walter Wu Scholarship – Students who wish to compete in sports at a higher level, but require funding assistance to help them continue their post-secondary education while pursuing their goals as an elite athlete
• Wendy Yuan and Kan Chen Scholarship – Students pursuing an education in political science
• Ye Chen Scholarship – Students living with a disability who plan on studying food sciences at UBC

Students who apply for the Walter Wu Scholarship will also be considered for the Richmond Athletic Commission Scholarship (RACS), which is awarded to an all-around student athlete. Please note that you cannot apply for the RACS directly. To show your interest, simply select the Walter Wu Scholarship on your application form, and you’ll be considered for both. Of course, you’re welcome to apply for other Foundation scholarships as well.

Eligibility
There is no requirement for a specific grade average for any scholarship and students who are pursuing trade and diploma courses are encouraged to apply in addition to those undertaking degree studies. The criteria for all the above scholarships include the following:

• A permanent Richmond resident
• Canadian citizen or landed immigrant
• Graduating, or have graduated within the past two years, from a secondary school in Richmond
• Applying to an accredited post-secondary school
• A demonstrated commitment to the community of Richmond

Notwithstanding the above, consideration will be given to those that demonstrate financial need.

Additional High School Scholarships
The Richmond Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarships not listed on this site, as they have alternate application procedures and deadlines. For more information on these scholarships, see the bottom of this page.

If you’ve missed out on Richmond Community Foundation scholarships, you still have possibilities elsewhere. Here is a list of places you can check out:

• Your high school…ask a teacher, administrator, or your school counselor
• Your workplace…ask your supervisor or HR department; check the company’s local, provincial and national websites
• Organizations for which you have volunteered…ask your supervisor, an older volunteer or a staff person; check their website
• The post-secondary institutions you wish to attend…ask your counselor and research their website
• Professional organizations that employ grads of your chosen post-secondary program…speak to a mentor in that industry and check websites, including companies in the sector
• Clubs, arts, culture, music and sports organizations in which you have been involved as a player, mentor, organizer, coach, referee, volunteer and where you’ve shown your talents and commitment…ask your supervisor, coach, teacher, an older volunteer or a staff person; check local, provincial and national websites
• Service and community groups with which you’ve been involved, such as Cadets, Scouts, Guides… ask your supervisor, group leader, an older volunteer or a staff person; check their websites
• Your religious institution…ask your religious leader or an elder; check local, national and international websites
• Groups with which your parents or family members are or have been involved, including their work, union, community service…talk to your parents, guardians, aunts, uncles and grandparents
• Cultural groups to which you or your family belong…ask those who lead the group; check websites
• If you and your family have received social services, or if you have been fostered, you may be eligible for government assistance…speak to your social worker or caregiver; check applicable websites
• If you have overcome an illness or other adversity…talk to those who supported you; check websites of organizations that serve that area

Initially established by The Richmond Review, this scholarship is awarded annually to Richmond women seeking to upgrade their education or job skills, so they can better support their families.

Thanks for your interest in the Ethel Tibbits Scholarship! Applications are currently closed, but will open again in August 2026. On this page, you can learn more about the scholarship, its eligibility criteria, and how the funds can be used.

If you have questions along the way, please contact us at 604-270-4483 or [email protected].

About the Ethel Tibbits Scholarship

The Richmond Community Foundation holds a forever fund, initially set up by the Richmond Review, to honour the work and life of Ethel Tibbits, a newspaper pioneer and women’s rights activist. The fund provides annual scholarships to local women seeking to further their education, so they can broaden their career opportunities and better support their families.

Scholarships are available to women who have been Richmond residents for at least one year, have financial need, and require training to enter the workforce or upgrade skills to improve their ability to support themselves and their families. Past winners have applied their scholarships to tuition and course materials at Langara, Kwantlen, SFU, and the Continuing Education departments of Delta and Richmond School Districts.

To be considered for a scholarship, please complete the online application form, below, and include two letters of reference outlining your personal character, family situation, and suitability to engage in the career for which you’re studying. Scholarship awards may be used for tuition fees and other course requirements such as text books, software, equipment, or tools.

Established by the Sipko family for those wishing to pursue a career in the profession of dentistry.

Applications for the 2026 Dr. Bud Sipko Family Fund Scholarship are open from April 1 to September 1. Keep reading for details on how to apply!

Please note that this scholarship is available exclusively to students enrolled in UBC’s Faculty of Dentistry.

In 2026, we’re awarding three scholarships:

• Two Dental Student Scholarships at $2,500 each
• One Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship at $2,500

Application Process

There is no formal application. Instead, please write an email listing your full name, mailing address, and UBC student number. In the email, detail your connections to Richmond and your interest in dentistry. To be considered for this scholarship, you must either currently, or in the past:

• have lived in Richmond;
• have worked and/or volunteered in Richmond; or
• have some other tangible connection to Richmond
• Please include the following with your application:
  • your resume or CV;
  • one reference from a UBC Dentistry faculty member who can vouch for your scholastic and faculty achievements;
  • a second reference from an agency or individual who can speak to your connections and contributions to Richmond; and
  • a third reference who will attest to your contributions to any other community, including volunteerism or professional activities related to dentistry

Note that references need not be lengthy, but should detail the type (volunteer or other) of duties or work referenced, duration, quality, and attitude.

