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.

Documents listed in this section are examples of what can be included with your application. Please review the application instructions (How to Apply tab) to confirm the supplemental and required documents for this benefit.

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/ Territory

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 [email protected]. If you have a loan, please submit your Student Enrolment Form (SEF) to [email protected].
  • If you need assistance contact the FANS office at [email protected] 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 4, 2026