Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026

Dear Nova Scotians, what is stopping you from going after your education aspirations? Paying for post-secondary education from a premier institute is no small task.

However, don’t let finances hold you back. Nova Scotia offers a range of loans, grants, and scholarships to help residents pursue their education without added financial stress.

If you are a resident of this province, some of the key funding options available to you include Nova Scotia Student Assistance, the Nova Scotia Student Loan, the Nova Scotia High Need with Dependants Grant, and disability-related supports such as the Nova Scotia Grant for Services and Equipment. Apart from these, there are also federal funding options available to you.

Let’s get into the finer details of Nova Scotia’s provincial funding programs.

What Kind of Funding Is Available?

Students in Nova Scotia may be able to access several different types of financial support depending on their needs and circumstances.

• Student loans to help cover tuition, books, and living costs
• Grants that do not need to be repaid if you remain eligible
• Targeted supports for students with dependants and students with disabilities
• Scholarships and bursaries that may complement your student aid package

In many cases, one Nova Scotia Student Assistance application can assess you for both provincial and federal funding.

Nova Scotia Student Assistance

Nova Scotia Student Assistance is the province’s main student financial aid system. It helps eligible students access provincial and federal loans and grants for post-secondary education.

Funding is based on financial need. Educational costs such as tuition, books, supplies, and basic living expenses are weighed against the resources that you, and in some cases your family or spouse, are expected to contribute.

This makes Nova Scotia Student Assistance the main starting point for Nova Scotians who want to explore what provincial and federal support may be available to them.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for Nova Scotia Student Assistance, you generally must meet a few basic requirements:

• Be a resident of Nova Scotia for full-time provincial funding
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number
• Be enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program at a designated school
• Be in good standing on previous student loans
• Maintain satisfactory scholastic progress while studying

For most full-time students, that also means taking at least 60% of a full course load per term, or 40% for students with a disability.

Nova Scotia Student Loan

The Nova Scotia Student Loan is one of the province’s main funding tools for full-time students. It helps cover education and living costs while you are in school.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the maximum Nova Scotia Student Loan remains $200 per week of study. The exact amount you receive depends on your assessed financial need.

Nova Scotia Grants for Full-Time Students

When you apply for full-time studies, you are assessed for both loans and grants at the same time. Grants do not need to be repaid, which makes them one of the most valuable forms of student assistance available.

Nova Scotia currently includes provincial grant support such as the Nova Scotia 40% Upfront Student Grant, along with a range of federal Canada Student Grants that may apply depending on your income and circumstances.

If you qualify, part of your total assistance package may come in the form of grant funding instead of repayable debt.

Nova Scotia High Need with Dependants Grant

This provincial grant is designed for students with dependants whose calculated financial need is especially high.

Nova Scotia says students whose calculated need is more than $275 per week of study may be eligible, with support of up to $20 per week of study.

This extra help can be meaningful for students trying to manage education costs alongside family responsibilities.

Nova Scotia Grant for Services and Equipment

Students with disabilities may be able to access additional support through the Nova Scotia Grant for Services and Equipment.

This funding can help cover education-related disability costs such as tutors, scribes, interpreters, note-takers, or specialized equipment and services needed to participate in post-secondary education.

Some disability-related grants may require additional documentation, so it is a good idea to prepare this early.

Full-Time and Part-Time Funding

Eligible students studying full-time can access Nova Scotia Loans and Grants as well as Canada Student Loans and Grants. Full-time students are assessed for living costs, tuition, books, and supplies.

If you are taking less than a full-time course load, you may still be eligible for part-time funding, which uses a different application process. Part-time students are generally assessed for tuition and books and supplies, but not living expenses.

This gives students more flexibility if they need to study on a reduced course load while balancing work, family, or other obligations.

When Will You Get Your Money?

Nova Scotia says your assessment is usually ready to view in MyPATH within 4 to 6 weeks after submitting your application and Tax Consent Form.

Your funding cannot be released until your school confirms your enrolment and any required documents have been completed.

Other Financial Aid Options

In addition to provincial funding, Nova Scotia students may also qualify for federal programs such as Canada Student Grants, Canada Student Loans, Federal Student Scholarships, and Federal Student Bursaries.

Take the time to explore your options, compare schools, and speak with an advisor if you are unsure where to begin. The right mix of loans, grants, and other supports can make post-secondary education much more manageable.

Ready to explore your next step? Find schools today!