Student assistance is based on need. The federal and provincial governments offer loans and grants to supplement your own earnings and contributions from your family and other sources. Student assistance is not intended to cover the entire cost of your education and living expenses.

The Student Assistance Office calculates your need based on set criteria and the information you supply in your application. The minimum amount that can be issued for a Canada or Nova Scotia Student Loan is $100.

If eligible the maximum assistance amounts are:

Canada Student Loan - $210 per week of study - negotiable when your classes begin

Canada Student Grant for Students from Low-income Families - $250 per month of study

Canada Student Grant for Students from Middle-income Families - $100 per month of study

Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants - $200 per month of study per child

Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities - $2000 per year

Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities - up to $8000 per year

Nova Scotia Student Assistance - $150 per week of study - negotiable halfway through your program.  This assistance is comprised of the following:

• Nova Scotia Student Loan - $120 per week of study
• Nova Scotia Student Grant - $30 per week of study

Nova Scotia Dependant Grant - $20 per week of study

Nova Scotia Supplemental Loan - $140 per week of study - This is available to students enrolled in Medicine (MD), Law (LLB) and Dentistry (DDS)

The maximum loan amount you may receive in one year will vary depending on the number of weeks in the program you are taking as well as the program type for supplemental Nova Scotia loans. For example, if you are registered for a 34-week program, that would not be eligible for supplemental loans, the maximum loan amount you will recieve is:

Canada Student Loan ($210 X 34) $ 7140

Nova Scotia Student Assistance ($150 X 34) $ 5100

Maximum for 34 weeks $12,240

With your application for Student Assistance, you will also be assessed for eligibility for the Canada Student Grants available beginning in the 2009-10 year.

This grant is available to you if you have a calculated need of at least $1 and are enrolled in an approved certificate, diploma or bachelors program at a designated educational institution. The grant may exceed your calculated need. Your 2008 family income (as reported on your Income Tax Return) must be below the established low-income thresholds. Your program of study must be greater than 1 year (60 weeks or greater).

This grant is available to you if you have a calculated need of at least $1 and are enrolled in an approved certificate, diploma or bachelors program at a designated educational institution. The grant may exceed your calculated need. Your 2008 family income (as reported on your Income Tax Return) must be below the established middle-income thresholds. Your program of study must be greater than 1 year (60 weeks or greater).

This grant is available to you if you have a calculated need of at least $1 and are enrolled in an approved program at a designated educational institution. The grant may exceed your calculated need. To qualify you must have the care and custody of children under 12 years of age and/or children 12 years of age and older who have a disability (confirmed by a physician). Your 2008 family income (as reported on your Income Tax Return) must be below the established low-income thresholds.

This grant is available to you if you are eligible for Nova Scotia Student Loans as part of your maximum of $150 per week of study.  It accounts for 20% of the total loan amount assessed for Nova Scotia loans. 

For example, if you qualify for the maximum $5100 in NSSL, you will receive $4080 in repayable loan and $1020 in non-repayable grant.

This grant is available to you if you are eligible for Nova Scotia Student Loan and are a high-need students with dependents. You will receive $20 per week of study in the form of grant if you have eligible dependents. Click here to see a definition of a dependent.