Applications and reference letters may be emailed to [email protected].

If you have any questions about the scholarship, application process, or eligibility criteria, please contact the Richmond Community Foundation at 604-270-4483 or [email protected].

The Phyllis Taylor Scholarship is available to students who are furthering their education in the fields of music or performing arts. Scholarships up to the value of $5,000 may be awarded.

Applications for the Phyllis Taylor Scholarship are accepted on an ongoing basis. The eligibility criteria and application process are outlined below. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Richmond Community Foundation at 604-270-4483 or [email protected].

“Phyllis was born Keyingham, York, England and immigrated to Kelowna very early in life. At the age of six, Phyllis began studying her life’s passion, the piano. She excelled at various competitions throughout British Columbia. Critics expressed amazement at the abilities of the young female prodigy. Phyllis continued to develop as a first class pianist and played with several orchestras throughout North America and Great Britain at a time that the concert stage was dominated by male performers. Phyllis was well on her way when tragedy struck; her husband, Brenton passed away suddenly. Phyllis had to put her dreams aside and concentrate on developing a teaching practice as well as working as the musical director and organist at many churches over the years in order to survive. Phyllis took to teaching just as she had as a concert pianist. For many years and well into her late eighties, Phyllis taught many children from Richmond. Phyllis Taylor is fondly remembered by her many students some of whom have gone on to concert or teaching careers themselves. Phyllis Taylor was a lifetime member of the Richmond Music Teachers Association. Phyllis’s final years were made more difficult by her poor health but she continued to have a quest for knowledge as she read books about the human and political conditions of our times and was always excited to discuss these topics with her visitors. Phyllis Taylor worried about the future and looked to the youth to speak out against wrongs of society and to play an active role in change. To this end, Phyllis Taylor has created a scholarship fund for students entering post secondary education. With the passing of Phyllis Taylor, it is important to acknowledge the vital role that she played in developing the minds and musical souls of Richmond’s youth over the years. There can be no greater purpose in life. Phyllis Taylor shall be missed.”
Vancouver Sun | August 27, 2004

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

The Phyllis Taylor Scholarship is available to students who are furthering their education in the fields of music or performing arts. Scholarships up to the value of $5,000 may be awarded. 

As stipulated by the terms directed by Phyllis Taylor in her will, scholarship applicants must:

• have attended at least one year previously, or be attending, an accredited post-secondary institution pursuing programs or coursework in the fields of music or performing arts;
• be, or have been, a resident of Richmond for a minimum of two years;
• be able to demonstrate significant musical or performing arts talent;
• be able to demonstrate community involvement, academic, and leadership skills; and
• be of British, Scottish, or Irish descent

Preference will be given to applicants pursuing post-graduate studies and to those who have a strong connection, and a history of commitment, to Richmond.

Please provide the following upon application:

• A letter of introduction outlining your reasons for applying for the scholarship and detailing your education and career to date
• Proof of post-secondary registration
• Two reference letters attesting to talent in music and/or performing arts
• Two reference letters attesting to community involvement, academic and leadership skills
• Historical documentation of current, or prior, Richmond residency of at least 2 (two) years duration
• Historical documentation of British, Scottish or Irish descent

Applications and supporting documents can be e-mailed to [email protected], or mailed to the following address:

Richmond Community Foundation
240-7000 Minoru Blvd.
Richmond, BC  V6Y 3Z5

If you have questions about the Phyllis Taylor Scholarship, or the eligibility criteria, please contact the Richmond Community Foundation at 604-270-4483 or [email protected].

This scholarship is offered to Richmond students who are pursuing an education related to the tourism or hospitality industries. Applicants may already be studying at a post-secondary institution, or plan on enrolling in the future.

Applications for the 2023 Tourism Richmond Scholarship are now closed. Please check back in July for information on 2024 scholarship opportunities.

In the meantime, you’re welcome and encouraged to review this page to learn more about the scholarship, its eligibility criteria, and the application process. If you have any questions, please call 604-270-4483 or email [email protected].

The Tourism Richmond Scholarship is offered to Richmond students who are pursuing an education related to the tourism or hospitality industries.

To apply, you must be a Richmond resident, and either currently studying at a post-secondary institution, or planning to enroll at a future date.

This year, two scholarships are available, each valued at $3,000.

Below, you can complete an online application, where you’ll be asked to provide details on your educational goals and career plan.

You’re also required to submit one reference letter, speaking to your character, accomplishments, community involvement, and suitability for the scholarship. The letter can be written by a teacher, employer, volunteer coordinator, or mentor, but should not come from a friend or family member.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Richmond Community Foundation at 604-270-4483 or [email protected].