The deadline for this year’s Lilian To Bursaries for Immigrants at Ashton College has been extended until Aug. 31, 2013.

Vancouver-based Ashton College is offering four full-time tuition bursaries, worth up to $8,000, to new immigrants, sponsored by Canadian Immigrant magazine.

The bursaries will be awarded to four outstanding students and cover full-time tuition for a range of Ashton College programs, which include everything from diplomas in immigration consultancy to human resources to accounting and more. Applicants must have immigrated in 2008 or later.

Newcomers to Canada often face seemingly insurmountable barriers when it comes to job searching in their adopted country. Often, the main obstacle between an immigrant and employment is recognized credentials. But with college fees costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars, many people do not have the option of returning to school to upgrade their skills. That’s why Ashton College, in partnership with Canadian Immigrant magazine, has been offering this bursary program for newcomers since 2005.

One of last year’s winner, Melissa Remulla-Briones, emigrated from the Philippines to provide her children with more opportunities, which is why she used her bursary to pursue an Immigration Consultant Diploma.

“It was a way for me to obtain what I want for my family, which is to have a better life,” she says. “When I won, I was like, ‘Wow, I’m a step closer to my dream.’ It gave me the push that things will be better for us in Canada.”

The bursaries honour the life of Lilian To, who was a crusader for immigrants as the long-time executive director and CEO of SUCCESS, a multi-service community organization that provides assistance to new immigrants. To died suddenly of a heart attack 2005 and the bursaries ensure that her work with immigrants continues by addressing the challenges they face when trying to secure a stable career in Canada.

For more information about the submission requirements for the Lilian To Bursaries and to apply, visit www.ashtoncollege.com/grants.