Nova Scotia combines the federal Canada Student Loan and Canada Student Grant with a provincial program: Nova Scotia Student Assistance, the Tuition Bursary, and the University Bursary Loan Forgiveness for graduates who stay in Nova Scotia. Add Atlantic university awards on top, and Nova Scotia students have several sources they can combine.
Who this page is for
Nova Scotia residents applying to post-secondary in Nova Scotia or out-of-province. Out-of-province students at Nova Scotia universities should still check institutional entrance awards — many are open to all Canadians.
Nova Scotia Student Assistance
Apply at novascotia.ca/studentassistance:
- Nova Scotia Student Loan: provincial loan portion stacked on Canada Student Loan.
- Nova Scotia Bursary: provincial grant component (does not repay).
- Nova Scotia Tuition Bursary: targeted at full-time students at Nova Scotia universities; reduces tuition directly.
- NS Loan Forgiveness for Family Doctors / Nurses: full or partial loan forgiveness for graduates working in priority health professions in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia University Bursary Loan Forgiveness
Nova Scotia residents who complete an undergraduate degree at a Nova Scotia university within five years can have up to $20,400 of their provincial student loan portion forgiven. Apply through Nova Scotia Student Assistance after graduation.
Nova Scotia universities
- Dalhousie University: Dalhousie Entrance, Sexton Scholar Awards, Faculty Awards.
- Saint Mary's University (SMU): SMU Entrance, Don Casey, Loyola.
- Acadia University: Acadia Entrance, Reed Family, Founders' Scholarships.
- Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU): MSVU Entrance, Bursary Awards.
- NSCAD University: NSCAD Entrance, Foundation Awards.
- St. Francis Xavier University (StFX): StFX Entrance, Coady Awards.
- Cape Breton University: CBU Entrance, Founders.
Nova Scotia Community College
NSCC offers entrance awards + continuing awards across its campuses. The federal apprenticeship grants (AIG and ACG) closed on March 31, 2025. Registered apprentices in Red Seal trades can still apply for the interest-free Canada Apprentice Loan.
Indigenous Nova Scotia students
- Mi'kmaq Education Trust: dedicated bursary programs.
- Indspire: national funding streams including Nova Scotia-eligible awards.
What our directory lists
Below: Nova Scotia-eligible scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans currently in our directory. For the full Atlantic Canada student funding guide (covers NS + NB + NL + PEI), see the linked blog post.