Nova Scotia college, university students could get more financial help with change

A change to the student assistance funding formula means some Nova Scotia college and university students could get more help. (Communications Nova Scotia)

Some Nova Scotia college and university students will get more student assistance beginning this fall because of a change in the funding formula.

The updated formula brings the Nova Scotia Student Assistance Program in line with the federal Canada Student Financial Assistance program.

Part of the formula considers basic living expenses. The living allowance was previously increased based on inflation. It now will also be based on rental information from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. That means some students could qualify for more help.

“We’re listening to students and want to make it more affordable for students to stay and build a life here after they graduate,” Brian Wong, Nova Scotia’s minister of advanced education, said Wednesday in a news release. 

The change will cost about $2.9 million for the 2024-25 academic year, which will essentially be picked up by the federal government. Applications for student assistance are now open.