The Student Assistance Office was established in 1964. The program was established to provide needs-based assistance to students who would be unable to attend post-secondary study because their family resources were not sufficient to cover their educational costs. This philosophy has remained unchanged.
Through the provision of the appropriate financial assistance, it is the Mission of the Nova Scotia Student Assistance Office to ensure that all eligible Nova Scotians have equity of access to quality post secondary education and training.
The Student Assistance Office administers the following loans and grants:
The federal and provincial governments provide assistance to help students study at designated universities, community colleges or private career colleges. The purpose of these loans and grants is to supplement, not to replace, the financial resources that you are expected to contribute (together with resources from your family or spouse, if applicable). These loans and grants are based on financial need as determined through an assessment of your application. Educational costs (such as tuition fees, books and supplies, basic living expenses), and the resources Nova Scotia Student Assistance expects you (and your family, if applicable) to contribute, are taken into consideration.
To learn more about our programs, please contact us.