Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
Nunavut Inuit Benefits are non-repayable grants available exclusively to Nunavut Inuit students (beneficiaries under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement). They provide supplementary financial support on top of Primary and Secondary Universal Benefits and scale based on the number of dependants. These benefits are provided as grants — they do not need to be repaid.
Nunavut Inuit Benefits are a supplementary grant component of Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS), available only to Nunavut Inuit students who are beneficiaries under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. They provide additional financial support beyond the Primary and Secondary Universal Benefits that all FANS students receive.
Because they are provided to Inuit students as grants, Nunavut Inuit Benefits do not need to be repaid.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for Nunavut Inuit Benefits, you must:
- Be a beneficiary under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (Nunavut Inuit).
- 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.
- Be studying in one of the following circumstances:
- Outside of Nunavut (studying in the provinces or elsewhere in Canada); or
- Inside Nunavut, outside of your home community, and have dependants living with you; or
- Inside Nunavut, outside of your home community, as a single student renting in private accommodations.
Confirmation of Inuit Beneficiary Status:
To receive Nunavut Inuit Benefits, you must confirm your beneficiary status with the FANS office. Your benefits as a Nunavut Inuit student — including access to grants rather than loans — depend on this verification. Contact FANS at fans@gov.nu.ca or 1-877-860-0680 if you need assistance.
Benefit Amounts
Nunavut Inuit Benefits scale with your family size and dependants. Amounts are in addition to the monthly living allowance provided through Secondary Universal Benefits. Contact the FANS office for the current benefit rate table applicable to your situation, as amounts vary by study location (north vs. south) and family composition.
Dependants for the purposes of FANS are defined as children, stepchildren, or adopted children under the age of 18, or children under the age of 21 who are attending secondary school full-time, or dependants with documented permanent disabilities.
Important — Program in Transition
2025-26 is Phase 1 of a comprehensive restructuring of FANS. The overall direction is a simplification to grants for Inuit students and loans for non-Inuit students. Phase 2 will introduce a fully reworked program with a new name and expanded non-financial student supports. Contact FANS directly for the most current benefit details.
How to Apply
Nunavut Inuit Benefits are assessed as part of your main FANS application — no separate application is needed. Apply before the applicable deadline (March 1, July 15, or November 15) and submit a completed Student Enrollment Form to fans@gov.nu.ca at least one month before each new semester. You must reapply each academic year.
Other FANS Benefits
As a Nunavut Inuit student, your full funding package may include Primary Universal Benefits (tuition, books, travel), Secondary Universal Benefits (monthly living allowance), Nunavut Inuit Benefits (supplementary grant), and the Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities if applicable. You may also be eligible for a Needs Assessed Loan if additional financial support is required.
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