Student Experiences Fund (SEF)

The Student Experiences Fund (SEF) supports UFV students in pursuing experiential learning opportunities outside of their academic coursework. These experiences are designed to enhance both personal and professional development.

Applications are now open for 2026/27 SEF Funding!

Please note: Applications will close once funding runs out. Apply early!

Funding Details (as of April 1, 2026):

Maximum funding: up to $350 per fiscal year (April 1-March 31)
Funding is limited and not all activities will receive the full funding
We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible, before funding runs out
Approved funding covers only the specific expenses outlined in your decision email

Application Deadlines:

Applications are accepted year-round until funding runs out
Funding is limited, so apply as early as possible
Submit your application at least 7 days before your event to ensure timely review
Applications for past events are not eligible
Only complete applications will be considered

If applications exceed available funding, eligible submissions will be ranked based on their comprehensive nature and quality, with priority given to first-time applicants

Experience Criteria:

SEF funding is now available for three categories of experience:

Conferences

Attending and/or presenting at academic or professional conferences

Note: You may receive funding from either the Student Experiences Fund (SEF) or Research and Graduate Studies but not both. If your application to Research and Graduate Studies is unsuccessful or not eligible, you may then apply to SEF.

Competitions & Events: individual and group participation

Academic competitions
Hackathons
Networking events
Panel discussions

New policy starting April 1, 2026 regarding SEF applications relating to competitions and events:

If the competition/event happens more than once per fiscal year (April 1-March 31), you may only be granted funding for one opportunity that year

Certifications & Workshops: Maximum funding up to $200

New policy starting September 1, 2024 regarding SEF applications relating to certifications:

If you pass the exam: Receive 100% of pre-approved funding – copy of certificate required as part of the post documents
If you fail the exam: Receive 50% of pre-approved funding

Please note, registration and admission fees are eligible. Travel expenses may be approved on a case-by-case basis. These include airlines, ferries, shuttles, buses, SkyTrain, taxis/rideshares, tolls, mileage, parking, and hotels. Food and clothing expenses are not covered.

Reimbursement:

Reimbursements are issued only after all post-experience documents have been submitted and approved. Funding applies exclusively to the expenses outlined in your application decision email.

You can request Direct Deposit. Please fill out the form along with a void cheque to payroll@ufv.ca before you submit your expense claim.

Student eligibility

To qualify, you must:

Be registered at UFV and enrolled in courses at the time of application and at the time the experience takes place
- (Exception: Summer activities do not require enrollment, but you must return in the Fall semester)
Be enrolled in a certificate, diploma, degree program, or Qualifying Studies program
Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
Have successfully completed the equivalent of one full-time semester at UFV

How to apply

Log into your CareerLink account using your UFV student email and network password
Click on Resources > Pathways > Student Experiences Fund (SEF)
Complete the application checklist and submit your application.

Post-experience reporting

Please note all funds will be reimbursed after the event. Approved applications must submit the following to sef@ufv.ca within two weeks after the experience:

Expense claim form with receipts and proof of payment (visa, bank statement)

A photo and/or video (if applicable)
An updated resume including the experience
A written report (minimum 200 words) addressing:

Describe the outcome of your experience. (For conferences, please provide an overview of the sessions you attended, key research tools and methodologies you learned about, and other takeaways.)
List three or more newly acquired or improved skills obtained through this experience. Provide examples of how you demonstrated these skills or may demonstrate these skills in the future.
Reflect on the experience. How did the experience influence your career goals?
If applicable, explain the impact of your experience on the community.

Added May 2022