Nunavut

Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students

Complex application

Tax filing not required

The Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS) program is designed to ensure that financial need is not a barrier to higher education. It is for students attending designated post-secondary institutions and academic programs. FANS offers a number of benefits that are intended to help offset the costs of a post-secondary education.

FANS recognizes three categories of students:

  • Nunavut Beneficiaries.
  • Nunavut Residents with Nunavut Schooling.
  • Nunavut Residents without Nunavut Schooling.

To receive Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS):

  • You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • You must be a resident of Nunavut (live in Nunavut) for at least 12 months before applying for FANS.
  • You must enroll in a program that is at least twelve weeks in duration at Nunavut Arctic College or another a designated post-secondary institution.
  • You must be a full-time student (carry at least 60% of a full course load) as defined by your institution.
  • You must be studying towards a certificate, diploma, or degree.
  • You must demonstrate satisfactory progress and attendance.

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

Health card

For example:

  • valid health card with no photo, name and address
  • valid health card with photo, name and address
  • MCP (Medical Care Plan) number
  • Valid ambulance/dental services card
  • Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour identification number
  • Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour file number (Income Support Card).

Proof of  residency in Province

For example:

  • lease agreement
  • rent receipt
  • household bill
    • gas
    • electricity
    • cable television
    • telephone
  • driver's license
  • vehicle registration or car insurance
  • membership in social or professional organization
  • Other:
    • bank information
    • employment information

The process for applying and receiving FANS benefits involves the following steps:

  • Submit application:
    • New Students: Submit your application to FANS before the deadline.
    • Continuing Students: Submit the application to continue before the deadline and make sure to include a copy of your transcript.
  • Assessment: FANS will send an acknowledgement letter – this will confirm that your application has been received and request any additional documentation that is still missing from your file.
  • Submit any missing information to FANS as soon as possible.
  • Notification: FANS Approval letter - official notification that you have been approved to receive FANS benefits.
  • Travel: You will need to call an airline and book your travel. See details in your approval package.
  • Go to School: Once at school get your school admissions office to fill out your Student Enrollment Form (SEF).
  • Payment: Submit your Student Enrollment Form (SEF) – this will confirm that you are at school and ready for your payments to start.

Note the following:

  • You must apply to FANS as soon as you can. Application deadlines are March 1, July 15, and November 15 of every year.
  • You do not need to wait until you are accepted at an institution to start your application. If you think you want to attend a college or university, send in an application by the deadline.
  • Completed Student Enrolment Form (SEF) should be sent to fans@gov.nu.ca. If you have a loan, please submit your Student Enrolment Form (SEF) to fansloans@gov.nu.ca.
  • If you need assistance contact the FANS office at fans@gov.nu.ca or call 1-877-860-0680 and ask to speak to a FANS officer.
  • For more information, download the FANS Benefits Handbook.

Last updated: March 9, 2023