UBC ams

AMS Fitness Access Bursary

To improve the lives of students at UBC, the AMS offers subsidies to eligible members who are experiencing genuine financial hardship. The AMS Fitness Access Bursary is a one-time initiative designed to reduce financial barriers to physical activity by providing free UBC Recreation Fitness Memberships.

Launching in Fall 2025 to commemorate the opening of the brand-new UBC-AMS Recreation Centre North, the bursary will provide 600 memberships to UBC Athletics & Recreation facilities. By supporting student health, wellness, and belonging, this bursary reflects the AMS’s commitment to inclusive, accessible opportunities for movement and community engagement.

What You’ll Receive

Who Can Apply?

  • Must be a current UBC Vancouver student*
  • Must demonstrate genuine financial hardship
  • For students for whom the cost of a membership is a barrier
  • Preference will be given to students who have not previously held a UBC Athletics & Recreation membership

* Affiliated College students do not contribute to the Financial Assistance Fund or pay the Student Aid Bursary and therefore are not eligible.

Application Period

  • 2025 Winter Term 1 & 2: August 28 – September 25

Students may only apply during the first term of the academic year.

Application Requirements

All subsidy applicants must provide supporting documentation that demonstrates their financial needs.

  • At least one supporting document demonstrating financial need (e.g., Notification of Assessment with unmet need, proof of financial aid, etc.).
  • A short statement on how this bursary will support your health and wellbeing.
  • Applications will be reviewed and ranked by the AMS Finance Department according to financial need

Important Notes

  • Funding is limited. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee a bursary.
  • Only successful applicants will be notified by email.
  • Processing time may be longer than usual if a large number of applications are received.
  • If approved for the bursary, you do not need to buy a membership. You will be provided an access link for a free membership.

Privacy Statement

Information collected in this form is subject to the BC Personal Information and Protection Act (PIPA) and will only be used by AMS and UBC employees to determine eligibility for fee subsidies.