For students with disabilities in Nova Scotia, financial support for post-secondary education is available through a combination of federal, provincial, and institutional resources. This guide outlines the key grants, support services, and scholarships to help you succeed.
Core Government Funding in Nova Scotia
Financial aid in Nova Scotia is administered through Nova Scotia Student Assistance, which provides access to both Canada Student Grants and provincial funding.
Key Program Features for Students with Disabilities:
Extended Funding Timeline:
- The maximum weeks of student assistance is 520 weeks for borrowers with a permanent disability, compared to 340 weeks for most students.
Extra Funding for Disability-Related Costs:
- You may qualify for additional grants to help pay for exceptional expenses such as transportation, specialized equipment, specialized textbooks, and learning support services.
Grant-First Approach:
- Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for a large loan, applying for student assistance is crucial to access non-repayable grant money for essential services and equipment.
Nova Scotia Grant for Services and Equipment
- This is a key federal and provincial grant for students with permanent disabilities. It provides non-repayable assistance for educational disability-related services and/or equipment required for your program.
- Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/education/grants/disabilities.html
- Important: This grant requires a separate application called the “Application for Services and Equipment Grant for Post-Secondary Students with Permanent Disabilities.” It is not assessed automatically with your main student aid application.
General Nova Scotia Loans & Grants Information:
- Students with disabilities pursuing post-secondary education may be eligible for non-repayable assistance for educational disability related services and/or equipment required to participate in the student’s program of study.
- This grant requires a separate online application located in your MyPATH account.
- Website: https://novascotia.ca/studentassistance/
Information for Students with Permanent Disabilities:
- PDF FILE: https://novascotia.ca/studentassistance/Apply/Returning/documents/PermDisabilityBenefitForm.pdf
Nova Scotia Grant for Services and Equipment Page:
- If you need education-related services or equipment, apply for the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities. You can apply at the same time as you apply for student aid with your province or territory.
- Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans/disabilities-service-equipment.html
Essential Support Services: Disability Resource Facilitators (DRF)
- Post-Secondary Disability Services (PSDS) funds Nova Scotia Universities and the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) to provide Disability Resource Facilitators (DRFs).
A DRF is an on-campus professional who can assist you with:
- Applying for the Grant for Services and Equipment.
- Accessing on-site supports like tutoring, note-taking, and learning strategists.
- Navigating assistive technology and school orientation.
Learn More: https://novascotia.ca/post-secondary-accessibility-services/supports-and-services.asp
Scholarships for Nova Scotia Students with Disabilities
Partnership for Access Awareness Nova Scotia (PAANS) Scholarships
This program offers 12 scholarships to assist Nova Scotians with disabilities in pursuing post-secondary education and training. The PAANS committee is a cross-sectoral committee made up of partners from nonprofit organizations, corporate organizations, governments, academia, and the disability community. PAANS comes together each year to celebrate and commemorate the annual Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia and have been doing it for 38 years!
- Awards: 12 Total
- 2 at $1,000
- 4 at $1,500
- 6 at $2,000
- More Information: https://nsleo.com/paans/
Amy Farnell Education Award
Presented by Autism Nova Scotia and the Craig Foundation for eligible Nova Scotian students who identify as being on the autism spectrum and are accepted into a full-time post-secondary program.
- Amount: Up to $2,000, renewable
- More Information: https://disabilityawards.ca/amy-farnell-education-award/
Kidney Foundation of Canada – Atlantic Canada Branch Bursary
Available to students living in Atlantic Canada who are a kidney patient, the spouse of a kidney patient, or the dependent of a kidney patient.
- Amount: $500
- Number Available: 4
- More Information: https://kidney.ca/Support/Programs-Services/AC/Programs/Atlantic-Canada-Branch-Bursary
Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada (SBHAC) Bursary
Available to registered members of SBHAC across Canada, including those in Nova Scotia.
- Amount: Varies, up to $1,000
- More Information: https://sbhac.ca/bursary/
RE/MAX Quest for Excellence Scholarship
- The RE/MAX Quest for Excellence scholarship program offers another avenue for support. This program recognizes students across Canada (except Québec) for their community contributions and leadership pursuits. It awards 40 scholarships of $1,000 each.
- For more information and to apply for the RE/MAX scholarship, you can visit the official RE/MAX Quest for Excellence page.
Back to Guide to Financial Aid for Canadian Students with Disabilities
