Association of Professional Biologists Scholarship

Based in British Columbia, the Association of Professional Biology works to advance the application, practice and understanding of applied biology and the work of professional biologists across Canada. Our practising members are in good standing with organizations, such as the College of Applied Biologists in BC and the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists that are governed by provincial legislation (e.g., the Professional Governance Act).

The Association of Professional Biology (APB) represents professional biologists in British Columbia. Our members are in good standing with accredited regulatory natural resource organizations such as the College of Applied Biologists (CAB) in British Columbia and the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) in Alberta. Members are governed by provincial legislation (e.g., the College of Applied Biology Act and its Rules).

APB Scholarship and Bursary

The APB will normally fund up to two scholarship or bursary awards each year. Under the Scholarship and Bursary Program, the APB reserves the option to create graduate and undergraduate categories and provide one scholarship or bursary for each (total of two), if the applications warrant this segregation. This is intended to provide undergraduates with an equal opportunity to compete with their graduate peers. Moreover, the Board may expand the Scholarship and Bursary Program if additional funds become available during any given year.

If you run a business, please consider sponsoring out scholarship and bursary program. Scroll to the bottom of this page to find out how.

Application Instructions

When applying for this scholarship, we require the following information, which should be assembled in a folder before mailing.

1. Download and complete the application form. Submit form to info@professionalbiology.com.
2. Include a short personal statement which tell us about yourself. Please expand on the following: Interests; Activities out of school time; and Your goals for the future.
3. Include a current resume.
4. Arrange for and include two letters of reference.
5. Mail original transcripts to the APB office.
6. Include a completed copy of the eligibility form.

Download the checklist online.

Terms of Reference

Eligibility

Applicants for the APB Scholarship and Bursary may be:

• A child, spouse, niece, nephew, grandchild, or other close relative of a member in good standing of the APB who is entering the third or fourth year of an undergraduate program in biology, the second year of a diploma program in biology, or a closely related area as specified in the College schedule
• A student member of the APB who is entering the third or fourth year of an undergraduate program in biology, the second year of a diploma program in biology, or a closely related area as specified in the College schedule.
• A Biologist in Training of the APB returning to university to pursue a higher degree.
• A Registered Biology Technologist in Training of the APB pursuing an undergraduate or higher degree.
• An RPBio in good standing with the APB, returning to university to pursue a higher degree.
• An RBTech in good standing with the APB who is pursuing an undergraduate or higher degree.

Applicants must be enrolled in an academic program similar to those in the College membership guidelines, which leads to a degree or diploma that will be used in a professional biology practice. Applicants are eligible to re-apply for the scholarship in subsequent years. However, an applicant is only eligible to receive a scholarship for up to a maximum of two years.

Application Deadline

The final date for applications for the scholarship shall be July of the year in which the student will be starting their second year (diploma) third or fourth year (degree), or entering/continuing a post-graduate program.

Information Required

Applicants are required to fill in the application form available on the web site.

Forms:

• Application Form
• Eligibility Form
• Application Checklist

Information required with the application includes:

• A letter to the scholarship committee indicating the applicant’s qualifications, background, professional /extracurricular interests and activities; and
• Two letters of reference.
• Ensure original transcripts are mailed to the APB office to arrive prior to the deadline.

The information provided is to inform the committee about the applicant’s goals, life experiences, motivations and extracurricular activities.

Adjudication

Applications shall be reviewed by the Committee, convened by the Chair, or any combination of the Chair and two members of the APB (i.e. a Selection Sub-committee).

In the case of a conflict of interest (i.e. child, partner, spouse, co-worker), a member of the Committee (or Selection Sub-committee) will step down and another member will be appointed by the remaining members or by the Board as so required.

Selection shall be on an assignment of points for each application, with the top scorer(s) receiving the scholarship(s).

In the case of a tie, the committee may:

• interview the applicants by phone
• review the applications
• check with references
• choose to divide the scholarship between the two individuals

Applicants will be evaluated on a scale of 50 points where:

• 20 points - evaluation of transcript;
• 10 points - evaluation of letters of reference; and
• 20 points - evaluation of personal information.

The committee may choose not to award a scholarship in any year in which there is no candidate scoring at least 40 points.

Distribution

A cheque or e-transfer will be forwarded to the winner on proof of registration at the post-secondary institution specified in the application.

Publication

A brief write-up taken from the information supplied by the applicant will be shared with our membership, published on the APB website and/or on APB social media.