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Nova Scotia Student Assistance + University Bursary + Loan Forgiveness

One MyPATH application covers both federal and provincial aid. Nova Scotia university students also get $1,283 a year taken off tuition.

Reviewed by G Paul · verified August 31, 2026

What you will need

Online application via the MyPATH portal at novascotia.ca/studentassistance/
Nova Scotia residency proof
Canadian citizenship / permanent residency / protected-person documentation
Proof of acceptance or enrolment at a designated post-secondary institution
Income information (yours; parents' if dependent; spouse's if applicable)
Bank account for direct deposit

About this award

Nova Scotia Student Assistance is the Province of Nova Scotia's student financial aid program, administered jointly with the federal Canada Student Financial Assistance Program. Unlike Quebec (which is opted out of federal aid), Nova Scotia participates fully in the federal program, so a single application via the MyPATH portal assesses you for both federal AND provincial aid in one step. The package combines repayable loans (federal + provincial) with non-repayable grants and bursaries, calculated per applicant based on financial need. Two companion programs deserve specific attention: (a) the Nova Scotia University Student Bursary, which automatically deducts $1,283/year from tuition at participating NS universities — no separate application required for eligible NS-resident undergraduates at NS institutions; (b) the NS Student Loan Forgiveness Program, which can forgive up to $20,400 of provincial student loan debt over 5 years for graduates with NS loans dated August 2015 or later, conditional on continued NS residency post-graduation. Both companion programs are foundation-level retention tools and stack with the main Student Assistance package.

Who qualifies

You qualify for Nova Scotia Student Assistance if you (1) are a Nova Scotia resident under provincial residency rules; (2) are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person; (3) are enrolled (or accepted for enrolment) at a designated post-secondary institution — Nova Scotia or elsewhere in Canada; (4) demonstrate financial need per the integrated assessment. Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Trades, college, and university programs all qualify, with specific eligibility nuances per program type. Part-time students apply through a separate part-time stream within the same MyPATH portal. International students are not eligible for the main provincial aid (consult institution-specific bursary programs).

This is what the award's own page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm with the provider before you apply.

Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
Open to graduate, trades or undergraduate students
Resident of Nova Scotia

How to apply

Read the award's own page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Check this year's deadline
We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's own page will have it.

More details

Apply through MyPATH 6+ weeks before classes start — the integrated assessment for both federal and provincial portions takes time.

The NS University Student Bursary is automatic at participating NS universities, so check with your institution's financial aid office to confirm it's been applied to your tuition account; if not, follow up.

The Loan Forgiveness Program is post-graduation — track your NS residency carefully if you're planning to use it, because moving out of province during the 5-year window can suspend forgiveness.

If you're studying outside Nova Scotia at a designated institution elsewhere in Canada, you remain eligible for NS provincial aid as long as your home is in NS — but if you're enrolled at a private institution outside Canada, eligibility tightens (effective rules vary; verify on the MyPATH portal).

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