Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
The FANS Disability Grant is a non-repayable grant for eligible students with permanent disabilities, available to all FANS student categories. The grant covers up to $20,000 per year for disability-related services and equipment. You can apply at any time during the academic year. A medical or learning ability assessment from a certified professional is required.
The FANS Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities is a non-repayable grant that helps eligible students manage the extraordinary costs that arise from studying with a permanent disability. The grant has been significantly increased for 2025-26 and is available to all FANS student categories — Nunavut Inuit students, non-Inuit students with Nunavut schooling, and non-Inuit students with Nunavut residency alike.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the FANS Disability Grant, you must:
- Meet all general FANS eligibility requirements — Canadian citizen or permanent resident, Nunavut resident for at least 12 consecutive months, enrolled full-time (60%+ course load) in an eligible program at a designated institution, studying toward a certificate, diploma, or degree.
- Have a permanent disability that impacts your ability to participate in post-secondary education.
- Provide a medical or learning ability assessment completed by a certified medical professional, describing how your disability affects your participation in post-secondary studies. This is submitted using the FANS Disability Assessment Form.
How Much Can You Get?
The FANS Disability Grant provides up to $20,000 per academic year for disability-related education costs. For students accessing Distance Course Reimbursement (correspondence or online courses), the disability grant provides up to $1,000 per full-credit distance course.
The grant covers education-related expenses directly related to your disability, such as:
- Tutors
- Interpreters, note-takers, or readers
- Assistive technology and special equipment
- Attendant care while in school
- Other disability-related services necessary for participation in your program
Pro Tip:
You can apply for the Disability Grant at any time during the academic year — you do not need to wait for the regular FANS application deadlines. Gather your medical or learning ability assessment documentation early to avoid delays in receiving support.
How to Apply
Complete the FANS Disability Assessment Form and submit it along with a medical or learning ability assessment from a certified medical professional to the FANS office. You may apply at any time during the academic year. Submit your documentation to fans@gov.nu.ca or contact the FANS office at 1-877-860-0680 for assistance.
You must resubmit a disability application each new academic year. Students only need to complete the application once per academic year, not once per semester.
Other FANS Benefits
The Disability Grant works alongside your other FANS benefits. Depending on your student category, you may also receive Primary Universal Benefits (tuition, books, travel), Secondary Universal Benefits (monthly living allowance), and Nunavut Inuit Benefits if applicable. If you are taking distance courses, see also the Distance Course Reimbursement program.
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