Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
Primary Universal Benefits are available to all eligible FANS students regardless of category. They cover tuition (up to $10,000/year), books (up to $2,500/year), and travel (one return trip per year). For Nunavut Inuit students, these are provided as grants. For non-Inuit students, they are provided as remissible loans.
Primary Universal Benefits are the core educational cost component of Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS). Introduced as part of the 2025-26 program restructuring, they are available to all eligible FANS students — Nunavut Inuit students, non-Inuit students with Nunavut schooling, and non-Inuit students with Nunavut residency alike.
The key distinction is how they are delivered: for Nunavut Inuit students, Primary Universal Benefits are provided as non-repayable grants. For non-Inuit students, the same benefits are provided as remissible loans that may be forgiven if you return to live and work in Nunavut after completing your studies.
What Primary Universal Benefits Cover
| Benefit | Maximum Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and mandatory fees | Up to $10,000 per year | Covers actual tuition costs up to the annual maximum |
| Books | Up to $2,500 per year | Covers required textbooks and course materials |
| Travel | One return trip per year | From home community to school location and back; includes eligible dependants |
| Disability Grant | Up to $20,000 per year | Eligibility based on Disability Assessment Form; available to all students |
General Eligibility Requirements
To receive FANS benefits including Primary Universal Benefits, all students must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Have been a resident of Nunavut for at least 12 consecutive months before applying.
- Be enrolled in a program of at least 12 weeks in duration at Nunavut Arctic College or another designated post-secondary institution.
- Be a full-time student carrying at least 60% of a full course load.
- Be studying towards a certificate, diploma, or degree.
- Demonstrate satisfactory progress and attendance.
- Have no outstanding debt owing to the Government of Nunavut.
- Not be receiving student financial aid from another provincial, territorial, or federal program.
Important — Program in Transition:
The 2025-26 academic year represents Phase 1 of a comprehensive restructuring of the FANS program. Phase 2 will introduce a fully reworked program with a new name and additional non-financial student support. Contact the FANS office at fans@gov.nu.ca or 1-877-860-0680 for the most current details.
How to Apply
Apply to FANS as early as possible. You do not need to wait until you have been accepted to an institution — submit your application by the deadline and provide any remaining documents (including your acceptance letter) as they become available.
| Application Deadline | For Studies Starting |
|---|---|
| March 1 | Spring/summer semester |
| July 15 | Fall semester |
| November 15 | Winter semester |
Submit your completed FANS Application Form and Student Enrollment Form (SEF) to fans@gov.nu.ca. If you have a loan component, send your SEF to fansloans@gov.nu.ca. You must submit a new SEF one month before the start of each new semester to continue receiving payments. FANS benefits are taxable — you will receive a T4A each spring.
Other FANS Benefits
Primary Universal Benefits work alongside the other FANS programs. You may also be eligible for Secondary Universal Benefits for monthly living costs, Nunavut Inuit Benefits (if applicable), and the Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities. Loan-eligible students may also access the Primary Loan, Secondary Loan, or Needs Assessed Loan.
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