Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
The FANS Secondary Loan is provided to new residents of Nunavut to help with monthly living costs (rent, food, clothing) while studying. Unlike the Primary Loan, the Secondary Loan must be repaid in full — it cannot be forgiven, even if you return to Nunavut after completing your studies.
The FANS Secondary Loan is a repayable living allowance loan for non-Inuit students who are newer residents of Nunavut. It provides monthly financial support for basic living costs while studying at a designated post-secondary institution. Because it is fully repayable, students should borrow only what they need and explore all other available funding first.
Who Is Eligible?
The Secondary Loan is available to non-Inuit students who are residents of Nunavut but do not yet have sufficient Nunavut schooling or residency to access the remissible Primary Loan in full — including newer residents who have not yet accumulated three or more years of Nunavut residency.
All students must also meet the general FANS eligibility requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Have been a Nunavut resident for at least 12 consecutive months before applying.
- Be enrolled full-time (60%+ course load) in an eligible program of at least 12 weeks at a designated institution.
- Be studying toward a certificate, diploma, or degree.
- Demonstrate satisfactory progress and attendance.
- Have no outstanding Government of Nunavut debts.
- Not be receiving student financial aid from another provincial, territorial, or federal program.
Important — Full Repayment Required:
The Secondary Loan must be repaid in full. Unlike the Primary Loan, it is not remissible and cannot be forgiven by returning to Nunavut. Before taking on Secondary Loan debt, explore whether you qualify for the Primary Loan, Nunavut Inuit Benefits, or other non-repayable supports. You will not be eligible to receive further FANS funding until any outstanding repayable debt is addressed.
What the Secondary Loan Covers
The Secondary Loan is a living allowance to help with monthly costs while you study, including:
- Rent and accommodation
- Food
- Clothing and other basic living costs
How to Apply
The Secondary Loan is assessed through your main FANS application. Apply before the applicable deadline (March 1, July 15, or November 15) and submit your Student Enrollment Form to fansloans@gov.nu.ca at least one month before the start of each new semester. You must reapply each academic year. FANS approves students for one academic year at a time.
FANS benefits are taxable — you will receive a T4A each spring for the full amount paid on your behalf. Income tax is not deducted from monthly payments.
Other FANS Benefits
In addition to the Secondary Loan, all eligible FANS students may access Primary Universal Benefits (tuition, books, travel) and Secondary Universal Benefits (monthly living allowance), both delivered as remissible loans for non-Inuit students. If you need additional support beyond what these programs provide, you may also apply for the Needs Assessed Loan based on demonstrated financial need.
Ready to find a program? Explore eligible schools today.
