StudentAid NS helps Nova Scotia residents access federal and provincial student funding. Here’s how to maximize your financial aid.
Nova Scotia Student Aid Overview
| Feature |
Details |
| Program |
StudentAid NS |
| Website |
novascotia.ca/studentaid |
| Application |
One application for federal + NS |
| Interest rate |
0% (interest-free) |
| Grace period |
6 months |
Types of Nova Scotia Funding
Grants and Bursaries (Free Money)
| Grant/Bursary |
Maximum |
Notes |
| Canada Student Grant |
$4,200/year |
Federal |
| Nova Scotia Student Bursary |
$1,283/year |
Provincial |
| NS Graduate Scholarship |
$2,000 |
For NS grads staying in NS |
| Canada Student Grant (Disabilities) |
$4,000/year |
Documentation needed |
Loans (Repayable)
| Loan |
Weekly Maximum |
| Canada Student Loan |
$210/week |
| Nova Scotia Student Loan |
Additional based on need |
Nova Scotia Student Bursary
Key provincial grant:
| Feature |
Details |
| Amount |
Up to $1,283/year |
| Eligibility |
Financial need |
| Application |
Automatic with StudentAid NS |
| Repayment |
Not required |
Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship
| Feature |
Details |
| Amount |
$2,000 |
| Eligibility |
Graduate from NS school, stay in NS |
| Purpose |
Encourage grads to stay |
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement |
Details |
| Residency |
NS resident 12+ months |
| Citizenship |
Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person |
| Enrollment |
Full-time or part-time |
| Program |
Approved post-secondary |
How to Apply
| Step |
Action |
| 1 |
Create account at novascotia.ca/studentaid |
| 2 |
Complete online application |
| 3 |
Submit required documents |
| 4 |
Receive assessment |
| 5 |
Sign MSFAA (first-time) |
| 6 |
Funding released |
How Much Can You Get?
| Situation |
Approximate Funding |
| Low income, away from home |
$15,000-$18,000+ |
| Middle income, living at home |
$5,000-$10,000 |
| Higher income |
Mostly loans |
Terms
| Feature |
Details |
| Interest rate |
0% |
| Grace period |
6 months |
| Standard term |
9.5 years |
Monthly Payments
| Total Debt |
10-Year Payment |
| $20,000 |
$167/month |
| $30,000 |
$250/month |
Repayment Assistance (RAP)
Apply through NSLSC.ca if payments are unaffordable. Reduced payments based on income.
Nova Scotia-Specific Programs
Nova Scotia Debt Cap
Nova Scotia has historically offered debt reduction programs. Check StudentAid NS for current programs.
Atlantic Education International
Students studying elsewhere in Atlantic Canada may have access to regional agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NS Student Bursary?
A provincial grant of up to $1,283/year that doesn’t need to be repaid. Automatically assessed when you apply.
Can I study outside Nova Scotia?
Yes, at designated institutions. You remain on StudentAid NS as a resident.
Are there programs to encourage staying in NS?
Yes, including the Graduate Scholarship for those who stay after graduation.