Nova Scotia Student Assistance:

50 Years of helping Nova Scotians reach their academic, personal, and financial goals.

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.

Mission Statement

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.

Programs

The Student Assistance Office administers the following loans and grants:

  • Loans
    • Nova Scotia Students Loans
    • Canada Student Loans for Full-time Studies
    • Canada Student Loans for Part-time Studies
  • Grants
    • Nova Scotia High Need with Dependants Grant
    • Nova Scotia 40% Upfront Student Grant
    • Canada Student Grants for:
      • Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities
      • Full-Time Students
      • Full-Time Students with Dependants
      • Full-time Students with Disabilities
      • Part-Time Students
      • Part-Time Students with Dependants

Principles

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.

 

Inquiries

To learn more about our programs, please contact us.