Provincial Access Grant

Important Notice:

To be considered for the Provincial Access Grant, you must submit a Nova Scotia Student Loan Pre-Study Report. This form is used to confirm your income during the pre-study period and to update your sources of income while you are in school. Until this form is processed, your Nova Scotia Student Loan, grants, and additional Canada Student Loan may not be issued.

Funding for the Provincial Access Grant is limited; therefore, you should submit your Nova Scotia Student Loan Pre-Study Report to the Nova Scotia Student Assistance Office as soon as possible.

You can access the Pre-Study Report here to file your Pre-Study Report electronically through the Nova Scotia Student Loan website.

For more information on the Nova Scotia Student Loan Pre-Study Report go to the Student Loans pre-study report information page or see the Nova Scotia Student Assistance website, www.studentloans.ednet.ns.ca, or call 424-8420 in Halifax, 1-800-565-8420 toll-free within Canada, or 424-2058 TTY.

1. What will I get and when will I get it?

If you are eligible and funding is available, you will receive this grant in one of two ways.

You could receive an additional cheque made payable to you if you have unmet financial need after receiving the maximum student loan and any other grants you may have been eligible for. Example: You are assessed with a financial need of $17,000. You will receive the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities of $2,000 and could receive a student loan of $12,240, leaving an unmet need of $2,760. You could receive $2,000 if you are attending university or $1,000 if you are attending college for your Provincial Access Grant. No other money will be issued.

You could receive notification that the eligible amount of this grant was paid directly toward your student loan, reducing your debt. This will happen if your financial need was met with other grants and student loans.

2. What is the maximum grant?

The maximum grant is $2,000 per year if you are attending university and $1,000 per year if you are attending college. (Note: Funding for this grant is limited.)

3. Do I have to pay back the grant?

No. This grant does not have to be repaid. However, the grant is considered taxable income, and a T4A form will be issued to you.

If you withdraw from courses or your program, this could affect your grant.

4. How will this grant affect my student loan?

This grant may be paid in addition to student loan money or may be used to pay down your loan. Therefore, it will not affect the amount of student assistance you are eligible to receive. Withdrawing from courses or your program could affect your grant.

5. How do I apply?

By applying for a Canada/Nova Scotia Student Loan as a student with a permanent disability, you automatically apply for this grant. Be sure to complete and submit your Pre-Study Report as explained above.