Programs
Programs and Initiatives of the VNHS help everyone, members and beyond, know nature and keep it worth knowing.

Scholarships, Bursaries, & Science Fair Awards

The Society has six scholarships and bursaries at the University of Victoria at both the undergraduate and graduate level:

Samuel Simco Undergraduate Bursary $1000
One or more bursaries, established by the Victoria Natural History Society from funds bequeathed for this purpose by the late Mr. Samuel Simco, awarded to undergraduate students in Biology specializing in the area of species and/or habitat conservation. Selection will be made by the Senate Committee on Awards upon the recommendation of the Department of Biology.

Samuel Simco Graduate Bursary $1000
One or more bursaries, established by the Victoria Natural History Society from funds bequeathed for this purpose by the late Mr. Samuel Simco, awarded to graduate students in Biology specializing in the area of species and/or habitat conservation. Selection will be made by the Senate Committee on Awards upon the recommendation of the Department of Biology.

Bev Glover Memorial Scholarship $1000
A scholarship awarded to an academically outstanding undergraduate student entering third or fourth year in a Major or Honours program in Biology who is specializing in the area of species or habitat conservation. Approval of the recipients will be made by the Senate Committee on Awards upon the recommendation of the Department of Biology.

Alice M. Hay Scholarship $1000
An award given to a graduate student in biology who is specializing in the area of species and/or habitat conservation. Selection will be made by the Graduate Awards Committee upon the recommendation of the Department of Biology.

Freeman F. King Scholarship
A scholarship awarded to a student entering fourth year Biology and preparing for a career in natural history. Preference is given to students with an interest in field studies, especially in terrestrial biology.

Dennis and Lyndis Davis Scholarship
Scholarships awarded to academically outstanding undergraduate students in the Department of Biology, the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, or the School of Environmental Studies. Preference will be given to students pursuing studies in species, habitat or ecosystem conservation, ecology or biodiversity. Nominations will be made by the Faculty of Science.

VNHS Royal Roads University Bursary $1000
The award is open to new full-time students in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program who demonstrate financial need. Preference  will be given to applicants who have been active in a natural history or environmental organization.

VNHS Camosun College Bursary $1000
Established 1992 – to provide financial assistance to full-time students enrolled in 2nd year of the Environmental Tech Program.  The bursary will be awarded annually to a student who maintains satisfactory academic standing and demonstrates financial need.

The application process for these awards can be found on the appropriate institution’s website. We encourage anyone interested in pursuing an academic career in the natural sciences to apply.

Science Fair awards are also given out each year by the Victoria Natural History Society to students submitting ecological and/or nature-based projects: prizes are $250 each and a copy of the Nature Guide to the Victoria Region.