The scholarships and awards described below are intended specifically for History students. For more information, see the complete listing of scholarships and awards available to Vancouver Island University students.
Helen Brown Book Prize
The Helen Brown Book Prize is awarded each spring to a History student who distinguishes herself or himself by academic achievement, research, commitment to the History department and its work, or service to their fellow students.
Bygone Books Award for History
Available to continuing students enrolled in History courses, based on academic achievement and financial need. Apply to Financial Aid & Awards office by April 30. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the Fall term.
William Barraclough History Scholarship
1 award to the student with the highest GPA in History 111, 112 and 113 (Surveys of Canadian History) who registers in a second year History course. No application necessary. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the Fall term.
Dan Hawthorne Sports History Prize
Awarded to the student who performs best in History 214 or History 215.
Karr History Scholarship
Awarded to a returning fourth year student, majoring in History, who has achieved the highest GPA in their third year of studies. No application necessary. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the Fall term.
Nanaimo Historical Society's Ethel Barraclough Memorial History Award
Awarded to continuing students registered in a "300" or "400" level History course who have written an original research essay on local Vancouver Island, or British Columbia history. Essays adjudicated by the History department. A copy of the prize-winning essay to be sent to the Nanaimo Historical Society. No application necessary. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the Fall term.
Nanaimo Historical Society's Peggy Nicholls Memorial Award
Available to history students who have submitted an outstanding paper or project, in any aspect of history, as nominated by instructors. Students can be full or part time, and may be in any year of the program. No application necessary. Recipient selected in May, with funds issued in June.
Chuck Hee Wong Memorial Award
1 award, $300; available to first or second year History student returning to Vancouver Island University in the Fall. Based on achievement in a second year History course. No application necessary. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the fall term.
Robert Ross Memorial Scholarship
1 award for academic achievement; to a full-time student (100% course load) continuing to fourth year of a BA program in Philosophy, Liberal Studies, English, or History.
Nanaimo Historical Society's Ethel Barraclough Memorial History Award
For continuing students registered in a "300" or "400" level History course who have completed an original research project on local Vancouver Island or British Columbia history. Adjudicated by the History department. A copy of the prize-winning project to be sent to the Nanaimo Historical Society. No application necessary. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the Fall term.
British Columbia Historical Association Scholarship
1 award, $600; to a student entering fourth year in Majors program in History with a specialization in British Columbia. A formal application, including a research paper, is necessary.
Margaret Ormsby Essay Prize
1 award available to students for the best original essay of first class standing on any aspect of British Columbia history (including, but not limited to, history of Indigenous people, immigrants, women, art history, historical geography, historical sociology, and the history of education). Essays will be adjudicated by the History department and must be submitted by 1 May. Funds awarded as a tuition credit for the Fall term.
W. Kaye Lamb Essay Scholarships
The British Columbia Historical Federation awards two scholarships annually for work by students in BC colleges or universities on a topic relating to British Columbia history. One scholarship ($750) is for work by a student in a first or second year course; the other ($1000) is for work by a student in a third or fourth year course.
The work may be presented in a variety of media including:
- Essay (1500-5000 words)
- Website
- Video or film performance
- Podcast
- Artwork or installation
A formal application, including a cover letter and a letter of recommendation for the student's professor, is necessary.
Effie Galena Kilpatrick Scholarship
Available to students enrolled in their final year of study in Bachelor of Arts program. Preference will be given to applicants who are intending to pursue further studies in History or a Heritage-related field.